[Boston—Sunday, 24 November 1867]

Sunday Nov. 24. Went to the School Ship in the afternoon with Mr Dickens & party. Judge Russell spoke to the children and told them the story of the Paradise & the Peri in good simple prose and with such earnestness that I could not help thinking his version might do more good than the poem has ever accomplished. We were all deeply touched and Mr Dickens so much, that although he had previously said nothing would tempt him to make a speech for he should always be obliged to do it if he broke the rule, he nevertheless came forward, spoke to Judge Russell & told him he would say a word to the boys. I had been hoping for this and when his clear sonorous voice rang out full of kindliness to the boys and his strong words touched them I felt he was only fulfilling the promise of his books only proving himself the Charles Dickens we have loved; and when he said, “and boys, if you have ever cause to remember me, think of me as a writer who has sincere interest in your welfare and who told you above all things to tell the truth as being the best way and the only way to earn God’s blessing”—the boys listened with their hearts in their faces as if they would treasure each word, forever.

They manned the yards by way of salute on our departure as we steamed slowly off into the fog. We went afterward to dine with the dear man.


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