NEWPORT
Crowned with these well-earned honors, and promoted to be second
lieutenant of engineers, July 1, 1839, he accompanied his parents home,
expecting to enjoy a long and delightful vacation; but his anticipations
were speedily cut short by orders to proceed to Newport, R.I., to take
part in the building of Fort Adams, so that he was permitted to spend
only the Fourth of July in Andover.
Phrenology was in vogue then, and the young man, on his way through
Boston, had his head examined by a professor of the new science, who,
much to his amusement, pronounced him a poet. He reached his station
early in July, and took quarters with Miss Castoff, who kept a
boarding-house on the corner of Spring and Ann streets. Lieutenant James
L. Mason, also of the engineer corps, boarded at the same place. The two
young men became warm friends and companions. Daily they rode over to
the fort together in the morning, and returned in the afternoon.
Lieutenant P.G. T. Beauregard, afterwards the well-known Confederate
general, was also on duty there as an engineer officer, and remained
several months after Stevens's arrival. Fort Adams was garrisoned by a
detachment of the 2d artillery, officered by Lieutenants Lewis G.
Arnold, Arthur B. Lansing, and Henry J. Hunt.
Fort Adams, commenced twenty years previously, and now nearly completed
under the able superintendence of General Joseph G. Totten, was the
largest defensive work in the country, Fortress Monroe only excepted,
and, as General Cullum declares in his biographical sketch of General
Totten, "the first in its combination of the principles and details of
the art of fortification." It must have afforded a most gratifying field
for the energies of the ardent and accomplished young officer, fresh
from the military academy, and eager to test his acquirements and
abilities in real work. The redoubt, the inner and separate stronghold
in rear of the main work, was mostly built under his superintendence,
1839-42. Entering upon this duty with his accustomed zeal, his sound
judgment in laying out the work for the workmen, and energy and
diligence in pushing it, soon attracted attention. He took control with
the self-reliance and habit of command of a natural leader. He was
strict and exacting with the employees, but at the same time just and
considerate, and took a real interest in them. He soon won their respect
and goodwill. Even the man who groomed his horse, John A.C. Stacy, long
years afterwards, when he had himself become a wealthy contractor, spoke
of Lieutenant Stevens with the greatest admiration. His unconscious
success in this direction nearly led to a breach with Mason. The latter
became cold and distant in manner, and openly avoided him. Stevens
demanded an explanation, whereupon Mason burst forth indignantly with
the charge, "You are destroying all my influence with the men on the
work. When you appear, they hang upon every word you utter, and cannot
do enough for you, while they scarcely notice me, although I am the
senior, and have been longer on the work." But Mason was soon satisfied
by his friend's remonstrances, and his own good sense, that Stevens was
not to blame for that result. Mason was a man of remarkable talents,
brilliant in conversation, and fascinating in social intercourse.
Newport at this time contained many old families, among which the
traditions of colonial grandeur, when the port was the largest and most
flourishing city in the colonies, mingled with the fresher recollections
of the Revolution, the British occupation, the battle of Rhode Island,
the romantic capture of General Prescott, the English commander, the
brilliant though brief sojourn of the French allies under Rochambeau,
and the visit of Washington. The town was celebrated for beautiful and
charming girls. It was the resort in summer of the cultivated, wealthy,
and fashionable from other parts of the country, especially from the
South. The Hazards, Lymans, Randolphs, Vernons, Lawtons, Hunters, Kings,
Turners, Gardiners, Fowlers, Gibbs, Tottens, Perrys, and others, all
more or less related, afforded a cultivated and high-toned, yet simple
and cordial society, free from the ostentation of wealth and the absurd
pride of caste. The army and naval officers stationed there, and the
families of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of Lake Erie, of
General Totten, and of others who had served their country, added a
patriotic and military element. Into this charming society the young
officer entered with keen enjoyment, and his modest demeanor and
sensible conversation, not less than his reputation for ability and
scholarship, soon made him welcome.
One of these Newport belles thus described him:--
"The first time I saw Mr. Stevens was in church. He sat in the pew
behind ours. He was very young, of small, alight figure, had a very
large head, with fine carriage,--a noble head, thick, bushy, black
hair, and dark complexion. He was considered very homely, but he had
a large, dark hazel eye, which looked one through and through, and
compelled one's attention."
Notwithstanding that "he was considered very homely," young Stevens took
an active part in the social life and festivities of the town, calling
upon the old families, escorting with other young men bevies of young
ladies on delightful long walks to the beach, along the cliffs, the Blue
Rocks, Tammany Hill, and other resorts, and attending the numerous
parties.
It was at one of these rather informal, but enjoyable gatherings that he
first met the young girl who was soon to become his wife. Mason had
warned him to "beware of Margaret Hazard," as the two young men were
setting out to attend a tea party at the Vernons' hospitable mansion,
two miles out of town. The young lady was a daughter of Benjamin Hazard,
for years recognized as the ablest lawyer and statesman in the State,
who had represented the town in the state legislature for thirty-one
years without a break, having been elected sixty-two times in
succession. Although very young, she possessed many attractions of
person and character, had many admirers, and was one of the acknowledged
belles. Notwithstanding the friendly or jocose warning, Mr. Stevens was
duly presented to Miss Hazard, and had the pleasure of escorting her
home, and improved the opportunity by inviting her to ride on horseback
the following afternoon. Miss Margaret lacked a suitable habit, it
seems; but an old cloak skillfully adapted served for the long sweeping
skirt then in vogue, a cousin furnished his new beaver for a riding-hat,
and another admirer contributed a handsome silver-mounted riding-whip,
so that when the cavalier presented himself on his gray charger with a
groom leading the "Indian Queen," the young lady was ready. The "Indian
Queen" was the name of a noted saddle-horse from the stable of Nicholas
Hassard, who for many years kept the livery stable on Spring, or Back
Street, corner of Touro. When asked if the "Indian Queen" was a safe
horse for the young lady, Mr. Hassard replied, "Miss Margaret Hazard can
ride any horse in my stable."
This ride led to others, and it was not long before the two rode over
the beaches together nearly every pleasant afternoon. Mr. Stevens would
come with the horses about five o'clock, and the usual ride was over the
three beaches and around by the green End road; and a more romantic,
beautiful, and pleasant course it would be hard to find.
A fearless horseman, he was fond of horses and of riding. He owned and
delighted to ride a fiery gray, which ofttimes taxed all his strength,
skill, and daring to master, and which occasionally ran away despite all
efforts. Once the steed, with the bit in his teeth, dashed headlong for
the stable. "Stevens is done for!" exclaimed Mason; "the stable door is
too low to ride under, and his brains will be knocked out." But the
rider threw himself along the side and neck of the furious animal just
in time to avoid this danger.
Mason's warning was indeed in vain. Writes his intimate friend, H.L.
Smith, as early as April:--
"Not in love, Stevens; why, your description fired me. By heavens!
it is a glorious thing to see a girl with a large soul. Would there
were more such. 'Dark blue eyes;' 'Rides fearlessly;' 'Loves
Channing, Carlyle, Milton;' 'A sweet smile,' etc."
He became a frequent caller upon, and intimate in the family of,
Benjamin Hazard. The latter was slowly sinking under the lingering
disease, consumption, which carried him off in 1841. The gifted and
sympathetic young man would have long talks and discussions with the
intellectual, learned, and experienced senior, and would read to him
from his favorite authors, Swift and Shakespeare. "I think our young
lieutenant is very handsome," remarked Mr. Hazard, doubtless alluding to
his fine head and sound, bright mind, and perhaps quietly rebuking the
disparaging term "homely." It was not long before he became an
acknowledged suitor for the hand of Miss Margaret, and they were
betrothed in the summer of 1840.
The mansion occupied by this family, situated on Broad Street, on the
southern corner of Stone Street, and near the state house, is one of the
oldest in Newport, the timbers of which, according to tradition, were
cut and hewn in the woods between the harbor and the beach. By a curious
coincidence it has descended in the female line for three generations.
Before and during the Revolution it was the home of John G. Wanton, a
wealthy colonial merchant and the son of the colonial governor, Gideon
Wanton.
It was a favorite resort of the brilliant French officers who landed in
Newport to aid the struggling patriots, one of whom cut with a diamond
upon a small, old-fashioned window-pane in the great parlor, "Charming
Polly Wanton, Oct. 17, 1780." But an American officer, Colonel Daniel
Lyman, afterwards chief justice of Rhode Island and president of the
Society of the Cincinnati in Rhode Island, married "Charming Polly" away
from her French admirers.
Mary Wanton was an only daughter, and inherited the old mansion, where
she reared a family of thirteen children, and dispensed the gracious
hospitality to which she was accustomed.
One of her daughters, Harriet Lyman, married Benjamin Hazard, and upon
the removal of Colonel Lyman and his family to Providence, succeeded to
the old Newport homestead, which thus for generations was the scene of
family happiness, worth, refinement, and hospitality. It is now owned
and occupied by two of Benjamin Hazard's daughters, Misses Emily Lyman
and Mary Wanton Hazard, who maintain the traditions of the old mansion
with charming grace.
Now time speeds away rapidly and pleasantly with the young officer. He
has long talks and discussions with Mason, noted for his brilliant mind
and conversation. His official duties are congenial. He heartily enjoys
the social pleasures in which he takes part, and moreover he lays out a
stiff course of study for the winter. He writes uncle William, October
31, 1839:--
"My brother officer, Lieutenant Mason, is quite familiar with
politics. He is a Nullifier. I am a loco-foco Abolitionist. Though
we agree on many points, yet we have at times quite warm though very
friendly debates upon these points upon which we differ. I shall be
glad to spend most of the winter in study, and I think of giving
about half my time to my profession and its kindred branches of
physics and mathematics, and of the remaining portion a moiety to
politics and the political history of our country (which will
necessitate the careful reading and study of the Federalist and
Madison papers, and other documents illustrative of the peculiar
glories of our institutions), and the remainder to general reading."
TO HANNAH.
My situation at Newport continues to please me as much as ever. We
are still pretty busy throughout the day, but are able to secure
considerable time for reading and study.
I have been reading Byron's Poems of late. Although his verse is far
inferior (in my opinion) to Shakespeare and Milton, still it has
many and peculiar merits. Many of his productions are overflowing
with lofty and correct ideas. No sycophantic awe, or respect for
place and title, restrains his caustic and withering pen. He soars
upon his own pinions, and looks down upon them all.
[Illustration: OLD WANTON MANSION IN NEWPORT]
Thus his time was well occupied, yet he was also an indefatigable
correspondent, writing frequently to his West Point classmates and
friends, now beginning to scatter, and to his father, sisters, brother,
and cousins, but especially to his sisters, whose welfare and happiness
he had so much at heart. He is constantly sending them books and
papers, and advising them in regard to their studies and plans. Susan
was still in Missouri, doing well as a teacher. During the fall Hannah
was teaching school, or in Boston earning her livelihood in a store.
Elizabeth and Sarah were at school, and only Mary and Oliver remained at
home. The father, working too hard, had serious trouble with his injured
leg, and was unwell. But it was a joyous reunion when the elder brother
came home at Thanksgiving, and the scattered family were all assembled,
except Susan, in the great roomy kitchen in the old farmhouse, around
the well-filled board, loaded with the roast turkey and cranberry sauce,
snowy biscuits, mince, pumpkin, and apple pies, cake, preserves, and all
the good things of that generous and kindly season.
Returning to Newport, Lieutenant Stevens made one of a class for the
study of German, although one may suspect that the language was not the
only attraction. Charles T. Brooks, the gifted poet, preacher, and
writer, and who has since translated so many poems and works from the
German, was then settled over the Unitarian Church in Newport, and a few
years previously had married Harriet Lyman Hazard, an elder sister of
Margaret. An accomplished and enthusiastic German scholar, Mr. Brooks
organized the class, and acted as their instructor. Mrs. Brooks, Mrs.
Shroder, Miss Margaret L. Hazard, Miss Julia Randolph, Stevens, and
Mason met regularly once a week at Mr. Brooks's house on Barney Street.
An incident is related showing the facility with which Mr. Stevens
acquired any subject which he undertook. Mr. Brooks one day asked him a
difficult question in grammar, which he answered promptly. Another
question was put with the same result. The teacher then plied him with
question upon question, all of which he answered without hesitation.
"Why," exclaimed Mr. Brooks, "you seem to know the whole grammar." "Oh,
yes," replied Stevens, "I've run it over."
A long and affectionate letter from Susan informed him of her marriage
to David H. Bishop, a man of fine character, and engaged in the
profession of an educator, on December 26, 1839. Mr. Stevens at once
wrote to his new relative welcoming him in his hearty and warm-hearted
manner, and a friendly correspondence ensued between them, which
developed into a long and well-maintained political discussion, for Mr.
Bishop was a Whig, while Stevens was an uncompromising Democrat, of
Free-soil convictions,--"loco-foco Abolitionist," as he defines himself.
In April the fostering and indulgent grandmother, the widow of the
Revolutionary soldier, Jonathan, died at an advanced age, attended
during her last illness by Sarah. Mary, early in the year, visited aunt
McFarland in Belfast, Maine. Elizabeth was in Lowell, and later also
went to aunt McFarland, and only Sarah and Oliver remained at home this
year.
His father's letters reveal how much he was coming to lean upon the
self-reliant young man, and to feel the need of his support and
affection. "I was glad to hear you say in your last letter that in
matters relating to yourself you should be guided by your own judgment,"
he writes. In every letter he urges him to come home, if only for a
short visit.
DEAR SON,--In your letter to Oliver you mention not coming home
until Thanksgiving. I hope it will be convenient for you to come
home and spend a few days in the summer. Your visit in March was
very short, but short as it was, it was better than none. I learn
from you that you are far from being satisfied with your present
attainments. Why should young men talk of having finished their
education when in fact they have only commenced it, considering how
much more they might learn if they would only press forward! May all
you learn be sound and durable; one rotten piece of timber may wreck
a ship. Do not study too hard. My days of anticipating worldly
happiness are over (not so fast), I do anticipate seeing my children
useful and happy.
Your father,
ISAAC STEVENS.
Lieutenant Stevens was promoted first lieutenant, corps of engineers,
July 1, 1840.
His active and thoroughgoing mind, looking beyond the duties assigned
him, saw the necessity of other works to complete the defenses at
Newport. He wrote urgent letters to the Engineer Department in
Washington, representing the need of a thorough survey of the harbor and
the surrounding ground, and especially of the fortifying of Rose Island,
which, situated in mid-channel between Rhode Island and Conanicut, and
three miles north of, or inside Fort Adams, would supplement and support
that work, and render the main entrance of Narragansett Bay impregnable
to a hostile fleet. He was ambitious to plan and carry out the
fortification of this point, but his recommendations were disregarded,
and he was informed that his views, though sound, were premature. Of
late years the importance of fortifying Rose Island has been recognized,
and the government has erected a powerful battery there.
During the spring and summer his long-cherished idea of becoming a
lawyer took more definite shape in his mind, as will be seen from the
following letter to his uncle William, August 5, 1840:--
MY DEAR UNCLE,--You recollect that when last in Andover I was
revolving in my mind the expediency of studying law, with a view of
making it my permanent profession. Entering the West Point Academy
with no idea of remaining in the army, my present occupation cannot
be regarded as one that I have voluntarily and after mature
reflection selected, but as one which circumstances and good luck
have forced upon me. Therefore, in balancing the advantages and
disadvantages of the army and the law in order to a decision of the
question, Which shall I select as my occupation? I think I have
nothing to do with certain objections that many would advance, that
it would be changing my business,--it would betray a want of
fixedness of purpose,--it would be an act of inconsistency. To be
sure, some of the studies at West Point throw no light upon the law,
but most of them contribute, and contribute in an eminent degree, to
induce the habits and call out the faculties essential to the able
lawyer. Something more is wanted,--as a knowledge of the classics,
of ethics, of history. Three years' rigorous, systematic devotion of
my leisure moments to these pursuits would more than place me on a
level with the graduates of our colleges; by economy enough of my
pay could be laid up to defray my expenses, should I then resign and
go through a three years' study of the law. As the thing, therefore,
can be accomplished, as the law for many reasons would suit me
better than the army, as I have no false notions of delicacy on the
ground of consistency, etc., I have at length concluded to give up
the army for the law. As soon as I decided, I began to act. On that
very day, about three weeks since, I commenced Latin and a course of
reading in History. Greek I shall commence next November. As I do
not wish justly to render myself liable to the charge of hastiness
or obstinacy, I have determined to consult my friends. If they can
adduce reasons against my course, I should be very much obliged if
they would let me know them. The thought that one's course is
approved by his friends is consolatory,--it serves to strengthen his
confidence in his own judgment. It removes many cross currents that
would impede his course. _You_ it was that first suggested my
application to enter the military academy. Though the military
academy was not intended to make lawyers, yet in my case I hope it
may be an example that "the longest way round is the shortest way
home." I have been very fortunate in making the acquaintance of Mr.
Benjamin Hazard, whom (by report) you must know. He has the
reputation of being the first lawyer in the State, and is
unquestionably _au fait_ with his profession. He has been so kind as
to give me a great deal of information both with regard to law and
lawyers in this country, and the best method of studying law. Mr.
Hazard lent me some time since Warner's Law Studies. I read it
through twice very carefully, but much of what he said I thought
totally inapplicable to the profession in this country, much that
was contradictory, and some opinions I was confident were wrong. I
wish you would write me soon and give me your opinion of my course,
which is to remain in the army till the 1st of August, 1843, then to
resign and enter some office in Boston or Newport for three years.
From all I can learn, I think that Jeremiah Mason, of Boston, would
be the man for me. Whether he takes students I know not. Webster,
Mr. Hazard tells me, contends that Mason is the first lawyer in the
country,--superior to himself. Remember me to your own family, and
my friends generally.
Your nephew,
I.I. STEVENS.
He also wrote on this subject to his father, Mr. Hazen, and H.L. Smith.
All whom he consulted discouraged the project except his classmate,
Smith. Mr. Hazen judiciously advises:--
"It seems to me to be premature to determine quite so much at this
time. It occurs to me that you might enter upon a course of legal
reading, which would be useful to you in any station, uniting it
with attention to military duties, which would consist with
promotion in the army, and leave a little to the future to determine
between the professions."
Although his increasing military duties, with his marriage and the
Mexican war, compelled him to defer carrying out this plan, it was never
definitely given up. The career open to him in the army did not satisfy
his ambition, and at last in 1852 he resigned, seeking a wider field.
Meantime he was keeping up his correspondence with his classmates and
friends. Halleck writes:--
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY,
WEST POINT, February 9, 1840.
DEAR STEVENS,--It is now Sunday morning, and I know not that I can
better employ the time that will elapse before old Jasper commences
his oppression, than by writing an answer to your very kind letter
of last Sabbath. I am happy to renew with you our old friendly
intercourse. We have passed together four long years in mutual
goodwill and then parted, I believe, as warm friends, and why should
we now float away from each other towards the great ocean of
eternity without ever exchanging a friendly hail? My old associates
are still dear to me, and my lone heart sometimes softens when I
think of the past spent in their society. Indeed, I have here become
so disgusted with humbugs, toadeaters, and punsters, that my heart
gladdens at the receipt of a letter from an old friend whom I know
to be a reality and no sham.
We have been co-workers in at least one thing, the Dialectic, and I
believe that to us as much or more than to any others, the society
owes its present prosperity.
Sincerely yours,
H.W. HALLECK.
Tilden, having become involved in a controversy with the authorities at
the Point, comes to Newport to consult with Stevens, who takes up his
case, advises him what to do, and writes Halleck, Smith, and others in
his behalf. "My visit to Newport," writes Tilden, "was of essential
service to me, and has served to strengthen the good resolutions
suggested by yourself and example."
H.L. Smith, too, feeling aggrieved at the action of a court-martial
reflecting upon his evidence as a witness, has recourse to his friend
Stevens, who responds in such manner as to call forth Smith's grateful
and somewhat enthusiastic thanks:--
"I refer in part to your reply to Colonel Totten at table. Be
assured I _did_ anticipate your reply to my request. But, Stevens,
there are not many who would have taken the part of a friend as you
did with Colonel Totten. I shall never forget it as an act of
friendship, never cease to admire it as an act of generous
independence."
Oliver visits him in September, and in his next letter speaks of "our
fine rides on horseback." Elizabeth has decided to go to Nashville,
Tenn., to visit her uncle Moses, principal of an academy there, in hopes
of finding employment as a teacher; and the father calls upon his son
in Newport for pecuniary assistance, and informs him that Hannah has
come home seriously ill.
The next letter from his father contained the sad intelligence that
Hannah was sinking fast, and urged him to come home immediately. He
spent the last few days of life with the dying girl, doing all in his
power to comfort her. She died in November, 1840.
On his journey back to Newport, Mr. Stevens stopped in Boston to hear a
lecture by John Quincy Adams, an account of which he gives his father:--
"His subject was the four stages of man in his progress from the
savage to the civilized state,--first, as a hunter; second, as a
shepherd; third, as a tiller of the soil; fourth, as a member of a
community in which all trades, occupations, arts, and professions
were confined to their appropriate spheres, each receiving the
protection and encouragement of all. His delivery was very
energetic, though uncouth. His fancy was exuberant, and his
speculations were not entirely, it seemed to me, supported by the
truth of history.
"I wrote to Susan, as you desired, and gave her a detailed account
of Hannah's illness, with such other matters as I thought would be
interesting. Since I have been back to Newport, I have been reading
Blackstone pretty diligently. Thus far, I am much pleased with him."
"It was a sad Thanksgiving at the homestead this year," Oliver writes,
"so different from the year before, when all were at home except Susan,
and death had not yet broken the family circle." Now all the children,
except Sarah and Oliver, were scattered far and wide,--Susan at Union,
Mo., Elizabeth at Nashville, Tenn., Mary in Belfast, Maine, and Isaac in
Newport. The father was again disabled with his leg, and unable to
attend the Thanksgiving sermon. Oliver concludes his pathetic letter
with a wish to go to West Point.
NEWPORT, December 15, 1840.
DEAR BROTHER OLIVER,--I have been very busily engaged since your
letter came to hand in preparing an address to be delivered before
the Newport Lyceum. As it was the introductory one, I felt very
desirous that it should be no discredit to myself, and that all
proper expectations should be fully realized. This is my apology for
not immediately answering your letter. As the address has been
delivered, I will now write you briefly respecting the
subject-matter of the latter part of your communication....
There is nothing new here. I am passing my time very pleasantly. We
have a debating club in successful operation, consisting of about
sixty members,--clergymen, lawyers, physicians, tradesmen, etc.,
etc. We have a talk this evening on the French Revolution. I don't
know whether I shall say anything or not. Write as soon as you can
find it convenient. Remember me to father, mother, and Sarah, and
friends in general. I hope father will take every care of his
health. Is it vacation with John Loring now? One of his classmates,
young Dunn, is at home in Newport.
Your brother,
ISAAC I. STEVENS.
Mr. O. STEVENS.
NEWPORT, R.I., January 17, 1840.
MY DEAR FATHER,--As soon as I get to Washington I shall put Oliver's
application on file in the Department of War, and will obtain an
interview with Mr. Cushing to secure his interposition, of which I
think we may entertain some expectation, as no one has yet applied
for the vacancy in his district. One of my classmates, Lieutenant
Halleck, who is on duty at Washington, was kind enough to ascertain
and inform me of all cadets and applicants from Massachusetts, with
their districts, and in his list I perceive the 3d District is put
down vacant without any applications. I have never seen our
representative, for which reason some might deem it advisable to
procure a letter of introduction; but after some consideration I
have concluded to take none, but to introduce myself. It is better,
if successful, than the other mode; to be sure, the risk is
greater,--I will run it, however. If I make a good impression on
Mr. Cushing under the circumstances of a vacancy and no application,
it may go far towards getting his assistance. I will try it at all
events.
[Illustration: ISAAC INGALLS STEVENS
_From Miniature by Staigg, 1841_]
I shall leave on Wednesday and be absent three weeks. The Armisted
case comes up before the Supreme Court next Friday, and will
probably be in progress the ensuing week; this will enable me to
hear Mr. John Quincy Adams, of which I am very desirous. Mr. Clay's
resolution respecting the repeal of the Sub-Treasury will soon be
called up, and will probably cause that whole subject again to be
discussed. Should it call out the able men of the Senate while I am
in Washington, I could not desire a better opportunity to compare
them. I will write you on my arrival, and afterwards from time to
time. You must take good care of your health, and take things
easily. I know of no one that has a better right. We have nothing
new in Newport. My health is perfect both in body and mind; in other
words, I have never had better health in either respect. Give my
love to all friends and the family.
Your son,
ISAAC I. STEVENS.
Writes Halleck, January 15, 1841:--
I hope to soon meet you here, and enter into a friendly interchange
of thoughts and feelings without the formality of paper and ink. I
am anxious to give you a hearty shake by the hand and welcome you to
Washington. If you are left to your leisure hours, you will
undoubtedly have much enjoyment both in society and in Congress. You
must not anticipate too much pleasure in the crowded parties of the
metropolis. To me they are perfect bores.
Let me know when you are to come on, and if not immediately I will
write you a long letter. Read this if you can.
Yours in the true bonds of friendship,
H. WAGER HALLECK.
Although unable to procure the cadet appointment for Oliver, he greatly
enjoyed his first visit to the capital, especially the debates in the
Senate, where he listened to both Clay and Webster. The former impressed
him as more a leader of men and controller of measures than the latter.
One would think that with his official duties, and all the studies and
pursuits he was carrying on, every minute of his time must have been
taken up; yet he organized a course of lectures for the winter, and
himself delivered an address on Oliver Cromwell, whose character and
achievements he greatly admired. In this lecture he presented with great
force and clearness a new and original conception of the great Puritan,
depicting him as a true patriot and a religious, God-fearing man,
obliged by the circumstances of the times to seize the helm of state in
order to save his country from despotism or anarchy. This was much the
view afterwards so ably set forth by Carlyle. This lecture excited no
little attention at the time; and when Carlyle's Cromwell appeared, not
long afterwards, it was said that the lecture would seem to have been
taken from that work, had it not been delivered before that was
published. He afterwards delivered this lecture in Andover and other
places.
In the spring of 1841 he was placed in charge of Fairhaven Battery in
New Bedford, Mass., in addition to his duties in Newport. This required
frequent trips to the former place, which he usually made by stage, but
several times he traversed the intervening country on foot. On one of
these trips, in an economical mood he refrained from dinner in order to
save the cost of the meal. Soon afterwards a lean and friendless dog
attached himself to him, and followed his footsteps so persistently, and
looked so piteous and hungry, that the young man's sensibilities were
touched, and he stopped at a farmhouse and purchased a good dinner for
the half-starved animal, which, as he laughingly declared, cost all he
had saved by his self-denial.
[Illustration: MARGARET LYMAN STEVENS
_From Miniature by Staigg, 1841_]
A letter from Mr. Bishop conveyed the afflicting and unlooked-for
intelligence of the death of Susan, April 8, 1841, from pulmonary
disease, after a brief illness. Thus unexpectedly passed away another
loved sister, and one whose sunny, affectionate disposition, fine mind,
and high principles had especially endeared her.
Benjamin Hazard died March 10, 1841. During his lingering illness he
derived much comfort and pleasure from the society and attentions of the
talented and sympathetic young man. He gladly sanctioned his betrothal
with his daughter Margaret, and willingly intrusted the future of his
beloved child to one whom he both loved and respected, and in whose
character and ability he had the fullest confidence.
The marriage was solemnized by Mr. Brooks, September 8, 1841, in the
great parlor of the old mansion, the same apartment which witnessed the
wedding of "Charming Polly" and her Revolutionary hero, and of their
daughter Harriet and Benjamin Hazard, the parents of the present bride.
It was a quiet and simple ceremony, so soon after the death of Mr.
Hazard, but the ample room was well filled with beautiful young girls,
the sisters and cousins of the bride, officers in full uniform, the
companions of the groom, and old friends of the family. Hither came from
Andover the groom's brother Oliver, and cousin Henry H. Stevens, his
West Point friend, Lieutenant Jeremy F. Gilmer, from Washington,
Lieutenants James L. Mason, Henry J. Hunt, and Lewis G. Arnold, from
Newport, and a goodly number of Lymans and Dunnells from Providence,
uncles, aunts, and cousins of the bride.