But in the garden room by his own fireside the poet one day told the writer of an early experience given later in his biography. To his astonishment he had been called upon by George D. Prentice, then editor of the “New England Review,” to take charge of this magazine during Prentice’s temporary absence. Whittier’s secret tremors had not caused him an instant’s hesitation in accepting the position; and as the phrase goes, he soon “caught on.” But before long there came a malignant attack upon one of his editorials, an anti-slavery article called forth by some incident of the day; and no doubt Whittier had struck out from the shoulder, as was his habit in fighting against wrong. The poet in his youth and inexperience was overwhelmed by the virulence of the attack and wondered at first if he should not take the writer’s scornful advice and “go back to the farm.” But he did no such thing; he braced himself and “made good.” Telling the story that day in the garden room with the world singing his praises, he added that he did not know what had become of that critic. But this remark was far from wishing to emphasize his own eminent position; there was not an iota of boast in Whittier; it was made as a significant encouragement to his youthful companion who, as he knew, had felt the sting of literary rebuffs. * * * * * It was not in literature alone, however, that the spirit moved him to say and do the kind thing. A short time after the Civil War his friend, Dr. S----, who had been long trying to secure a pension for a soldier’s widow, very poor, at last appealed to the poet to help him. Whittier sent the following letter: “Amesbury, 26, 10th mo., 1867 (or 69) “Dear General: Our excellent friend General F---- goes to Boston today with reference to the pension of Mrs. D---- of this town whose husband lost his life in the service of his country. It is a very urgent case and there has been some difficulty in obtaining the needed papers; but I hope if it is in thy power, thee will aid him in his object. Very truly thy friend, John G. Whittier.” The pension was secured. * * * * * The world knows well many of the poet’s rare and gracious qualities. But the life that Whittier lived in his own family and among his neighbors, the traits that came out in this daily life--these are not known to the world, and never can be, except by lightest sketches. Yet of all his poems the most beautiful was his life. It was in 1869 that he wrote the following characteristic note to Dr. S----, the “doctor” of these pages: “Dear Doctor: There is to be what they call a surprise party at Mrs. C----’s this evening--the anniversary of her marriage forty years ago. They would like to see thee and Mrs. S----, I am sure. It was got up by some of her friends and relatives.”