MARTIN VAN BUREN, OF KINDERHOOK, STATE OF NEW YORK, EX-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. On arriving at the village of Kinderhook, the Doctor and I hired a nice little carriage to Lindenwood, the residence of Mr. Van Buren; it is distant three or four miles from the hamlet. It was the 12th of July, and a lovely evening; the drive was extremely pretty, through a fertile farming country, studded with fine forest trees. The house stands at a pleasant distance from the road, and the shady limes, then in the rich luxuriance of summer foliage, precluded it from view until we arrived at the door. On ringing the bell, a gentleman stepped from the parlour; and with that feeling of true unaffected politeness which would not permit a lady, female or woman (they are the same person in America, and are all regarded with the same courtesy), to wait until the arrival of an attendant, advanced himself to receive us. From the resemblance to his pictures, I immediately recognised the ex-President. I had received had received my husband's positive command to pay my respects to Mr. Van Buren, but I had no letter of introduction, for, on requesting this favour from some of my friends in New York, they mentioned that they had recently differed from him on political grounds, and should feel diffident upon the subject; but I had with me a letter of introduction from Lord Aberdeen, then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in London, to the British Minister in Washington; to be sure it was sealed up, but that did not signify; so I presented it to Mr. Van Buren, observing that it would certify that I was not an impostor. The ex-President's manners are bewitching, he took me by the hand, laughed heartily at my mode of self-introduction, himself lifted from the carriage my travelling bandbox, first ordered the driver home, and then said, "The name you bear, Madam, is of itself a sufficient introduction; of course you will stay here, for it will give us the greatest pleasure." Of course, it gave the Doctor and myself the greatest pleasure; we sat down in a cool and pleasant parlour; iced water, lemonade, and wine* were immediately presented; we were introduced to the family of Mr. Van Buren, and after tea rambled through the garden and the farm. The ex-President gathered flowers for me, led us to look at his potatoes, presented me with a branch of delicious red currants, and delighted me by calling my boy "Doctor," and walking along the fields with his arm round the little fellow's neck. The child was perfectly happy, and I retired at half after eleven, forgetful of rest and sleep; for I had listened with delighted ear to the discourse of my accomplished host. And yet I could not define the charm which this magician flings upon his words; they are natural, and of common use; and he speaks of common things, and of common feelings; his opinions, sentiments, and thoughts are expressed in language which all men understand, for it appeals perpetually to their own nature; he clothes their own perceptions and desires, their knowledge and their wisdom, in hues so fair that they become * There was, also, I remember, some unfermented wine. enamoured of the wit and worth which he so skilfully places to their account. His conversation is like a strain of varied music, now grave, now gay, now learned, now simple; generally new and original, but sometimes blending in its harmonies the chords of other minstrels; and by this union, imparting to their sounds a grace transcending their own. Being somewhat of a humourist, he tells a story most happily, and likes to hear a good one. Often, unexpectedly, a new view of a subject is presented, unconsciously as it were, by the speaker, who never for one moment seems to think of display; self is annihilated in the wish to make others happy and at ease; no temptation could induce this most amiable of men to utter a witticism at another's expense; he praises the deserving of all parties and of all countries with generous candour, and with discerning justice; and speaks of himself with that unreserved confidence, which is so attractive in a distinguished His voice is very agreeable, it has a cheerful, kindly sound, and varies with the theme he speaks upon; combined with the inexpressible charm of his manner and conversation, it is, doubtless, a man. powerful agent in enabling him to conjure men's hearts out of their bosoms. He spoke of many whom he had known in England; and observed that he "should like to visit the Old Country again as a private traveller, divested of the insignia of office, and thus to observe more at his ease the various peculiarities of society." But, added he, smiling, "I am sixty-four, and I am here in the midst of my family,—my children and my friends are all around me, and I am happy." "It is impossible to describe a more affectionate family," says one* who knows him well, and loves him much, "than the home circle at Kinderhook. The intercourse between the father and his sons is of the most confidential and endearing kind. The amiable disposition of Mr. Van Buren, his invariable good humour and indulgence, make every inmate of his household happy." I remember well the emotion of Mr. Van Buren, while relating to him, during my second visit in July last, the death of one, gentle and good, * The Hon. Henry D. Gilpin, who filled the office of AttorneyGeneral of the United States during the Presidency of Mr. Van Buren. |