XXII 
A FEW MEMOIRS OF 
Dr. A. D. Patterson, and joined Charles F. Hoffman in its 
editorial management. 
In 1837, Herbert’s reputation as a writer of historical 
novels seemed fully confirmed by the appearance of 
“ Cromwell,” which was even more favorably received by 
the American public than “ The Brothers.” 
In 1838, Herbert became mixed up in a dispute lead¬ 
ing to a proposed duel, which would undoubtedly have 
taken place but for a severe snow-storm, which prevented 
the parties from meeting in Canada as intended. The 
second of his antagonist, having subsequently reproached 
Herbert with cowardice at Washington Hall, in Hew 
York, the latter fired twice at his accuser, but the balls 
went into the door of the room as the other gentleman 
went out. This affair furnished much gossip for the small 
daily papers then coming into notice. 
Washington Hall was on the Reade street corner of 
what is now known as Stewart’s marble palace in Broad¬ 
way. This hotel was the general head-quarters of all the 
“men about town,” and the “ Bucks of Washington Hall” 
was a title commonly given to the frequenters of its bar¬ 
room. All the “ odd fish ” and “ strange geniuses ” were 
sure to go there, by a sort of tacit understanding, as soon 
as they arrived in Hew York. The hotel became partic¬ 
ularly famous after it had been visited by Madame Mali- 
bran, and here it was that Mr. Gilfert, then proprietor of the 
Bowery Theatre, offered the gifted songstress the articles of 
an engagement, with blanks left for herself to insert such 
terms of payment as she might think proper. The arri val, 
in 1831, of such an “invincible ” as Herbert threw “the 
whole crowd ” into ecstasies. His cavalier boots, with 
King Charles spurs, were voted “just the cheese.” His 
moustaches, such articles being rarely seen in Broadway 
during those days, attracted many a fair one’s favorable. 
glance from the opposite or fashionable side of the way. 
