'Mrs. Stowe!' exclaimed Mr.
Goldschmidt, 'the author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"? Indeed, she shall
have a seat whatever happens!'
"Thereupon he took his hat and went out, returning shortly with
tickets for two of the best seats in the house, inclosed in an
envelope directed to me in his wife's handwriting. Mr. Howard said he
could have sold those tickets at any time during the day for ten
dollars each.
"Today I sent a note of acknowledgment with a copy of my book. I am
most happy to have seen her, for she is a noble creature."
To this note the great singer wrote in answer:--
MY DEAR MADAM,--Allow me to express my sincere thanks for your very
kind letter, which I was very happy to receive.
You must feel and know what a deep impression "Uncle Tom's Cabin" has
made upon every heart that can feel for the dignity of human
existence: so I with my miserable English would not even try to say a
word about the great excellency of that most beautiful book, but I
must thank you for the great joy I have felt over that book.
Forgive me, my dear madam: it is a great liberty I take in thus
addressing you, I know, but I have so wished to find an opportunity to
pour out my thankfulness in a few words to you that I cannot help this
intruding. I have the feeling about "Uncle Tom's Cabin" that great
changes will take place by and by, from the impression people receive
out of it, and that the writer of that book can fall asleep today or
tomorrow with the bright, sweet conscience of having been a strong
means in the Creator's hand of operating essential good in one of the
most important questions for the welfare of our black brethren.
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