The Washington times., 1904-04-02
The Bancrofts in England.

Letters From England" by Mrs.
George Bancroft. is one of the most in
teresting contributions lately made TO
the literary history of the nineteenth
century. The letters. dating from 1876
TO 1879. while Mr.. Bancroft was minister
TO England. were addressed to imme-
diate relatives. and written, Of course,
with no thought of publication. Not
only are they full of illusions to the
famous folk of the London Of sixty
years ago, but they present the inside
history OF this particular American
household in its transplanted home in
Il way both clear and entertaining. Mrs.
Bancroft was a Massachusetts woman
educated at Miss Cushhg's school at
and familiar with Boston
society. but her London life was a new
experience. and it was then something
of a distinction to have lived abroad"
one is inclined to feel now that it is
little more distinguished to have stayed
at home
Mrs. Bancroft seems to have been
charmed with her life in England to
judge by demure mentions here and
there of the very great kindness
shown to the famous historian and his
wife. The Queen she describes as
much prettier than any of the repre-
sensations of her that we have seep."
OF a dinner at Lord Palmerstons she
says:
Last evening I went to my first great
English dinner. and it was a most
agreeable one II seems little odd to
a republican woman to find herself in
right of her country taking precedence
of marchionesses, but one soon gets
used to all things. We could not
well have received more courtesy than
we have done, and it has been extended
freely and Immediately. without waiting
for the forms Of etiquette"
Among the glimpses of distinguished
folk is this
Daring dinner one gentleman was SO
very agreeable that wondered who he
could be. but as Lord Palmerston had
told me that Mr.. Macaulay was in Edin-
burgh I did not think Of him. After the
ladies left the gentlemen my first ques-
titon to Mrs. Holland was the name Of
her next neighbor. Why. Mr.. Macaulay,'
was her answer, and was pleased not
to have been disappointed in a person Of
whom 1 had heard so much.
in these days of illustrated papers and
magazines Mrs. Bancroft would hardly
have had that experience.
There are fascinating descriptions Of
queens ball Of the opening of parlia-
ment, Of all sorts OF formal and infor-
NAL functions and visits One of these
visits was 20 Lady Byrou's country
place a Esher. and the account runs in
part as follows:
Lady Byron took me an ex-
tenslve drive as she wished to show me
some of the heaths in the neighborhOOd.
which are covered with furze. now one
mass OF yellow blossoms.
Every object is seen in full relief
against the sky; and a figure on horse
back is peculiarly striking ] am al
ways reminded of the beginning OF one
! Of James novels. which is usually. You
know. after this manner: IT was to-
ward the close of dull. autumn day
that two horsemen were seen. etc. etc
Lady Byron took me 10 the estate of
neighbOring gentleman to show me a
+ tine old tower covered with ivy. where
( lVOlsey took refuge from his persecti-
tors. with his faithful follower. Crorn-
/ well.
! Upon our return we found the lest of
/ the old harpers. blind. and with n gen
/ uino old Irish harp, and after hearing
/ his national melodies for half an hour
taking cup of coffee. and enjoying
little more Of Lady ByrOn's conversa-
J ton, we departed, having had a day
! heaped up with the richest and best err
/ jcyments. / could not help thinking. as
/ was walking up and down the beauti-
/ full paths Of Claremont Park with the
I fresh spring air blowing about NE, the
4 primroses. daisies. and wild uebeIs
under my feet. and Lady Byron at my