363 



knew and feared no exliaustion, and without which substantial repu- 

 tation has rarely been attained. Politically, he was invited to dis- 

 charge some of the most responsible trusts under the General Govern- 

 ment, and without the preliminary habits of legislative experience, 

 he brought to them ample supplies of intellectual intelligence and 

 practical fidelity. In social life he always bore an active and liberal 

 part, mingling with the amenities of personal deportment, a well- 

 conducted and generous hospitality. Throughout all these depart- 

 ments his classic stores gave him a never-failing standing and a 

 general welcome in the most cultivated intercourse. Through the 

 whole, were diffused the grace and gentleness of a temper the most 

 amiable, which was conspicuous in conduct and manners, in business 

 and in friendly association : while a well-known integrity and kind- 

 ness of purpose, obtained for him respect and confidence along with 

 affection and esteem amon^- all who knew him. No one could be 

 more gentle in carriage and kind in feeling in the closest relations 

 of domestic life. 



An obituary notice of the late Mr. Washington Irving was 

 then read by Professor Coppde, as follows :* 



Mr. President and Gentlemen of the 



American Philosophical Society : — 



My brief experience in this Society has taught me, that upon the 

 decease of distinguished American members, it is usual to appoint 

 their friends, or those particularly acquainted with their lives, 

 social as well as public, to make fitting records of their reputation 

 and their worth. This is at once appropriate and just. 



In this instance that rule has not been followed. Many of our 

 fellow-members enjoyed the friendship of our late illustrious colleague, 

 Washington Irving. My personal acquaintance with him did not 

 extend beyond a passing introduction. 



I think the inference is plain. In honoring me with this appoint- 

 ment, the Society has called upon a member of professed literary 

 position and avocation, to record the eulogy, and to analyze the literary 



* For the facts and statements in this paper, the writer is indebted to the 

 prefaces and notes to various editions of Irving's works ; to Bryant's Eulogy j to 

 "Irvingiana ;" to the courtesy of M. Thomas, Esq., of Philadelphia, and to the 

 excellent and comprehensive work of Mr. S. Austin Allibone, which on all such 

 subjects supplies at once facts, correct judgment, and a genial sympathy with 

 authors. 



