It is now certain that all this then
inevitable train of calamity hung on arrogant and peremptory phrases
in the prepared and written missive of the British Minister, to
America, which the Queen (and Prince Albert latent) positively and
promptly cancell'd; and which her firm attitude did alone actually
erase and leave out, against all the other official prestige and Court
of St. James's. On such minor and personal incidents (so to call
them,) often depend the great growths and turns of civilization. This
moment of a woman and a queen surely swung the grandest oscillation
of modern history's pendulum. Many sayings and doings of that period,
from foreign potentates and powers, might well be dropt in oblivion by
America--but never _this_, if I could have my way. W. W.
AMERICAN NATIONAL LITERATURE
_Is there any such thing--or can there ever be?_
So you want an essay about American National Literature, (tremendous
and fearful subject!) do you?[46] Well, if you will let me put down
some melanged cogitations regarding the matter, hap-hazard, and from
my own points of view, I will try. Horace Greeley wrote a book named
"Hints toward Reforms," and the title-line was consider'd the best
part of all. In the present case I will give a few thoughts and
suggestions, of good and ambitious intent enough anyhow--first
reiterating the question right out plainly: American National
Literature--is there distinctively any such thing, or can there ever
be? First to me comes an almost indescribably august form, the People,
with varied typical shapes and attitudes-then the divine mirror,
Literature.
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