The New York herald., 1877-11-01
SrEDMAN OR TAYLOR-WHICH

To EDITOR HEnALD:-
When lattcnded the ceremonies Of unvsiling the
statue Horace Greeley at Greenwood Cemetery do
not remember ever having seen many intellectual
looking men aud women In assembly OF an equal
number of persons. Some OF tho women. unknown
to me even by name, were remarkably noble and in
tcll'gcnt looking. recognized some OF the notable
present. Bayard Taylor had heard lecture and
have known Of these thirty years, although had
never spoken TO him. But who Is that little shrimp
OF fellow who sits on Taylors leitS In my younger
days IN my country l remember it was custom
ary great gun, whether preacher orator. TO be
accompanied by some SPECIAL admirer, patron or
friend. thought possibly this little wor-
shipper at The shrine OF Bayard Taylor
! could see nothing intellectual in his face,
and therefore did not include him
aslonshment therefore great this little gen.
tlcman got up to read the poem said to be composed
by HIM ''Can thus be stcdman, whose poetry have
oie read and admiredY"I asked myself l was puz-
zled. Pope came 70 my mind with Nils iittle
person, and recollectcd he was on QUO occasion
hkened note Of interi 0gaton. But then his hoad,
and especially hls eyei There the poot was mani
tested. But could nothing III Mr.. Stedmans
appearance indicative Of mind, especially poetic
mind. saw hun alter the read ny OF his poem. l
tried evidence 0i poetic genius his
physiognomy. Jailed TO SEQ any. Presently no took
out nis cigar case anu III cigar. "Come +" said to
myself, here is one evidence at all events, tnat no
may be poet" But again, very mediocre people
smoke CIGARS Then came " my minu the suggestion
that possibly Bayard Taylor was reay the author Of
what Stedman gets the credit
remembered Instance which came to my own
knowledge some years ago OF young merchant hav-
Ing strong desip for poetic lame. He little
fellow, fun OF self-connucncc, and could remember
anything he chose to commit 10 memory. After tow
years absence he returned native city tho
reputation oi poet, and all the young ladies OF his
circle mportuned him 10 write III their albums Alter
tho delay necessary 10 send TO manufacturer tho
requests were always complied WITH great public
meeting was to be held aud Mr. Is. was invited 70
speak. He promised to do SO. and forthwith sent to
his friend 10 write HIM al address. The meeting was
very successful one. paper containing An account
Ci the meeting was sent 10 The composer OF ad-
dress That was inc speech oil the evening,
pied more space than any other. The meet
Ing passed vote oi thanks to Mr.. B. Tor
his able address, &c, aud on tho strength
Ui reputation thus acquired this lutte gentleman
was maao PRESIDENT OF the Mechanics Literary lnsti
tutc OF his native place. Shortly after this event his
friend came 10 this country and having fulfilled
commissions sent alter him, told his pupil that
he must hencoiorward rciy upon himself.
Now IT Is quite possible that Mr. Stcdman Ia the
thor oi nll that has appeared ms name for both
physioguomy and chronology IN evory Instance
reliable. Your notice oI Mr.. Stcdmans recent issue,
the otncr day in the HERALD. called above alrcsh
TO my mind. aud 80 thought might as well have
this problem solved. never saw Mr. Stedman before
the above time, have HIM sircc, and there.
fore can have possible ieong the matter apart
from literary curiosity W.B.J.