[Boston—Sunday, 18 November 1866]
Sunday Nov. 19 [sic]. Heard a remarkable sermon from Dr Putnam upon “dying words.” Nothing more tender, more manly, more elevating, more touching to the springs of inspiration was ever delivered; the man forgot himself and was half forgotten in the majesty of his theme as he rendered it. I should rather say he was incorporated in the simple majesty of it and rose with it. O! It was good to have been there!!!
Prof. A.D. White went with us, walking out with J. in the morning while I walked with Lissie. She, poor child, was utterly absorbed by her desire to make a human head express itself on her canvas. She talked long and earnestly but we both know that talking will not do it; yet she has made so many half successes, has come so near to doing the real thing that I feel she must succeed.
At night—the Murrays and Kelloggs came to tea. George Curtis, Mr Sturgis, Prof. White, Mr Smalley, the Aldrichs, Mr & Mrs Andrew came afterward.
Mr Smalley is a young man but has already “made his mark.” He is the most efficient man at work upon the “Tribune.” Because of his perfect knowledge of the German language, he was chosen a few months ago to go to Europe and ascertain the condition of affairs there relating to the war with Prussia. He went with excellent letters; among the rest are from Mr Emerson to Mr Carlyle. He found the latter much broken in spirit by the death of his wife. He said he was 71 years old now—had written his books, had said his say, many of his English friends had passed away, and his only tie in America was that of his friendship to R.W.E. He appeared old, worn, dispirited. Shortly after Mr Smalley left England and proceeded through France to Prussia carrying valuable and urgent letters to the great Bismarck whom he considers by far the greatest man he has ever seen. Of indomitable energy and physical strength which in a measure corresponds, his power of labor is indefatigable. His eyes are blood-shot, his face corrugated. Mr Smalley sent his letters to him in the council chamber where he was occupied in debate. The statesman looked at them, retired into the lobby, spoke with him, appointed the hour of half past ten the same evening for an interview, invited him in to hear the debate, an invitation which was of course accepted, and took his place again without delay as it was soon his turn to speak.
“But is not the hour somewhat late, will you not be too fatigued to see me after the labors of the day?” “I need but little sleep” was the reply. “I have not been in my bed for two nights indeed have slept but 80 hours in 37 days.” (What wonder the man has become ill since he is but mortal.)
Bismarck is the one power in Europe now. Louis Napoleon dwindles by his side but he is too wise to interfere with France.
“If I could have telegraphed one line home after the two hours and a half passed with Bismarck that night I would have given one thousand dollars, but two thirds of that night’s talk can never be given to the world.” The condition of the Prussian troops is marvellous—20,000 men passed a given point in one hour & a quarter—a day’s work in America. When he returned he found the New York 7th Regiment talking of going out to Europe to display their evolution. He was glad for one when it was given up. They would have been the laughing-stock of Bismarck’s troops (as they might be called).
