Seeking thus, at once, expansion and rest in new employments, Margaret
determined, in the autumn of 1844, to accept a liberal offer of
Messrs. Greeley and McElrath, to become a constant contributor to the
New York Tribune. But before entering upon her new duties, she found
relaxation, for a few weeks, amid the grand scenery of the Hudson. In
October, she writes from Fishkill Landing:--
'Can I find words to tell you how I enjoy being here,
encircled by the majestic beauty of these mountains? I felt
regret, indeed, in bidding farewell to Boston, so many
marks of affection were shown me at the last, and so many
friendships, true if imperfect, were left behind. But now I am
glad to feel enfranchized in the society of Nature. I have a
well-ordered, quiet house to dwell in, with nobody's humors
to consult but my own. From my windows I see over the tops of
variegated trees the river, with its purple heights beyond,
and a few moments' walk brings me to the lovely shore, where
sails are gliding continually by, and the huge steamers sweep
past with echoing tread, and a train of waves, whose rush
relieves the monotone of the ripples. In the country behind us
are mountain-paths, and lonely glens, with gurgling streams,
and many-voiced water-falls. And over all are spread the
gorgeous hues of autumn.'