[Boston—Saturday, 29 March 1873]

Saturday March 29. John Hay came to speak before The Young Ladies Club. His discourse was upon Heroic Days in Washington. He was formerly private secretary to Mr. Lincoln. A touching tribute to his master. He quoted Mrs Putnams words to Governor Andrew at her Willy’s funeral, but without giving her name—afterward I went to see her and told her. She talked of Summer & Spain and promised to think of coming over in the evening which she did. Dr. Sterry Hunt, Profr Silliman, Charley Lowell, Col. Hay, Mr. Dresel were our gentlemen. Last because not least, Mrs Putnam, Lucy Derby, Miss Doria, who sang Franz’s songs exquisitely, Mrs Lodge. The rain poured in torrents, but the talk went bravely round and we had a delightful evening. Spain, Castilan, Figueras—whom all accede to, as the promised man for Spain made a share of the talk. Hay granted that Stanton was not a model of truthfulness, thereby confirming what Caleb Cushing had affirmed.

Colonel Hay’s conversation was worthy to take its place among the first; spirited, continuous, clear, out of knowledge of men, books, and art—it glowed and flowed until he outshone all the rest; indeed I give him a very high place among all the finest conversationalists it has been my good fortune to meet.


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