The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-10-03

their skirts when they entered the col
leges or began the study of profess
sion. At the age of Is Irving went
into the Office of Josiah Ogden Hof-
man to read law, and was admitted "a
the same time to all the privileges of
acquaintance with that gent eman's
very charming family. His health, al
WAYS delicate, began now to indicate
weakness of the lungs. This led to
long rambles up and down the Hudson
River, exploring every nook in that
valley with his dog and gun, and un-
consciously, no doubt, storing up the
material for future use which has made
all that country classic ground.
About 1902 his brother Peter began
the publication of the Morning
Chronicle, to which Irving contributed
series a letters, signed Jonathan
Oldstyle. This was the first literary
work that we have any account of. In
1904 his health had failed so noticeably
that his brothers decided to send him
TO Europe. This was delightful eX
perience. His brothers were prosper
Gus merchants, and were able to pro-
vide for extensive travel and all the
pleasures which the various cities Of
the continent afforded.
He returned to America in 1906 i'm
proved in health, and became a great
favorite in society. 1t is said of him
that "he had eyes that laughed, and
smile which no one could resist" Ger
saiDly he enjoyed all the good cheer of
the day. We find it chronicled that at
this time he was a member of a society
of young literary men of jolly habits,
called "The Nine Worthless. They
met in an old country house, celebrat-
ed in the Salmagundi Papers as Cock
loft Hall"
The "Salmagundi Papers" series
of stories, were written by Irving, his
brother William, and JAS. X. Pauld-
ing. The writer's had joyous disre-
gard for consequences, which secured
for them immediate notice. Soon after,
irving began the work which was to
make him famous, in connection with
his brother Peter. 1t was at first in
tended as satire upon the Picture of
New York." just published by Dr.
Mitchell. Peter was called by business
to Europe, and Irving changed the
whole plan and scope OF the work, pro-
ducing the History of New York, by
Diedrich Knickerbocker. Its publ
cation was preceded by notices in the
newspapers announcing the disappear
ance from his lodgings of small,
elderly gentleman, dressed in an old
black coat and cooked hat, by the name
OF Knickerbocker. That he went away,
owing his landlord, leaving curious
written book" which would be sold to
PAY his bills. His book, when it came
out, was great success, but Irving
still hesitated to decide for literary
career, though hating the law with all
his heart. For several years he lived
the life of man of leisure, taking no
i thought for the morrow, not unlike his
,own faulty, lovable rip"
When the war of 1872 was in prog
ress the burning of Washington by
Gen. Ross effectually reused Irving.
The next day he offered his services to
Gov. Tompkias, and was made Gov
enor's aid and military secretary.
When the war closed ne went to En-
gland for short stay with his broth
ers, and remained abroad seventeen
years. The firm of Irving Bros. was
then in a lettering condition, and
finally became insolvent. Necessity
compelled Irving to return to his lit
erary work. He brought out a new
edition of the History of New York. =
Sir Walter Scott said he laughed till
his sides ached over the queer doings
of the smoking, eating, doing Dutch
families of New Amsterdam. BY this
means Irving made the acquaintance
of several men of letters, and paid q
visit to Scott, who was ever alterward
a very warm friend.
In 1919 the first number of the
'Sketchbook appeared in America and
was completed in 1920. "Bracebridge
Hall" and "The Tales of n Traveller"
followed. And then the Life of
Columbus" was taken up. This was an
inspiration, for out of it grew all his
other Spanish books. In 1926 Irving
went to Madrid, where he had access to
the great collections of history, old
chronicles and legends, as well as the
archives OF the Columbus family. He
has opened to us fascinating world in
"The Alhambra," "The Lives of Co
lumbus and his Companions" and the
Conquest of Granada" which he him
self considered his best work
About 1929 he was appointed Secre-
tary of Legation TO the Court of ST.
james. In 1880 he was awarded one
of the two annual gold medals OF
George ~, by the Royal Society OF
Literature. and the degree of ID. g. l..
from the University of Oxford. He re-
tired from the legation and returned to
New York in 1881, where he was re.
ceived with honors.
Irving thew took up the exploration