It was early in December of 1844 that Margaret took up her abode
with Mr. and Mrs. Greeley, in a spacious old wooden mansion, somewhat
ruinous, but delightfully situated on the East River, which she thus
describes:--
'This place is, to me, entirely charming; it is so completely
in the country, and all around is so bold and free. It is two
miles or more from the thickly settled parts of New York, but
omnibuses and cars give me constant access to the city, and,
while I can readily see what and whom I will, I can command
time and retirement. Stopping on the Haarlem road, you enter
a lane nearly a quarter of a mile long, and going by a small
brook and pond that locks in the place, and ascending a
slightly rising ground, get sight of the house, which,
old-fashioned and of mellow tint, fronts on a flower-garden
filled with shrubs, large vines, and trim box borders. On
both sides of the house are beautiful trees, standing fair,
full-grown, and clear. Passing through a wide hall, you come
out upon a piazza, stretching the whole length of the house,
where one can walk in all weathers; and thence by a step or
two, on a lawn, with picturesque masses of rocks, shrubs
and trees, overlooking the East River. Gravel paths lead, by
several turns, down the steep bank to the water's edge, where
round the rocky point a small bay curves, in which boats are
lying. And, owing to the currents, and the set of the tide,
the sails glide sidelong, seeming to greet the house as
they sweep by. The beauty here, seen by moonlight, is truly
transporting. I enjoy it greatly, and the _genius loci_
receives me as to a home.'
Here Margaret remained for a year and more, writing regularly for the
Tribune. And how high an estimate this prolonged and near acquaintance
led her to form for its Editor, will appear from a few passages in her
letters:--
'Mr. Greeley is a man of genuine excellence, honorable,
benevolent, and of an uncorrupted disposition. He is
sagacious, and, in his way, of even great abilities. In modes
of life and manner he is a man of the people, and of the
American people.' And again:--Mr. Greeley is in many ways
very interesting for me to know. He teaches me things, which
my own influence on those, who have hitherto approached me,
has prevented me from learning. In our business and friendly
relations, we are on terms of solid good-will and mutual
respect. With the exception of my own mother, I think him the
most disinterestedly generous person I have ever known.'