The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-06-15
Robert Chambers.
[Cornhill NagaIins.J


Robert had long known me, OF course, 40
a contributor to the Journal, though had
met him only once before, under Miss Mar
tineau's roof. His manner was dry, and
though bis eye twinkled with humor,
did not Immediately recognize II as such.
1t was, In fact, the first acquaintance that
had made with man of his type, and he
puzzled me. 1 never fell into the
Engishman's error in connection with
northern "wut"; OF epigram and
repartee the Scotch have indeed very
little; they do not understand the use
of the rapier; but their humor, generally
grim Al that Of the Americans, though not
the least like it, but sometimes very good
natnred, did not fail to appreciate from
the first. Robert Chambers's humor was
OF the good-natured sort. His nature was
essentially "good"; from the pleasure he
took in the popularity OF his friends
used to call him "The Well-Wisher" nor
did he con6ne himself. as so many beLevo-
lent folks do, to wi.hing. | was inti-
mately connected with him for twenty
wears. every one OF which increased my
regard for him, and when he died i lost
one OF the truest friends l ever had. His
manner, however, on first acquaintance,
wa. somewhat stolid and unsympathetic.
He had very striking face aud figure, as
well known in Edinburgh as st. Giles's
Cathedral, but a stranger would have
taken him for q divine, possibly even for
one OF the unco' guild" In London his
white tie and grave demeanor caused him
to be always taken for clergyman; avery
great mistake, which used to tickle him
exceedingly. "When don't give beg
gar the penny he solicits," he used to say,
!" he generally tells me, after few cursory
remarks. that 'the ministers are always
the HARDEST" He could appreciate joke
even upon . subject so sacred as the
Journal itself. Mrs. Beecher Stowe
had been visiting Edinburgh. and had
had some talk. he told me, with his brother
William. She spoke Of various period.
calls, aud presently remarked, In an on
hand manner, "You publish magazine
yourself. don't your" So might visitor
TO Rome have observed to the Pope, You
have church here, have you moist. Pc
ter's or some such name?" As these re-
miniscences only concern themselves with
literature there Is no need, save in Justice
TO another, to speak in them OF William
Chambers; he was In no sense man OF let
ters: his style was bald and his ideas mere
platitudes but because he had start
ed the Journal he attributed It's
s,,bseouent success to himself, though
Il was owed to his brother. Being
cbildles.. and of great wealth. he was en-
sbled to PERFORM certain pybllc acts which
cast Robert, who was weighted with
large family, comparatively into the shade.
Ru3 there was really no comparison be-
tween them. / know no man who did so
much literary work Of such various kinds,
and, upon the whole, so well, as Robert
Chambers. have no doubt teat ne wrote
the famous L" Vestiges. though possibly Dor
/ admit the style Is not very recognizapie)
in collaboration. His scientific ana anti
ouarisn works were numerous. His essays
OF themselves I'll many volumes, and ad,
mirably reflect his character-humor mixed
with common sense.