_What I came to New York for_.--To try the experiment of a lecture--to
see whether I could stand it, and whether an audience could--was my
specific object. Some friends had invited me--it was by no means clear
how it would end--I stipulated that they should get only a third-rate
hall, and not sound the advertising trumpets a bit--and so I started.
I much wanted something to do for occupation, consistent with my
limping and paralyzed state. And now, since it came off, and since
neither my hearers nor I myself really collaps'd at the aforesaid
lecture, I intend to go up and down the land (in moderation,) seeking
whom I may devour, with lectures, and reading of my own poems--short
pulls, however--never exceeding an hour.
_Crossing from Jersey city, 5 to 6 P.M._--The city part of the North
river with its life, breadth, peculiarities--the amplitude of sea and
wharf, cargo and commerce--one don't realize them till one has been
away a long time and, as now returning, (crossing from Jersey city to
Desbrosses-st.,) gazes on the unrivall'd panorama, and far down the
thin-vapor'd vistas of the bay, toward the Narrows--or northward up
the Hudson--or on the ample spread and infinite variety, free
and floating, of the more immediate views--a countless river
series--everything moving, yet so easy, and such plenty of room!
Little, I say, do folks here appreciate the most ample, eligible,
picturesque bay and estuary surroundings in the world! This is the
third time such a conviction has come to me after absence, returning
to New York, dwelling on its magnificent entrances--approaching the
city by them from any point.
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