Jones's Wood, which at that time seemed, the most eligible site for such a park, first attracted Bayant's attention, and its claims were for a long time before the public until superseded by the grander and certainly more eligible plan developed in the Central Park.

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The

building, nearly surrounded by a wide veranda, | come a sort of necessity in the household. constructed of lattice-work, which, in the sea- relations between the major-domo and the poet son, is nearly concealed by clambering vines. The front of the house looks out upon the little sheet of water that lies clear and glassy at its feet, and commands a fine view of the head of the inlet and amphitheatre of hills that surrounds it, in the midst of which the village of "Roslyn," romantically situated around a cluster of small fresh-water lakes, and about one mile distant, is distinctly visible.

The dwelling at Cedarmere was erected by Richard Kirk, a thrifty Quaker, in 1787, and at that time was simply a large square structure, with capacious apartments and much to add to the comfort of its inmates, but little for display. Mr. Kirk at the same time built a substantial dyke between what is now the little lake at the feet of the mansion and the inlet, for the purpose of securing a water-power for a paper-mill which he built at its outlet. The paper-mill has long since disappeared, but the dyke, mossy and time-worn, and covered with a hedge of cedars of venerable age, together with the placid sheet of water it incloses, still remain fit ornaments to the hill-embowered residence of one whose sweetest poetry is that whose inspiration is gathered from the murmur of the gentle waterfall, the rustling of the forest leaves, and the music of the woodland songsters, that twitter amidst the dense foliage that nearly conceals it from the gaze of the passer-by.

are of the most agrecable and confidential kind. Each little detail about the farm management is discussed with the gravity and interest that those who reside in the country think due to such matters; but I opine that they usually terminate, as such discussions generally do, by the adoption of the ideas of the person having the management.

I visited Cedarmere with Bryant after he had been absent for some weeks, and was much impressed with the kindly manner in which each of the household was greeted by him, showing the pleasant relations subsisting between a kind employer and attached employés. The little incidents of country gossip told by Mr. Cline were listened to with an interest by Bryant that showed how deeply he was interested in the concerns of the neighborhood, and how keenly he participated in all their joys and sorrows; and yet he has the reputation of being a reserved if not an austere man.

Bryant's attachment to Cedarmere is real. When on his last European tour, in 1857, he caught a glimpse of the Atlantic, on the road between Bayonne and San Sebastian, he writes: " 'I can not describe the feeling awakened within me as I gazed on that great waste of waters, which in one of its inlets steeped the walls of my own garden, and to the murmur of which, on a distant shore, those I loved were doubtless at that moment slumbering."

He is fond of botany, and is especially attach"There are," said he, pointing to the wood-covered summits that rose above the mansion, "some thirty different species of trees in that forest that I have already identified, and there are still others I have not yet classified."

Parke Godwin, his son-in-law and associate in the Evening Post, occupies a residence on a bald eminence overlooking the inlet, immediately adjoining that of Bryant. As we strolled through Mr. Godwin's grounds toward the beach by a straight pathway, I asked Bryant if this was the taste of Godwin. "No," he emphatically replied, "we both abhor straight lines. See how beautiful this pathway might be made by winding around yonder slope!"

Prior to its occupation by its present possessor it was owned by Mr. Moulton, author of a history of New York, who changed its Quaker sim-ed to the study of trees. plicity by the erection of a portico with a heavy cornice and large square columns. The house, as thus altered, is tolerably well represented in, the "Homes of American Authors," published in 1853. It has recently, however, undergone several changes at the hands of Bryant, so as to render it more conformable with his own taste. The heavy cornice and pillars have been removed, and their place is now occupied by a light lattice-work, which at the same time gives an increased amount of light to the dwelling and furnishes a nucleus around which the clambering vines are permitted to coil their graceful festoons. Deep bay windows likewise project from either front, breaking in upon the straight line formerly presented; and irregular outbuildings serve still more to take from it its former Quaker-like precision. The road too, which formerly ran along the side of the inlet, is carried in a sweeping curve over the hill-top, fur-iting Europe. Once he traveled in the Holy nishing an uninterrupted slope from the house to the water-side, and affords an ample parterre for flowers and winding walks, and brings the grapery into full view from the porch.

A small cottage near the house, recently embellished, and converted into a very pretty rural residence, is occupied by Mr. Cline, a very well educated and gentlemanly person, who has for some time exercised a supervisory care over the affairs at Cedarmere; and while relieving its possessor of the burden of its management, has be

Bryant is possessed of a very restive temperament, which frequently renders a change of scene almost a matter of necessity. He has gratified this penchant on five different occasions by vis

Land, in Egypt, and Turkey. He has also visited Cuba, and likewise made long journeys through the United States. On his second visit to Europe and first to England, Edward Everett was the American Minister at the Court of St. James. Upon the arrival of Bryant in London he gave him a breakfast, at which Tom Moore, Kenyon, and Rogers were present. The only American guest besides Bryant at the table was Charles Augustus Davis, the author of the "Jack Downing Letters."

"The British soldier trembles,'

Upon leaving the house Rogers accompanied Bryant, and asked him to what part of the town and Irving good-naturedly consented that it he intended to go. Bryant replied, to St. James's should be altered to Street.

"Come with me, then," said Rogers, "and I will show you the nearest way to St. James's Street."

The foeman trembles in his camp.'
The other was of a similar character."

In his answer to the Plaindealer, which made the attack, some allusion was made that seemed to imply that Bryant had something to do with the attack. To remove this impression he sent to that paper a note, saying that he never complained of the alterations, and though they were not such as he would have made, he was certain they were done with the kindest feelings, and that he had no sentiments but those of gratitude to Irving for the kindness he had done him. The explanation was accepted, and the two re

On their way they passed through St. James's Park. Rogers approached a small gateway leading from the park, and taking a key from his pocket, unlocked it, and they reached a small inclosure, exquisitely arranged, directly in the rear of Rogers's house, which he invited Bryant to enter, and showed him a large number of the curiosities it contained, and, among others, the original draft of the bill of sale from Milton to his publisher, by which he parted with the copy-mained friends. right of "Paradise Lost" for £5.

Bryant informed Rogers that he had brought a letter of introduction to him from Cole. Rogers replied that it was altogether unnecessary, as he had long known him by his writings; he would, however, be pleased to receive the letter from Cole as an autograph.

Nor did Rogers speak in this case without reason; for thirteen years prior to this interview Washington Irving, then a resident of London, in editing an English edition of Bryant's poems, dedicated the work to Rogers in an admirable letter, in which he says that during an intimacy of some years standing, he had remarked the interest which Rogers had taken in the rising fortunes and character of America, and the disposition he had to foster American talent whether in literature or art, which induced him, as a tribute of gratitude, to dedicate to him the works of one whose writings were essentially American, and who transports us into the depths of the solemn primeval forest, to the shores of the lonely lake, and the banks of the wild, nameless stream.

On parting with Bryant at the door of the house Rogers gave him a general invitation to breakfast whenever it suited his convenience, and likewise to bring with him any friend who chanced to be in London. He availed himself of this invitation to take Charles Leupp, who was traveling with him, to Rogers. He met at the table of Rogers Poole, the author of "Paul Pry," who he remembers as something of a bonvivant, who partook very freely of snuff; Sir Charles Eastlake, a clever author as well as an artist; and Richard Monkton Milnes, who was not only a poet but a politician and a member of Parliament. Among the guests at Rogers's was the gentleman of whom George M. Dallas relates the anecdote that he had traveled all the way from Mount Vernon to St. Petersburg to present to the Emperor an acorn that he had gathered from the tomb of Washington. At first this gentleman found great difficulty in gaining admission, but the Emperor hearing of his persistent efforts, gave orders that he should have an audience. When in the presence of the Emperor, Nicholas demanded of him his business or wishes.

from the tomb of Washington."

The Emperor was pleased with the gift and amused with the bearer, and he was afterward admitted to the Imperial palace on friendly terms.

When Bryant parted with Rogers the latter, who was then quite advanced in years, told him they should never meet again. Upon the return of Bryant to Europe four years after, he again met Rogers, and at once pleasantly reminded him of his prediction that they should not

An alteration of two lines in these poems to suit the publisher involved Irving in the only "I have come, Sire," said he, "to present to newspaper controversy in which he was ever en-your Imperial Majesty an acorn which I plucked gaged. Bryant has recently given his own version of this subject. "I should here mention," remarks he, "and I hope I may do it without much egotism, that when a volume of my poems was published here, in 1832, Mr. Verplanck had the kindness to send a copy of it to Irving, desiring him to find a publisher for it in England. This he readily engaged to do, though wholly unacquainted with me, and offered the volume to Murray. 'Poetry does not sell at present,' said Murray, and declined it. A bookseller in Bond Street named Andrews undertook its pub-meet again. lication, but required that Irving should introduce it with a preface of his own. He did so, speaking of my verses in such terms as would naturally command for them the attention of the public, and allowing his name to be placed on the title-page as editor. The edition in consequence found a sale. It happened, however, that the publisher objected to two lines in a poem called the 'Song of Marion's Men.' One

of them was,

"I remember it,” replied Rogers: "I have no business here; but I shall not long remain."

He was, however, alive in 1852, upon Bryant's third visit to Europe; but was at Brighton, and quite an invalid. Their last interview was in 1849, although Rogers lived some time after, and died near the age of ninety.

Bryant is nervously averse to filling public positions, and, so far as I know, occupies none. A few years since, when a vacancy occurred in

the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, he was elected to fill the vacant place. As the office was purely an honorary one, and connected with the educational interests of the State, I was confident that he would accept the trust; but to my great surprise he declined. On the accession of the party that elected Lincoln to power he was generally spoken of as the most proper representative of the Government in Italy, where he had recently spent some time, and was quite popular. I spoke to him of this rumor, and asked if he would accept the appointment. He replied that under no circumstances could he be induced to do so. "What," said he, "would I do in the formal atmosphere of a court society which derives its tone from the sunshine of royalty ?"

I replied that nothing would please me better than to represent such a country as the United States, and that if the post were offered to me I should certainly accept it.

"It would suit you," replied he; "your tastes and associations fit you for such a post, but to me it would be an intolerable burden. No, no," he continued, "give me the pure air, the bright skies, and the green fields, and I will not envy others the possession of place or position."

Upon the occasion of the visit above alluded to "Cedarmere," the library-room, in which Bryant is accustomed to receive his friends, was dismantled and in the process of repairs to fit it for the accommodation of the accessions which, from time to time, are being made to the stock of books. The books themselves were scattered in piles around the house; and I had, consequently, no opportunity of examining them. It appeared to me, however, from a casual glance, that with the exception of some excellent collections of German, French, Spanish, and Italian classics-it possessed none of those rarities which I had been accustomed to see in the costly collections of the "bibliophiles" whose lives are devoted apparently to the purpose of bringing rare books together. I laid my hand upon a handsomely bound copy of Godwin's first volume of the "History of France," and remarked that it was highly creditable to him, but, inquired I, since he has become associated with you in the Post, I take it the further continuance of this work will be abandoned?

"I suppose," said he, "he is now engaged in contemporaneous history, and must leave that which is past."

I expressed my regret, and remarked that I could almost hope that some event might occur to compel him to return to the task for whose proper accomplishment he had given so excellent an earnest.

Bryant's custom is to write with great care, and more particularly in his poetical productions. He is a rigid censor upon his own works. "No one has an idea," said he, on one occasion, in speaking of his habit of writing poetry, "how much I reject."

but devotes the afternoon to out-door exercise or rural employments, and the evening to social intercourse. He is fortunately freed from the necessity for excessive toil, and in the possession of a competency sufficiently large to supply every reasonable want. Relieved from the pressure of care, in the enjoyment of a well-earned fame, and possessing the esteem and affection of a large circle of friends, the evening of life is approaching with a gentleness that betokens a happy and dreamless repose.

EARLY SECESSIONISTS.

THE "secession movements" in the South

Tern States in the year 1861 have prototypes

in miniature in the early days of the republic. Then, as now, a few bold men controlled the many, but not for base or selfish purposes. Let us hear what history says on the subject.

On a pleasant afternoon in June, 1776, a pioneer, six-and-thirty years of age, bearing a captain's commission, and commanding a little garrison in a small stockade fort on the Watauga River, in Western North Carolina, between the Alleghany and Cumberland mountains, was introduced to a young woman in a most marvelous manner. The records of gallantry afford no parallel. All around him was a wilderness. His little fort was in the midst of a clearing, the trees from which formed his barracks and his palisades. For days he had been expecting an attack from a band of Cherokees, with old Abraham, a noted chief, at their head, for he knew they were out upon the war-path. The sharp report of a rifle fell upon his ears, and looking in the direction of the sound he saw, emerging from the dark forest and flying in the bright sunlight of the clearing toward the fort with the speed of a roc, a tall, slender girl, closely pursued by old Abraham and his savage warriors. They cut off her approach to the gate, when she turned suddenly, leaped the palisades, and fell, almost exhausted, into the arms of the gallant Captain, who had watched the chase with the most intense interest. She was the lovely Catharine Sherrill, the acknowledged beauty among the settlers of the Holston region, who had come down from the mountain districts of Virginia and North Carolina. Long years afterward she was heard to say that she would be willing to have another such race, if necessary, for the joy of another introduction like that and its happy results. She became the loving and much-loved wife of the Captain, and the mother of ten children.

That captain was John Sevier, born on the banks of the Shenandoah, in Virginia, an honored soldier and patriot of the Revolution, and one of the founders of the State of Tennessee. He was the most conspicuous actor in the scenes of early secession, which we are about to consider.

It was during the colonial period that settlements were made on the Holston, Watauga, and

He seldom writes in the after part of the day, Nolachuky rivers, in the beautiful valleys among

the middle Appalachian Mountains. The settlers the public debt. North Carolina was the owner were beyond the care and the power of the laws of vast tracts of such lands beyond her mountof the parent colonies, yet they reverenced stat-ains, and patriotically responded to the appeal utes and venerated order. To cherish and pre- by ceding to the United States in June, 1784, the territory now comprising the State of Tennessee. In the act of cession North Carolina reserved the right of jurisdiction over that domain until the Congress should accept the gift, it having been provided by that body, that, if such acceptance should not be formally made within two years, the transaction should be void.