Page 34 - Four Famous American Writers: Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, James Russell Lowell, Bayard Taylor

His first thought was to build an addition to his cottage, in order to have
room for all his nieces and nephews. His enjoyment in every detail of the

work was almost that of a boy. Though now an old man, he seemed as
sunny and as gay as ever. Every one who knew him loved him; and all the

people who now read his books must have the same affectionate fondness
for this most delightful of companions.

In the United States he met both Dickens and Thackeray. His friendship
with Dickens was begun by a letter which Irving wrote to the great novelist,

enthusiastically praising his work. At once Dickens replied in a long letter,
fairly bubbling over with delight and friendship. Here is a part of it:

"There is no man in the world who could have given me the heartfelt
pleasure you have. There is no living writer, and there are very few among

the dead, whose approbation I should feel so proud to earn. And with
everything you have written upon my shelves, and in my thoughts, and in
my heart of hearts, I may honestly and truly say so.

"I have been so accustomed to associate you with my pleasantest and

happiest thoughts, and with my leisure hours, that I rush at once into full
confidence with you, and fall, as it were, naturally, and by the very laws of
gravity, into your open arms.... My dear Washington Irving, I cannot thank

you enough for your cordial and generous praise, or tell you what deep and
lasting gratification it has given me. I hope to have many letters from you,

and to exchange a frequent correspondence. I send this to say so...

"Always your faithful friend,

"CHARLES DICKENS."

The warmth of feeling which Dickens displays on receiving his first letter
from Irving, we must all feel when we have become as well acquainted

with Irving’s works as Dickens was.

Washington Irving died on the 28th of November, 1859, at his dear
Sunnyside, and now lies buried in a cemetery upon a hill near by, in a