writings which obtains by far the most extensive circulation, these
words of the American nation:- “I know full well, whatever little
motes my beamy eyes may have descried in theirs, that they are a
kind, large-hearted, generous, and great people.” In that faith I
am going to see them again; in that faith I shall, please God,
return from them in the spring; in that same faith to live and to
die. I told you in the beginning that I could not thank you
enough, and Heaven knows I have most thoroughly kept my word. If I
may quote one other short sentence from myself, let it imply all
that I have left unsaid, and yet most deeply feel. Let it, putting
a girdle round the earth, comprehend both sides of the Atlantic at
once in this moment, and say, as Tiny Tim observes, “God bless us
every one.”
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SPEECH: BOSTON, APRIL 8, 1868.
[Mr. Dickens gave his last Reading at Boston, on the above date.
On his entrance a surprise awaited him. His reading-stand had been
decorated with flowers and palm-leaves by some of the ladies of the
city. He acknowledged this graceful tribute in the following
words:- “Before allowing Dr. Marigold to tell his story in his own
peculiar way, I kiss the kind, fair hands unknown, which have so
beautifully decorated my table this evening.” After the Reading,
Mr. Dickens attempted in vain to retire. Persistent hands demanded
“one word more.” Returning to his desk, pale, with a tear in his
eye, that found its way to his voice, he spoke as follows:-]
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, – My gracious and generous welcome in
America, which can never be obliterated from my remembrance, began
here. My departure begins here, too; for I assure you that I have
never until this moment really felt that I am going away. In this
brief life of ours, it is sad to do almost anything for the last
time, and I cannot conceal from you, although my face will so soon
be turned towards my native land, and to all that makes it dear,
that it is a sad consideration with me that in a very few moments
from this time, this brilliant hall and all that it contains, will
fade from my view – for ever more. But it is my consolation that
the spirit of the bright faces, the quick perception, the ready
response, the generous and the cheering sounds that have made this
place delightful to me, will remain; and you may rely upon it that
that spirit will abide with me as long as I have sense and
sentiment left.
I do not say this with any limited reference to private friendships
that have for years upon years made Boston a memorable and beloved
spot to me, for such private references have no business in this
public place. I say it purely in remembrance of, and in homage to,
the great public heart before me.
Ladies and gentlemen, I beg most earnestly, most gratefully, and
most affectionately, to bid you, each and all, farewell
SPEECH: NEW YORK, APRIL 18, 1863.
[On the above date Mr. Dickens was entertained at a farewell dinner
at Delmonico’s Hotel, previous to his return to England. Two
hundred gentlemen sat down to it; Mr. Horace Greeley presiding. In
acknowledgment of the toast of his health, proposed by the
chairman, Mr. Dickens rose and said:-]
GENTLEMEN, – I cannot do better than take my cue to from your
distinguished president, and refer in my first remarks to his
remarks in connexion with the old, natural, association between you
and me. When I received an invitation from a private association
of working members of the press of New York to dine with them today,
I accepted that compliment in grateful remembrance of a
calling that was once my own, and in loyal sympathy towards a
brotherhood which, in the spirit, I have never quieted. To the
wholesome training of severe newspaper work, when I was a very
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young man, I constantly refer my first successes; and my sons will