| | 261 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The lady of the Gulf  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It was near the close of an unusually severe day in March, that a
person muffled to the eyes in a handsome dark-colored cloak, and wearing
a singularly shabby fur cap, might have been seen stealing along
the walk, in Chatham street, opposite the Pawnbrokers' or Jews' Row.
His step was slow and hesitating, while his eyes furtively glanced about,
now up the street, now down, as if fearing that his movements would
be observed. His height and figure were good, and his air genteel,
but in his seedy cap, and in his shrunken, worn trowsers, and old boots,
that appeared beneath his very elegant Spanish cloak, there was a discrepancy
that might have arrested the eye of any observing passer by.
But no one of the hurrying crowd noticed him. Each one was bent on
his own business and aim. The mechanic, with his hands filled with
tools, was hastening to his family; the sewing girl, in hood and shawl,
to her humble home far up town where rents were cheap; the man of
pleasure was pressing forward to the theatre for an early seat; the
beggar, shuffling along to his hole in some wretched cellar. No one
noticed him, for extremes, in the metropolis, are too often wedded to
attract remark. But the young man did not seem to avoid observation
upon his dress, but upon his movements. Three times, he passed and
repassed a narrow door hung about with second-hand garments, over
the lintel of which was suspended a sign representing three gilt balls,
the well-known beacon for the wretched. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 262 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The mysterious state-room | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | `The gentleman who gave the bride away was Mr. A—, her banker,
to whom she had written to attend the ceremony. The paper
she gave the priest contained her name and title. Catesby neither knew
nor suspected anything of so singular and fortunate a denouement. In
a few weeks, Frank having resigned his commission in the army, left
America for this country, and on their arrival, drove directly over to
Castle C—' where his charming wife at once surrendered to him
her family mansion and vast estates. The change has not spoiled him.
He is one of the most agreeable and gentlemanly men in England, and
highly popular in his country. He is called by courtesy, (his wife's
title having been by her marriage merged in his republican Mister or
Captain,) Lord C—, of C—Castle, C—. His charming
wife is devoted to him heart and soul. Never was a marriage more
for love than this! He thought her lowly and his love raised her to his
bosom—she knew him only to be a young American, without rank or
title, yet, for love, she gave him all she had to give—beauty, wealth,
and rank among nobles. They have two lovely children, a boy and
girl; and the only subject on which they differ is their education. Catesby
is for making the little fellow a republican, and sending him to West
Point; while Clara intends him for Parliament, and to inherit her father's
title and estates, which he will do—the little fellow's title being
through his mother, Lord Viscount C—. You will by this time
understand that the `uncle and aunt,' were Lady Clara's steward and his
wife, whom she dragged with her from home, half over the world as
her protectors when she started off on her wild travels. There can be
nogreater instance of the peculiarly independent character of her mind
than the fact of her quitting with disgust, the scenes of London disappation
and resisting the fascinations of her numerous admirers, to
roam amid the scenery of America, and commune with the works of
nature in a world where nature has exhibited in the most stupendous
manner her power and majesty. They live very retired, and seldom
stay more than a third of the season in town. The remainder of the
year they are in the country combining together in dispensing for the
happiness and comfort of their numerous dependants the wealth with
which they are blest. It was by accident I met Frank in town at the
close of the season, and as he would not let me say nay—and something
of his story coming to my mind, I consented to go down with him,
partly from curiosity to learn its truth, I confess, but mainly, as you
must know, to enjoy once more the society of one who was for four
years my fellow cadet. Do not say after this that my letters are too
short. Adieu, until the next trip of the Liverpool. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 263 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The odd fellow, or, The secret association, and Foraging Peter | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | `My Dear friend and `brother':—I am happy to inform you of my safe
arrival here yesterday, having been detained in New York by illness. I am
now quite well again and hasten to return you my acknowledgments for
your kind assistance, and that of your Order. The amount of money generously
advanced me, and the bill for my wardrobe is something under the
amount I enclose, which I beg you will do me the favor to return to the society,
for the aid of others of the Order who like me may be thrown by
Providence in a condition to call for its benevolence. I pray you will present
my regards to your family and accept the assurances of my grateful
friendship. If you, or any of your friends should visit Baltimore, where I
shall remain and engage in the mercantile business, I shall esteem myself
signally happy in extending to you our hospitality. Mr. Peter Dalton and his Lady most earnestly request the high honor of
his lordship's, the Earl of Elliston's noble company at a sworree to be given
by them in his honor Tuesday evening next. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 265 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The spectre steamer, and other tales | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It was in the spring of 1839, that I left
New Orleans, in the splendid steamer
Saint Louis, for Saint Louis. The morning
was clear and brilliant, and the atmosphere
of that agreeable elasticity which inspires
the dullest with good spirits. We backed
out slowly and majestically from our birth at
the pier, and, gaining the mid-river, began
to ascend the stream with rapid but stately
motion. I stood upon the `hurricane-deck,'
with fifty other passengers, admiring the
view of the city as we ran swifty past it.
Street after street terminating in a straight
line in the cypress swamp, appeared and disappeared,
and turret, spire, and terrace receded
rapidly in the distance. The half league
of shipping lying `three deep' against the
pier, and waiting for their freight of cotton,
presented a grand and imposing spectacle.
They were Americans and of all European
nations, principally English and French;
and as every ship wore her flag half-mast in
honor of a captain of one of them who had
died the day previous, their appearance was
at once solemn (from association) and brilliant.
Who that has ever visited New Or
leans in the winter season, can forget the
fine effect of this wide-stretching crescent of
shipping that enfolds the city at either extremity
like wings? `Sir,—Ten years ago you saved my life.
I am now in a situation to show you substantial
gratitude. I learn from your friend,
my host, that you are a seaman and are doing
well. Yet you may do better. I enclose
you five bank of England notes for five hundred
pounds each. Accept them as your
right. They are nothing in my estimation
put side by side with the life you saved. I
wish you and your noble mother all happiness
and health. Greeting: `I do believe I am innocent of this thing,
as I am an honorable gentleman. How it
came into my possession, I am as ignorant
as the child unborn. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 268 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | Edward Manning, or, The bride and the maiden | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | In a narrow cross-way that leads from the Court House Square
northward losing itself in Old Cornhill, there stands, or did stand
at the period of our story, a low wooden edifice, without any thing
particuliar to draw the attention of the eyes of the passers-by save
its antiquity and dilapidated condition. “I have at length decided, since my last interview with
you, to give up all hopes of being happy with a wife I cannot love.
My heart, as I told you is with the beautiful Caroline Kent. I dare
not see her until I know she still loves me; for I fear that her love
may have turned to hatred! But if you can, I wish you to see her
and ascertain whether she still retains affection for me. Tell her
from me, that I think only of her; and that if she will be mine, in
the flowery chains of mutual love, I will sacrifice honor, reputation,
everything to her! Before you see her, call on me at eight in the
evening when I will see you privately in my library. “This will be handed to you by my confident, the
bearer, only in case he discovers that you still remember me with
affection. Therefore, if your eyes fall upon these words I shall
know that I am writing to one who still loves. I have much to
lament; I have been deceived and given my hand where my heart
would not follow. How could I give that which was not mine to
give? I cannot in words upon paper tell you how much I love you.
You are dearer to me than any object on earth. If you love me
and can forgive the past, forgive me for preferring another to you,
I am ready to cast myself at your feet; do not deny me this happiness,
until at least, I have seen you and spoken with you and plead
for myself. If you will see me, write to me by the bearer. Write
and tell me when I may have the bliss of seeing you. I shall wait
with impatience till I know my fate! Fear no rival! My hand
and heart are free! nay, they are free only to be your slaves.
Farewell till we meet, “The past is forgotten. Your note has made me the
happiest of beings; you ask me if I have forgotten you? Oh, no!
you have daily been dearer and dearer to me! I can scarcely
write for trembling with joy; I will come to you, I will be yours
forever! I have no heart, no thought, no will but for you! Do
not delay the bearer, let me see you at once that my happiness may
have its sweet confirmation in your presence. “I will see you to-night. The bearer will show you a private
way, for I wish no one to see you come hither! I will await you
in my study. Regard for your honor and happiness prompt me
to make known to you what intimately concerns your peace.
Your husband has been long false to you! You have proof of it in
the enclosed notes to Miss Kent! If you require further proof you
will find her now in his study, the usual place of their secret meetings!” | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 269 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | Paul Perril, the merchant's son, or, The adventures of a New-England boy launched upon life | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | New England is the great population nursery of the American continent.
The young shoots which it produces annually, are reared with
an eye to transplanting, rather than for domestic growth. Of every
seven juvenile plants five are sent off to be planted in the South and
West—to thrive in Oregon or bear fruit in California. For a family
of children born in the land of Pilgrims to remain there as men and
women within sight of the smoke of the paternal home, is an event
scarcely known. `Where shall I emigrate—where shall I make my
fortune?' is the first enquiry of the Yankee boy as he begins to discover
a beard upon his lip. `Sir—I am about going to South America for the purpose of establishing
a mercantile firm. I wish to take out with me three or
four young men, from seventeen to nineteen years of age, as clerks.—
I am willing to pay their passage out from Boston, and to allow
them a fair compensation for their services after we shall reach our
destination. Here we are in a fix every mother's son of us! After we left you
last night we went to Bruce's and had a first-rate oyster supper. About
ten o'clock we sallied forth pretty well `up!' If I had known how
tipsy brother 'Siah was, I'd have locked him up in Bruce's back room
before he should have gone out with us. Well, he was as `drunk as a
soger.' He sang songs to the top of his lungs, and took up the whole
side walk as he went. I never saw but one chap before so tipsy and
stand. Well, we got to the corner of Broomfield lane when 'Siah saw
a `Charlie,' and so he began to sing, `O'er the water to Charlie,' adding
some few personal impromptu, that made the watchman mad; so
he told us to keep quiet: for to tell you the truth we all joined in full
chorus. I told the watchman, gentlemen had a right to sing, and that
there was no law which put them under obligations to ask a `Charlie'
what songs they should select for testing their vocal powers. At this,
`Charlie' seized me by the collar, when brother Sam up fist and
knocked him over. Charlie sprang up and then sprang his rattle. It
was answered from half a dozen corners, and in two minutes we were
every soul of us captured, though we fought hard. 'Sias was taken up
out of the gutter and Sam was only taken prisoner after giving two
bloody noses and a black eye to the enemy. The upshot was that we
were marched off to the Watch-house except Josiah, who had to be
carried between two Charlies; and the best of the joke was, although
he was too drunk to walk he would sing, and all they could do, he
kept up a rip-roarous serenade to all the houses we went by until we
were safely lodged here. After leaving the gate, San Piedro, I continued my walk along the
inside of the wall until I came to the nezt gate which I found guarded
in like manner with the first. In front of it was drawn up a squadron
of cavalry as if about to issue forth into the country, and also a battalion
of infantry. Several mounted officers were grouped near the gate
in conversation, and seemed much excited. Suspecting some interesting
movement was about to take place, I drew as near them as I could
without peril to myself, and watched the proceedings. Upon the wall
above the gate, I saw two officers standing with spy-glasses surveying
the country, and every moment or two reporting to the general, who sat
upon his horse below surrounded by his staff. In their rear was the
cavalry, about one hundred and fifty fierce looking fellows armed with
carbines, pistols in holders, and huge carbines slung across their backs.
Every man wore a mustache, which added to their ferocious aspect.—
They were dressed in blue jackets and gray trowsers. Silent and expectant
they sat immovable in their high pommeled saddles, each with
his sword drawn and in his hand and resting across the saddle-bow.—
Behind them the infantry, in scarlet coats and white trowsers with tall
caps crested with horse hair, were drawn up in a line. The little
wicket in the great gate was opened as I came up by the captain of
the guard, and a colonel alighting, took a peep through into the green
but treeless country. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 270 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | Ringold Griffitt, or, The raftsman of the Susquehannah | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Towards the close of a warm and genial
spring day, early in the month of March,
182—, a boat containing a single person
might have been seen gliding up a darkly
flowing river, that would through the bosom
of a majestic forest. The banks of the river
were full with the melted snow-water of
the mountains, and carried down upon the
turbid tide, swam vast cakes of ice, which
the ascending boatman had to exert no little
skill and activity to avoid. The sun is rising and hope is
beginning to put on her beauteous garments
for the festival of joy that awaits thee. In a
word your husband has written to me, saying
that he is fully convinced of your innocence,
and that he is hastening to embrace
you once more; but having met with an accident
on the way, must necessarily be delayed
some weeks. But his heart is with you,
and you will once more smile and be happy
You will ask how he come to write? I answer
that I addressed him a long letter, unfolding
to him certain suspicions that forced
themselves upon my mind after you informed
me of the interviewd Lord — had with
you, and the manner in which he quitted
you! These suspicions I mentioned to your
noble husband, for whom my heart bleeds as
well as it does for you, and he is convinced that
Lord — sacrificed your reputation to his vengeance
and that countess who called him from
his audience with the king, was a party to it.
I told him also, that the conviction was upon
your mind that you had been made to drink
a sleeping potion, as you fell asleep two or
three times while your maids were with you.
Now I want you to leave Scotland and come
to the palace, and remain with me till your
husband reaches England; for he will meet
you the sooner, and I wish to see your happy
meeting.” | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 271 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The free-trader, or, The cruiser of Narragansett Bay | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Our story opens in the harbor and
town of Newport in the “Old Colony
Days.” At the period in which we
shall lay the scenes of our romance, this
town was second in New England only
to Boston in wealth and commercial
importance. Its trade was far more extensive
than it is at the present day,
and was mainly carried on with the
West Indies and Spain, with its dependencies,
in vessels of all classes from
the shallop of twenty tons to the imposing
merchant-ship. Its merchants
were enterprising and intelligent, and
rivalled those of Boston in the opulence
of their style of living and show of state.
They dressed in velvet on holidays and
Sundays, and in their counting-rooms
wore ruffles of lace and powdered curls. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 272 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The surf skiff, or, The heroine of the Kennebec | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Your few words have made me happy,
and filled my bosom with joyful hopes.
If you will communicate to me any plan
for my escape and reunion with him, you
say is your friend, be assured I will cooperate
with you. My room is over the
parlor. Its windows open upon the gal
lery. I dare not leave my room to go
through the house, as the servants are
my father's spies. If a ladder could be
placed so as to reach the top of the piazza,
and he was below, I should have the
courage to descend! I shall await your
movements with trembling hopes. Thank
God for his preservation. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 273 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The treason of Arnold | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | The disc of the setting sun just touched the outline of the
forests crowning the heights of Hoboken, on a bright afternoon
in September, 1780, when a single horseman made his appearance
on the river-road leading from Tarrytown to New York, towards
which place, then in the possession of the British troops
under Sir Henry Clinton, he was slowly trotting his horse. His
journey was nearly ended with the day, for the needle-like spire
of Trinity Church had been, for the last half hour, a prominent
object in his eye, and the expanded bay, girt with its majestic islands,
and covered with the fleets of England, assured him that
he was approaching the headquarters of the British armies. “Sir:—I send forward, under charge of Lieutenant Allen
and a guard, which will arrive at Beverly House by noon, a certain
John Anderson, who had been taken while going towards New
York. He had a passport signed in your name, which doubtless,
is forged, and a parcel of papers, taken from his stockings, which
are of a very dangerous tendency. I send him to you as commanding
officer, feeling that it is a case presenting too many difficulties,
and involving too much for me to decide upon. “Sir:—What I have said concerning myself to my captors
was in the justifiable attempt to be extricated; I am too little accustomed
to duplicity to have succeeded. “Dear Major Andre:—Though miserable myself I cannot
be altogether so absorbed in my own wretchedness as to forget
the griefs of others. Listen to me. I know your high notions
of honor and the spirit of chivalrous self-sacrifice that fills your
bosom, but oh! for my sake—for your own—for that of your
mother and sisters—for the sake of your country—do what I am
about to ask of you! Accept life while it is in your power!
Do not remain to die like a criminal! Life is now yours—to-morrow
it may be due to justice! Alas! my heart tells me what
will be your reply—but I will not therefore cease my exertions to
save you. Assisted by a faithful slave, I this morning loosened
two of the planks in your room. They afford communication
with the cellar. Descend into it and Peter will meet you with a
disguise, and conduct you, by the western outlet, which opens
among high shrubbery, into the garden, where he will conceal
you till night, and then provide a boat for your escape. Do not,
Andre, neglect this opportunity! Fly now! General Washington
and his staff are busy in the library, and nothing can prevent
the success of the plan but your own obstinacy. Fly, Andre!
Escape! For the sake of all you hold dear on earth losse not a
moment, but fly! | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 274 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | Jennette Alison, or, The young strawberry girl | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | The tide was at flood, and the rising
winds heaped the waves and dashed them
against the crazy pier, till it shook again.
The sea poured in torrents beneath the dark
corridors under the wharves, and then reflowing,
moaned and roared, chafed and
foamed, like furious beasts battling together.
It was a wild, black night on the land and
on the sea. I despatch this to you by my own servant
on horseback, in order that you may - e
ceive it without fail. Do not detain him, but
at once send him back with an answer. `I shall be at the pier by nine to-night, if
wind and water permit. Do not fail me
there. “`Sir:—As you did not succeed in your
plan to possess yourself of these important
papers, I shall not again place them or myself,
in your power. I shall make an appeal to
the heir in person, where I shall no doubt be
more successful. I leave to-night in the
stage, and that you may not indulge any hope
of waylaying me, to rob me, I inform you in
order to show that you need not cherish the
hope for a moment of possessing them, that
they will go in the U. S. mail bags, directed
to me at New Haven; so you see I shall have
them when I reach there, without any risk
of losing them on the way, through any desperate
violence you and your hirelings might
be tempted to use towards me if you thought
they were upon my person. Sir:—Call and see me, I am dying, and
have a secret of importanc to communicate
to you. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 275 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Add | | | Title: | The sketch book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | I was always fond of visiting new scenes,
and observing strange characters and manners.
Even when a mere child I began my travels,
and made many tours of discovery into foreign
parts and unknown regions of my native city,
to the frequent alarm of my parents, and the
emolument of the town-crier. As I grew into
boyhood, I extended the range of my observations.
My holiday afternoons were spent in
rambles about the surrounding country. I
made myself familiar with all its places famous
in history or fable. I knew every spot
where a murder or robbery had been committed,
or a ghost been seen. I visited the neighbouring
villages, and added greatly to my stock
of knowledge, by noting their habits and customs,
and conversing with their sages and great
men. I even journeyed one long summer's
day to the summit of the most distant hill,
from whence I stretched my eye over many a
mile of terra incognita, and was astonished to
find how vast a globe I inhabited. It is with feelings of deep regret that I have
noticed the literary animosity daily growing up
between England and America. Great curiosity
has been awakened of late with respect to
the United States, and the London press has
teemed with volumes of travels through the republic;
but they seem intended to diffuse error
rather than knowledge; and so successful have
they been, that, notwithstanding the constant
intercourse between the nations, there is none
concerning which the great mass of the British
people have less pure information, or more prejudices. On a soft sunny morning, in the month of
May, I made an excursion to Windsor, to visit
the castle. It is a proud old pile, stretching its
irregular walls and massive towers along the
brow of a lofty ridge, waving its royal banner
in the clouds, and looking down with a lordly
air upon the surrounding world. It is a place
that I love to visit, for it is full of storied and
poetical associations. On this morning, the
weather was of that soft vernal kind that calls
forth the latent romance of a man's temperament,
and makes him quote poetry, and dream
of beauty. In wandering through the magnificent
saloons and long echoing galleries of the
old castle, I felt myself most disposed to linger
in the chamber where hang the portraits of the
beauties that once flourished in the gay court of
Charles the Second. As I traversed the “large
green courts,” with sunshine beaming on the
gray walls, and glancing along the velvet turf,
I called to mind the tender, the gallant, but
hapless Surrey's account of his loiterings about
them in his stripling days, when enamoured of
the Lady Geraldine—
“With eyes cast up unto the maiden's tower,
With easie sighs, such as men draw in love.”
A COLLOQUY IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 276 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Add | | | Title: | Bracebridge Hall, or, The humorists | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | In again taking pen in hand I would fain
make a few observations at the outset, by way
of bespeaking a right understanding. The volumes
which I have already published have met
with a reception far beyond my most sanguine
expectations. I would willingly attribute this to
their intrinsic merits; but, in spite of the vanity
of authorship, I cannot but be sensible that
their success has, in a great measure, been
owing to a less flattering cause. It has been a
matter of marvel, at least to the European part
of my readers, that a man from the wilds of
America should express himself in tolerable
English. I was looked upon as something new
and strange in literature; a kind of demi-savage,
with a feather in his hand instead of on his head,
and there was a curiosity to hear what such a
being had to say about civilized society. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 277 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Add | | | Title: | Bracebridge Hall, or, The humorists | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | I take great pleasure in accompanying the
Squire in his perambulations about his estate,
in which he is often attended by a kind of cabinet
council. His prime minister, the steward, is a
very worthy and honest old man, and one of those
veteran retainers that assume a right of way;
that is to say, a right to have his own way, from
having lived time out of mind on the place. He
loves the estate even better than he does the
Squire, and thwarts the latter sadly in many of
his projects of improvement and alteration. Indeed,
the old man is a little apt to oppose every
plan that does not originate with himself, and
will hold long arguments about it, over a stile,
or on a rise of ground, until the Squire, who has
a high opinion of his ability and integrity, is fain
to give up the point. Such concession immediately
mollifies the old steward; and it often happens,
that after walking a field or two in silence
with his hands behind his back, chewing the cud
of reflection, he will suddenly observe, that “he
has been turning the matter over in his mind,
and, upon the whole, he thinks he will take his
honour's advice.” | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 278 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Add | | | Title: | Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, gent | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Nothing is more intolerable to an old
person than innovation on old habits. The customs
that prevailed in our youth become dear to
us as we advance in years; and we can no more
bear to see them abolished, than we can to behold
the trees cut down under which we have sported
in the happy days of infancy. I perceive by the late papers, you have been
entertaining the town with remarks on the Theatre.
As you do not seem from your writings to be
much of an adept in the Thespian arcana, permit
me to give you a few hints for your information. I once more address you on a subject that I
fear will be found irksome, and may chafe
that testy disposition (forgive my freedom) with
which you are afflicted. Exert, however, the good
humour of which, at bottom, I know you to have a
plentiful stock, and hear me patiently through. It
is the anxious fear I entertain of your sinking into
the gloomy abyss of criticism, on the brink of
which you are at present tottering, that urges me
to write. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 279 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Add | | | Title: | A chronicle of the conquest of Granada | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | The history of those bloody and disastrous wars,
which have caused the downfall of mighty empires,
(observes Fray Antonio Agapida,) has ever been considered
a study highly delectable, and full of precious
edification. What then must be the history of
a pious crusade, waged by the most Catholic of sovereigns,
to rescue from the power of the Infidels one
of the most beautiful but benighted regions of the
globe? Listen then, while, from the solitude of my
cell, I relate the events of the conquest of Granada,
where Christian knight and turbaned Infidel disputed,
inch by inch, the fair land of Andalusia, until
the crescent, that symbol of heathenish abomination,
was cast down, and the blessed cross, the tree of our
redemption, erected in its stead. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 280 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Add | | | Title: | A chronicle of the conquest of Granada | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | “In the hand of God,” exclaims an old Arabian
chronicler, “is the destiny of princes; he alone
giveth empire. A single Moorish horseman, mounted
on a fleet Arabian steed, was one day traversing
the mountains which extend between Granada and
the frontier of Murcia. He galloped swiftly through
the valleys, but paused and looked out cautiously
from the summit of every height. A squadron of
cavaliers followed warily at a distance. There were
fifty lances. The richness of their armor and attire
showed them to be warriors of noble rank, and their
leader had a lofty and prince-like demeanor.” The
squadron thus described by the Arabian chronicler,
was the Moorish king Boabdil and his devoted followers. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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