SD2239. Joseph P. Hazard to Hiram Powers
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 352 (in part).
London
Feby 11. 1859
Dear Sir
I take liberty to address the enclosed to your care in seeing that Mr Browning (the Poet family) whose address in Florence I am unacquainted with, receives it. I suppose you have heard Mr Isaac E. Clarke is now in London on business which I hope will prove remunerative to him. He has been quite ill for a couple of months but walks out for the last 2 or 3 weeks.
I lately, on mentioning your statement of Hume’s wonderful performances at your house, was met by a statement from one who knows you in Florence, that you were now very much inclined to consider the whole affair as a most villainous imposture on the part of Hume, so much so that my informant appeared to feel himself quite competent to say that you were within only one step of taking positive grounds to that effect. Such also appeared to be his opinion in regard to some others in Florence who had attended Mr. Hume’s seances & been convinced by them of the genuineness of spirit manifestations. This gentleman appeared to consider the difficulties arising from a committal on the part of these persons to their truthfulness the chief obstacle in the way of their entire recantation. I trust however there is enough moral courage in Florence or elsewhere to denounce imposture when detected, despite such objections thereto as have been suggested.
I often remember with great pleasure the kindness of yourself and family to me in Florence. In your house I always felt a sense of the protective presence of purity and genuine innocence. I hope you will present my kindest regards to Mrs Powers & your family
And believe I am very
truly your friend
Jos. P. Hazard.
Hiram Powers Esqr
Florence, Italy–
I should be very glad to hear from you—my address is care of Messrs Baring Brothers & Co., London.
Do you see Mr & Mrs Montfort from Boston– Are the Perkins yet in Florence—also Mrs Derby and Mrs George Jones.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Smithsonian Institution.
___________________
