6:03 PM
In this chapter we find our St Louis Salesman is now in Boston and visits wholesalers who import chinaware from Europe. Again, he meets many interesting people such as Rev Theodore Parker who not only knew John Brown (who is best known for his raid on Harper's Ferry) but also wrote a letter in defense before Brown's hanging.
He is upset that he is able to attend only two plays, one of which I found a copy on Google Books (thank you- Indiana University for donating this text- read online or download)
He isn't happy with his hotel in Boston as the one he had in New York as he writes,
"I predict that ere many years such hotels will be more numerous and our cities then such as we have now."
And he manages to squeeze in two days at the Agricultural & Mechanics Exhibit and comments,
“Progression is the law of the universe”. What may we not hope for, and reasonably expect, within the next 25 years?"
Boston, Massachusetts
On Thursday 25th I started at eight o’clock a.m. I took a train for the Boston, via New Haven, Harford and Springfield and arrived before dark. It took about 8 1/2 hours including stoppages (weather fair).
Revere House was first class No.1 in Boston but I can't help remembering in New York, the Brandseth House is kept on the European plan. That means you can eat when you please and what you please and pay only for what you call for and the charge is 75 cents per day for room. I had the best stay there that I have had since I started this trip and even had my boots blackened [polished] for 6 1/4 cents. There were regular printed prices for every dish on the bill of fare [menu]. For one half dozen good large oysters stewed and plenty of crackers only 12 1/2 cents, so I ate chiefly oysters. -- I found that about one dollar per day furnished me fare that I greatly preferred to any I can get in a No.1 establishment and $2 per day for a No.1 Hotel. Alias I miss it, since there is no hotel of this kind in Boston- had there been I would have stopped at it. I predict that ere many years such hotels will be more numerous and our cities then such as we have now.
Agricultural Exhibition & Mechanics Exhibition
For two days (Friday 26th and Saturday 27th) I devoted entirely to the great United States Agricultural Exhibition going on here and in the evening (Thursday) I visited the Inventors and Mechanics Exhibition. I have been very highly entertained and I trust have learned many useful things. I did never knew there were such beautiful animals in the world as were seen here. -- I cannot stop to describe them now, but I seen so many useful machinery exhibited at the inventor’s exhibition. Surely the world moves, “Progression is the law of the universe”. What may we not hope for, and reasonably expect, within the next 25 years? -- Much -- truly much.
To enlarge, hit the image
Boston Theater- Mary, Queen of Scotts
Boston Theater- Mary, Queen of Scotts
On Friday evening, the 26th, I saw and heard Mad’lle Rachel at the Boston Theater in the play of Maria Stuart, Mary Queen of Scotts. The play was in French and there is no doubt she is great in her profession. She was ably sustained since one of her sisters took the part of Queen Elizabeth and did it first rate I might add. Several people, who were friends of the Parisian theatrical troop told me the actors arrived in New York on the steamer Pacific where they began performing the play "Les Horaces." One of the actors, Mr. Beauvallet told them, "Here in Boston, everything is exactly the opposite of New York. They like tragedy better than drama. Boston is the literary city of the Union." [Quote taken from Foreign Actors on the American Stage. pg 524]
Rachel played at three o’clock p.m. and the other theaters had their performances at the same time making it impossible to attend more than one. Saturday evening was different in Boston, there were no theaters open, only one or two concerts made up all the amusements I could see any notice of in the newspapers. Unlike myself or others in this country, Bostonian's respect the Old Puritan Fashion of keeping Saturday evening as a part of the Sabbath.
Visit to Preacher- Theodore Parker
I made a brisk walk this Sunday morning, October 28th. to heard Theodore Parker, a Unitarian minister, who preaches to thousands at the Boston Music Hall. I strained my eyes to see some of the more famous members of the congregation such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott, but alias with the masses, I will never know if they was there for sure. Needless to say, I was very much pleased with him. He is truly a most noble man. I strongly support Parker's views against the registry of Negroes and the war between Mexico, but perhaps not as openly as he. It is public knowledge that he is part of the Vigilance Committee here who aids fugitive slaves. Due to Bostonian's popular opinion of him, the charges against him have been recently dismissed for eluding the capture of Anthony Burns in 1854.
On my return to the hotel, I wrote letters to my loved ones who I miss so dearly.
Cattle Sale
Monday, October 29, 1855- I called on the Theodore Parker and Elizas Wright. Afterwards, I visited the fair grounds and attended the sale of cattle and also visited again the inventor’s fair. I saw Mr. Wright again in the evening.
Largest Importer of Chinaware-
French, Wells & co.
Tuesday, October 30- I spent the day in showing samples of kaolin to the importers of china ware and to the others whom I thought likely would be interested in it. Of these men, I left the largest sample with Messr. French, Wells & co., and they are the largest importers of china ware in Boston. Mr. Odiorne is a cousin of Thomas Odiorne and a partner in the house [French, Wells & co.] and treated me very politely. They promised to show it to their European friends and to take pains to let everybody see it who is interested in kaolin.
I showed the clay to the only potter in the city. He makes a common fair article. I gave him samples and he promised to test them. Also, I left samples with Mr. Francis Alger at no. 2 Central Wharf (Mr. Odiorne introduced me to Him). I believe he is an agent for some European Houses. At any rate he is much interested in china clay. He liked the looks of ours and will test it and write us.
Play
In the evening I visited the museum and saw Miss Eliza Logan's play Adrienne Lecoureur performed in the English version. Mr. Bauvallet had seen the performance too and felt Mr. William Warren who played the part of Michonnet of the old stage manager exceedingly remarkable. Before the performance I purchased the play with the French version on the left and the English one on the right so I could read along. The five act tragedy ends with Adrienne's death,
ADREIENNE
"Life! Life! Fruitless efforts-vain prayers! My days are numbered. I feel the power of existence is escaping me- do not leave me, Maurice, very soon and my eyes will see you no longer; a little longer, and my hand will not be able to press yours."
MAURICE
Adrienne! Adrienne!
ADRIENNE
Oh- theatrical triumph! My heart beats no more with those ardent emotions! And you long studies of an art that I loved so much- nothing will remain of you after I am gone- nothing lives of us after our death- nothing but the recollection- you will not forget me. Adieu Maurice! - Adieu my two friends!"
The audience was very large, that at least 2000 persons present I presume. It is a place for the million, -- admittance 25 cents.
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