The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-11-10
DICKENS, FLoWeRED GRAVE.
A story of Remarkable Interest to the
NoYeIist's American Admirers.

ing story of Miss Mamie Dickens concern
ing the last days OF her father, In which 90
ours the following paragraph referring to
the floral decoration of his last resting place
in Westminster abbey: Dean Stanley
wrote, There was constant pressure to
the spot, and many flowers were strewn
upon 1t by unknown hands, many tears
shed by unknown eyes," And Miss Dick
ems adds: And every year on the 9th of
June and on Christmas day we find other
flowers strewn by unknown hands on that
sacred spot. And every year there comes
to us from America, from a lovely woman
whom we have never met, many of your
beautiful colored leaves to be placed with
our flowers on that dear stone. And this
although it will be 90 years in June since
he died."
Visiting Chenango county i'm this state a
few weeks since, | met the sister of the
American lady above referred to and per-
suaded her to furnish a copy of the follow
ing correspondence for publication, with
the proviso that mo names be mentioned"
The thoughtful and appreciative lady her
self who wrote the letter to Dickens during
his stay in the states in 1868 was then a
resident of Massillon, o., where she still
resides, but was formerly of Chenango
county:
MAssILLoN, o., Feb. 4, 1868.
DEAR MIR. DICKENs--I have been greatly
exercised during the last 20 years as to
the propriety of writing to thank you for all
the good your writings have done me, but
knowing you must receive great many such
letters, and doubtless find them bore have
hitherto spared You. But now have case
to present, and having great faith in your
Kindness of heart hope for the happiest re-
suits. To tell you that you have many warm
admirers In this place is tame and meaning
less-they abound everywhere-but when tell
you there are two young lady teachers in our
union school who cannot hope to live or die
happy II they fail to hear you read, and the
directors cannot find IL in their hearts to give
them more than one day for the purpose Grad.
grinds alD and it will not be sufficient to enable
them to go to Cleveland-and we don't know
tnat you Will read nearer than that-you see
what Il deplorable situation is theirs.
nave suggested burning the schoolhouse or
poisoning the superintendent, but the building
is DrlcK, ana the superintendent is young and
handsome, and SO in despair can do no less
than present their case to you Now, [ can
hear you at Cleveland, but my pleasure will be
very much increased if we can all go together
and if you will only read at Pittsburg we can
go there in the time given, and we shall be
three OF the happiest persons this side of the
Atlantic, and If you see a big woman with two
not, for that will be me and my friends, and
we shall only want to thank you.
L. S.-Slnce l am writing you at last let
me say have read everything YOU have writ
Ten from TWO to six times, and would not il !
could have one line-no, nor one word-blotted
out; but like Oliver, cry for more
Second p. 81 hope Mr.. Dolby will not be SO
hard hearted as to destroy this letter, think
ing 1t Is from foolish young girl, but If YOU
rail- TO receive 1t you may know that he has
and If you fail to read at Pittsburg | shall
snail know 1t too. did not intend to sign my
name, but on second thoughts will Very
truly yours, Mrs.
BALTIMORE, February, 1868.
DEAR MADAM-Mr. Dolby has not come be-
tween us, and have received your letter. MY
answer to it is unfortunately brief Lam not
coming to Cleveland or near IL, Every even
ing on which can possibly read during the
remainder of my stay in the States is arranged
for, and the fates divide me from "the big
woman with two smaller ones in tow" So
send her my love-to be shared with the two
smaller ones If she approves, but not other
wise-and seriously assure her that her pleas
ant letter has been most welcome Dear
madam, faithfully yours,
CHARLES DICKENS.
1t Is hardly necessary to say that the lady
realized the longed for pleasure of hearing
Mr. Dickens read by going to Washington,
1t may be of interest also to know that
the veritable Master Humphreys clock,
which was supposed to be the receptacle OF
SO many of the manuscripts which have
amused and charmed the public, is still in
existence, the property of Mr. Isaac H. Bal
ley, editor of The Shoe and Leather Report-
er, warm admirer of Mr.. Dickens 1t was
presented to him some 16 or II years since
by an English friend. On it's arrival it was
put in good running order and located. To
celebrate the event feast was prepared,
which was attended by hosts of the ad mirers
OF Mr.. Dickens in the swamp and else
where, and probably no more heartfelt trib-
ute was ever paid to the great author than
on that occasion. And still Master Hum pb-
rey's clock, duly and appropriately labeled,
can be seen at the Office of The Shoe and
Leather Reporter, II Spruce street, New
York, where its tick-a-tick night and day,
year after year, accurately records the time
for the benefit of the inmates.-E. H. Pur-
dy in New York Sun.