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nected with his intercourse with his fellows in the ordinary walks of life. The following incidents will well illustrate his characteristics in these relations. While spending a short time with his sister, Mrs. Daniels, at Georgetown, in 1857, he said to Mr. P., the conductor, Mr. P., I am considerably isolated, and do not see the papers as I would wish. Please bring me some of the Boston dailies.' When asked what ones he would prefer, he decided to see The Advertiser' as a commercial 6 and The paper, Post,' that he might read both sides in politics. These were promptly delivered by the gentlemanly and accommodating conductor, who was very willing to indicate his respect for such a man by an act of kindness; never thinking that he should merit or receive any special notice from the financier.

"Some weeks after, while riding in the cars, as he frequently did, between Georgetown, Boston, Salem, &c., Mr. Peabody asked his indebtedness to the conductor for the papers, &c. He was assured that he was very welcome, and that he esteemed it a privilege to confer such favors upon one who was doing so much for humanity; and that it was a very trifling affair on his part. But little was said on the subject, and they parted at the station.

"Some months afterward, the conductor received by express a beautiful morocco case, which, when opened, was found to contain several photographs of Mr. Peabody, taken in different postures, &c., executed in different parts of Europe; an embossed silver vase, about eight inches in

height, of exquisite workmanship, with the conductor's name engraved on it, and the name of the distinguished donor. It also contained an autograph-letter, in which he was requested to transmit these articles to his children as a memorial-gift,' indicating the esteem of the donor for the recipient. It is probable that the conductor's gentlemanly bearing toward the distinguished traveller, his politeness, and general accommodating spirit, may have suggested the honor conferred, since he had been heard to say that he always felt at home in his train; as other travellers will also testify."

"The Boston Post," shortly after the departure of Mr. Peabody, contained an article concerning his personal and business habits, from which the following extracts are taken : —

"Mr. Peabody, say his old friends and neighbors at Salem, was eminently a peculiar man. Possessing a strong will and firm determination in the carrying-out of his purposes, he obtained at once the respect and admiration of those with whom he came in contact. Although, like a genuine Yankee, Mr. Peabody was fond of a good bargain, his every action was beyond the breath of a suspicion of meanness. His desire was only to be treated as other men were. Several years ago, there lived in Salem a hackman named Davis, who was more remarkable for his independence and plain-speaking than for the quality of his accommodations. His prices, also, were below those of his competitors. Mr. Peabody rode with this hackman

one day, and, on arriving at his destination, tendered the

usual fee of fifty cents.

"Here's your change, sir,' said Davis, returning at the same time fifteen cents.

"Change!' exclaimed Mr. Peabody: why, I'm not entitled to any.'

"Yes, you are: I don't tax but thirty-five cents for a ride in my hack.'

"How do you live, then?'

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By fair-dealing, sir. I don't believe in making a man pay more than a thing is worth just because I've got an opportunity.'

"Mr. Peabody was so pleased with this reply, that he ever after sought Davis out, and gave him the bulk of his patronage. This, however, was not very remunerative. Mr. Peabody cherished an inveterate dislike to parade, and carried this feeling sometimes to a ridiculous length. When at the zenith of his fortune, he has been known to stand out-doors for some minutes in a drenching storm because he preferred a horse-car to a hackney-coach. This feeling extended even to his dress. His plain and substantial garb exhibited no token of the wealth of its wearer, and was shaped in the plainest and most substantial manner. very seldom wore an article of jewelry. His watch was attached to a plain, black-silk guard; and pearl buttons only were visible in his shirt-bosom. Until his last visit to this country, Mr. Peabody refused, notwithstanding the repeated solicitations of his friends, to employ a valet; preferring

He

to discharge the duties of his own toilet. These duties, however, became irksome with declining years; and he finally consented to lay them off his shoulders. He therefore took with him to England a favorite and trusty servant who had been in the family of a relative for many years, and whose position was rather that of a confidential friend than a menial. This man was with Mr. Peabody from the time of his departure, last August, up to the hour of his death, and will accompany the remains to this country."

Newspaper reports are often unreliable, but yet full of interest; and when, among the questions asked concerning Mr. Peabody, came this, "Why was he never married?" "The Boston Transcript" made a partial attempt to solve it in these words:

“About a quarter of a century ago, Mr. Peabody was so much pleased with an American lady visiting London, that he offered her his hand and fortune, which were accepted. Learning, a short time afterwards, that she was already engaged, — a fact of which she had kept him in ignorance, — he rebuked her lack of sincerity, and broke off the engagement."

Another newspaper created a sensation with an article headed, “A Romantic Episode in the Life of George Peabody," and went on to state as follows:

"The reason why George Peabody, the great philanthropist, remained a bachelor all his life, may be explained, perhaps, by the following chapter in his history: —

"When Mr. Peabody was just entering upon his career of success as a business-man, in Baltimore, he met by chance a poor girl, who was but a child, but whose face and gentle manner attracted his notice. Questioning her in regard to parentage and surroundings, he found her in every way worthy his regard, and a fit subject for his benefaction. He at once adopted her as his ward, and gave her an education. As she advanced in age, her charms of person, as well as brightness of intellect, won the affections of her benefactor. Through this relationship, he had an ample opportunity of watching her progress; and day by day her hold upon his affections grew stronger.

"At length, as the ward bloomed into womanhood, though much her senior in years, Mr. Peabody offered her his hand and fortune. Greatly appreciating his generosity, and acknowledging her attachment for him as a father, she, with great feeling, confessed that honor compelled her to decline the acceptance of this his greatest act of generosity; informing her suitor that her affections had been given to another, a clerk in the employ of her benefactor.

"Though disappointed and grievously shocked, the philanthropist sent for his clerk; and, learning from him that the engagement had been of long duration, Mr. Peabody at once established his successful rival in business, and soon after gave his benediction upon the marriage of his ward. This, it is said, was the first blow his heart received; and it is possible that from this episode came the inspiration that made the future of Mr. Peabody so universally distin