Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-10-07
A NOTED AUTHOR.
Some Interesting Passages in the
Life Of Augusta ]. Evans, the
Author of ''Beulah.'
e.Eluo.,ir,, in Boston Herald.

f'Elzewirr in Boston Herald.
OF successful novels published by Mr. J. G.
Derby, "The Minister'S Wooing," by Harriet
Beecher Stowe, was the first. His next sue
cess was "Beulah," by Augusta J. Evans.
One day Miss Evans called at MIR. Derby's
Office and left the manuscript, which he took
home and read TO his family, who all thought
it well worth publishing. Mr. George Ripley,
who read" for him on salary, rs well as
for other houses, also pronounced favorably
on the book, and it was no sooner published
than its success was made. Few novels
have ever reached a larger sale. To show
that what one publisher thinks good IS not
necessarily thought well of by another,
might mention that ''Beulah" was rejected
by D. Appleton 6; Co., their reader, j. w.
Palmer, of the Baltimore Exchange, having
pronounced against it. The first review OF
the book that appeared was from his pen and
was condemnato.y; the second appeared in
the CID Courier and Inquirer of this city, and
was written by its editor, Mr.. Spalding,
afterTard editor of The Times, who praised
it in the strongest terms.
Soon after this review appeared, Mr..
Spauldiug wrote to Mr. Derby, and asked
him who was the author Of this book, and if
it would not be possible for him to meet her.
He had found kindred soul, and was impa-
tent to meet III the field. Mr. Derby answered
that the lady was southerner, but that she
was then in New York, and ne would convey
Mr.. Spaulding's wishes to her and give him
answer. Miss Evans, who was staying at the
st. Nicholas hotel, expressed her willingness
to meet Mr.. Spaulding, and Mr Derby
brought him up and introduced him. The
acquaintance ripened into friendship, and
the friendship into something more, for il
was not long before the northern editor
and southern novelist were engaged to be
married.
In tire mean time the civil war broke out.
Miss Evans was seceSSionist of the strongest
type, and Mr.. Spaulding was as strong for
the Union. His political feelings however,
did not interfere with his private friendships,
and an opportunity offering lie went south to
be married. To his surprise be found that
his promised bride no longer felt the same re-
gard for him The gulf between them was
impossible, and 50 they parted Each mar
ried later on. Miss Evans, now Mrs. Wilson,
lives in her beloved southland. Spaulding is
no more. He died soon after his marriage.
While the war was raging, Miss Evans wrote
another novel called "Macaria," which was
published in Richmond, Va. A copy of this
was sent by the author to Mr. Derby, who
was then temporarily out of the
publishing business. He, however, con-
tinued his interest in this author, and
he took the book to Mr. j. B. Lip
pincott to see if he would not publish it. Mr..
Lippincott at once agreed to, and promised
the author the usual 10 per cent. royalty,
though by law she was not entitled to any
thing, her book having been published III the
Confederacy.
While the plates were being made, Michael
Doolady OF this city, bookseller of prac-
teal methods, got hold of a copy of "Maca-
ria, and was getting it set up as fast as the
printers could work. NIr. Lippincott, hear
ing OF this wrote him that he would with
draw from the field if ne, Doolady, would
sign a contract to pay him, for the author,
royalty on its sales, otherwise he would sell
the plates at cost to another publisher. Doc
lady agreed and the contract was signed.
In the mean time the war was over, and
one day 1Ir. Derby received q call at his Of
flee in Spruce street from a lady She was
usheEed into his presence, and, just as he was
about to ask her business, he recognized Miss
Evans. ''Why, Augusta" said he, ''wbat
does this mean" for she was very stability
attiredand pale and wan. 81 have come
north said she, with my brother, who is
sitting cut on your doorstep now. He was
wounded in the war, and want one of your
northern doctors TO lool; after him" 'The
first thing for you to do" said Mr. Derby, sis
to come night to my house with youlSbrother,
thesecOnd to get some new clothess these
you have on are very shabby" II know
they ava" she replied, '"but it can't be
helped: We lost everything by the war Iand
1 haven't penny" why, yes you
have" said Mr.. Derby, II have 5000 of
your money in the bank" impossible!
Where did it como from! From the sales
of 'Marcalia,' and have tecn waiting to
know where to send it"
OF course this was precious windfall and
it was not long before Miss Evans 1gaSon her
feet again. Since that time Mr.. Carleton
has published Miss Evans works. Her est.
Elmo she dedicated to Mr. Derby.