[Boston—Monday, 18 September 1865]
Sep 18. Kate Dewey & Una Hawthorne have been to see me both young women of exquisite sensibility and pure sentiment for life and high aspiration—but the devout energy is wanting! They do nothing—cannot even keep their spirits alive for lack of energy—poor children.
I wonder if dear Una will never awake. I trust so, for I love the child and it makes me sad to see her so spiritless.
“Everybody”!! has been to see Mr Fields. It is really wonderful what numbers of persons.
An individual in black rainment even to black silk gloves!! called this afternoon. His dreary voice at once announced him as an episcopal minister but he had scarcely performed as low a bow as a ramrod is capable of when immediately returning to an erect position he said “Rev. Mr Dexter, soubriquet, Ringgold author of anecdotes of business men” (again a bow and silence on both sides) I am addressing Mr Fields I believe, the latter gentleman bowed! “I have come sir (in a tone as if he were saying “dearly beloved brethren, the scripture moveth us, &c) I have come to ask your advise [sic] about a book upon George Washington, The Duke of Wellington & Napoleon Bonaparte to be sold by subscription. 2 Vols octavo. The Father of his country, the Iron Duke, The Man of Destiny.” After unfolding the plan of his work at fearful length and asking Mr Fields advise with regard to its publication which was freely given, he continued “after I have completed my labors, I shall ask you Sir to read it.” At which request the busy publisher having become somewhat irate said “I could not think of it Sir!” The man was slightly taken aback but did not shorten his visit until utter silence succeeded his remarks.
