THACKERAY AND PRESCOTT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1854, 31 January 1880, Page 2

THACKERAY AND PRESCOTT.

Mr Thackeray was once called upon in London by Mr Francis H. Underwood, who graphically describee the interview. A huge gray-bead-d figure came in at the door with a stride like, thrusting long arms into the loose sleeves cf a dressing-gown as it advanced. Thera was a dab of lather in front of each ear, showing that after shaving he had been too much hurried or too forgetfal to finish his 'oilet properly. On he cam 1 , those long arms waving and the fierce blue eyes glowi g as much as they could behind his glasses. As Mr Underwood presented the letter of introdnction he bora from Prescott, the historian, Thackeray’s manner softened.

“ Ab, y. a," said he, “ Preseott, my good friend, excellent man, to whom Ism indebted for bo much kindness and hospitality. Yea, Prescott is one of your ‘ top-sawyers I was frequently at his h' use, or houses, I should say, and iu his life and surroundings he was the ideal man of letters " As the talk went on his visitor spoke of some prominent female novelists, and asked if I hackeray had read their books. “ No," said he, “ I fancy they're not strong enough. B- sides, I read very few novels; lama pastry cook. I bike tarta and se 1 them. I don't eat them myself. I eat bread and bu'ttT." He spoke warmly of the poetry of Holmes, and praised Lowell’s 11 Bigelow Paper* ” *• Wit of the very first order," he said ; “nothing like it in our time, and I wonder ’hat a man who can write comic poetry of the best should not occupy himself with it wholly." Then he went ou to say—“ Your country has a great destiny, not only in matwial power and prosperity, but in letters. It is to be the Greater Britain, the home of the uncounted millions who will perpetuate the language and keep alive, the traditions of our Maud ” Then he turned to the copy of Houdon’s bust of Washington and spoke with such warmth of admiration as to draw tears from his own eyes.