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New York Morning Herald, March 13, 1840, p.1.
NEW HAVEN, March 5, 1840
The African Philosophers--The Revivals--Combe's Lectures--Progress of Phrenology,
&c.
DEAR BENNETT--
As it is a long time since you have received a communication from the city of Elms,
a few lines on the state of niggers, philosophy, morality, literature and the ladies,
may not be unacceptable.
Cinguez and his companions are daily fattening up, and appear to enjoy the opening
of spring amazingly. They have learned English enough to call for "baccar"
and "pennies," of both of which they receive a plentiful supply. Their
instructors have been busy the whole winter in drumming the alphabet into their thick
heads, and undoubtedly, by the time the Supreme Court has decided their case, they
will be abundantly qualified to go amongst their colored brethren, as missionaries
of Abolition. Parson Ludlow has expressed a desire to accompany them, and every person
is hoping that his desire may be gratified. Col. Pendleton set the whole company
to work cleaning out the street, a short time since, but they proved so stupid a
troop, that he gave it up as a bad job.
The winter has been unusually quiet--no parties, balls, or anything else to stir
up the people, and the ladies have almost died with ennui. But the spring opened
under more favorable auspices. The Baptists, Methodists, and Ludlowites, are having
great revivals, and doing an immense business; and all the learned, beautiful, and
gay are attending Combe's lectures on phrenology. The worthy professor himself is
delighted with the character of his audience, and the prospect of pocketing a thousand
dollars by twelve lectures. But step with me into the lecture room.
On the front sea, the erect and commanding of Silliman (himself the prince of lectures,)
rises above all the rest, while his eagle eye seems to look in every direction at
the same time. Next appears his honor Judge D---t, once the greatest lawyer in the
state, now in his old age, and his dotage, though still active enough to read lectures
in the University, and to visit the ladies. the judge has but recently been made
a widower, and report says he is about to take as another help-mate, a highly accomplished
maiden lady, who for thirty years past has kept a boarding house for his law-students.
Dr. T---r, of New-school theology memory, sits next to him, and, as they have both
remarkable pates, the judge and the Dr. alternately examine each others heads, as
the organs are described. Next is Robert B---n, the African counsellor--Dr.K---T,
the New Haven anti-phrenologist--parson E---n, ex-senator K---y, ex-governor, E---s.
Judge H---k, who is gravity itself; poet H---e, who tries to look remarkably wise,
but is remarkably sleepy-headed, and professors by scores, down to Professor O---d,who,
by reason of his philosophical way of doing small business, has been promoted by
Mr. Combe to the post of window-opener. There too sits your quondam knight of the
shears--who is the richest man here, and owns the finest house, with conservatory
annexed, which is to remain unoccupied until he can get a wife to occupy it with
him. By his side sits his niece, who occasionally whispers into her uncle's ear,
"Awake, St. John, and leave all meaner things,
Knowledge to gain, before your youth takes wings."
But turn to more pleasing subjects. So many bright eyes, rosy checks [sic], and happy
faces, salute us in every quarter that we know not where to commence the enumeration;
however, we'll commence at the right. The dignified Miss S---s, daughter of another
distinguished African counsellor, fills the most conspicuous station.
The beautiful and brightly Misses W--- do honor to the memory of the cotton-gin inventor,
and are surrounded by a host of admirers. Further on is the ex-governor's daughter,
whose dark tresses and sparkling eyes have entangled many a heart.--Next are the
two Misses S---h, daughters of a deceased Senator, well provided with all that makes
a woman lovely. The pretty little daughter of Dr.---t, who listens to every word
that is said on the bumps of affection--the daughter of Bishop B---e, who looks incredulous--the
Misses A---e, the accomplished guardians of the Avenue Nunnery--the lovely Laura
and her sister Cis, two beautiful flowers--Fanny B---h, Gertrude H---n, Margaret
J---n, the Misses S---s, the attractive Donna, and her widow daughter, ( one might
be puzzled to know which is the mother) and many others, all handsome, none ugly,
and some possessing golden charms.
We shall now pause for ten minutes, during which I desire that the windows may be
opened.--Hats are immediately clapped on--Professor O---d flies to his vocation,
and the students fly to the ladies; and such a buzz! On! dear Mr. Bennett, it would
do your heart good to see them.
This is Combe's last course; and he has offered his busts, and other apparatus, for
sale. He must have made a pretty handsome sum by his visit to this country; though
I doubt if he has made many converts. Adieu. SWEDENBORGIUS.
