The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 6, June, 1862: Devoted To Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 6, June, 1862: Devoted To Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
The biographer presents Washington Irving as an attendant at the famous
trial at Richmond, where his indignation at some of Burr's privations
are expressed in a most interesting letter. This sympathy is the more
touching from the fact that Washington was a Federalist, and in this
respect differed from his brothers. We have an idea that his youthful
politics were in no small degree influenced by those of that
illustrious personage for whom he was named. Another of the sons was
John T., who became a successful and wealthy jurist, and for many years
presided at New-York Common Pleas, while Ebenezer was established in
trade at an early day. Such was the development of that family, which in
rosy childhood followed William Irving to the old Brick Church, and
whose early progress he was permitted to witness. The biographer passes
lightly over the scenes of boyhood, and there was hardly any need for
his expatiating on that idolatry which surrounded the youngest. He was
no doubt the first child ever named after the father of his country, and
the touching incident of Lizzie's presenting the chubby, bright-eyed boy
to Washington, is hit off in a few touches. It was, however, in itself a
sublime thing. Nearly seventy years afterward, that child, still feeling
the hand of benediction resting upon him, concludes his _Life of
Washington_ by a description of his reception in New-York, of which he
had been a witness. Why does he not (it would have been a most
pardonable allusion) bring in the incident referred to above? Ah!
modesty forbade; yet, as he penned that description, his heart must have
rejoiced at the boldness of the servant who broke through the crowd and
presented to the General a boy honored with his name. Glorious incident
indeed!
As the family grew up, the young men took to their different
professions, which we have briefly designated. Peter read medicine, and
hence received the title of 'doctor;' though he hated and finally
abjured it, yet, as early as 1794, he had opened an office at 208
Broadway. This, however, was more a resort for the muses than for
Hygeia, notwithstanding its sign, 'Peter Irving, M.D.' In 1796, William
Irving, who had been clerk in the loan office, established himself in
trade in Pearl--near Partition--street, and from his energy and elegance
of manners, he became immediately successful, while farther up the
street, near Old Slip, John T. opened a law office, which was
subsequently removed to Wall street, near Broadway. We mention these
facts to show that Irving entered life surrounded by protecting
influences, and that the kindness which sheltered him from the world's
great battle had a tendency to increase his natural delicacy and to
expose him to more intense suffering, when the hand of misfortune should
visit him. One who had 'roughed it' with the world would have better
borne the killing disappointment of his affections; but he was rendered
peculiarly sensitive to suffering by his genial surroundings.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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