848 



profound respect for him, or my admiration of his whole ex- 

 ample. Mrs. Prescott was not less remarkable for all those 

 virtues which distinguish the highly cultivated, generous 

 and truly accomplished Christian woman. Such were the 

 parents, and they were as united in their views as in their 

 affection regarding their cherished son ; who, I feel sure, 

 never witnessed a discordant word or look, while he was 

 made to feel entirely free to speak out his inmost thoughts. 

 I remember an interesting visit to his father, soon after his 

 removal from Salem to Boston, and I remember it distinctly 

 from the Impression made upon me by William's freedom of 

 speech in some discussions with his father, — a freedom which 

 then struck me as uncommon, though in no degree disre- 

 spectful. In such unrestrained indulgenges on the part of 

 the father, there was doubtless sagacity as well as love, for 

 thus he could learn the real mind and heart of the son, and 

 be prejiared to correct any wayward tendencies that might 

 appear ; and the correction, if ever needed, would be sure to 

 come without chiding or reproach, and in a manner perhaps 

 as unfelt as it would be effective. 



The same vigilant aiTection and devoted care followed 

 William into his maturer years, and were but deepened by 

 the sad mis'fortune that befel his eyes ; relieving him from 

 all solicitude about a professional income, and enabling him 

 fully to pursue and gratify his predominant literary tastes. 

 Hence the natural growth of his genuine, consistent and un- 

 changed character ; the origin of his devotion to the writing 

 of history, and in his wonderful success and celebrity. 



The dedication of his first History to his father touching- 

 ly adds: 



" The guide of ray youth, 

 My best friend in riper years." 



It was natural that the sudden death of such a man and 

 such a historian should produce a profound sensation 

 throughout the country and the literary world. The grati- 

 tude and admiration so universally inspired by his works 

 and his virtues sufficiently account for it. But the death of 

 a historian so renowned for his fidelity and truthfulness is a 

 great public loss. It is a loss to the Essex Institute, partic- 

 ularly in the historical department, as it is to all historical 

 societies, and all readers everywhere who appreciate the im- 



