William Cullen Bryant

Mr. Bryant, at the age of 81, assisted by Sidney Howard Gay, who was formerly on the Post, and who was selected by him as his aid, has undertaken to write a history of the United States. It will bo eomprised in four large volumes of 000 pagos ench, and will oost $100,000. The fust voltimo is already undor way, and contains much of his writing. This work will probably be bis last one of any magnitude, and will contain the efforts of his riper years, whieh he will leave as his heritage to posterity. It is remarkable that so agod a man should begin an enterprise of so great moment, but Mr. Bryant is a man of the greatest ambition. His history will deal at length with some izarte of American history which have been less discussed by previous writers, and will thus have an interest beyond that which it will possess froin its literary excellence. In person Mr. Bryant is of medium size, and slightly bent with age. Thete isjnothiug in his appearance to attraet particular attention, as some people think there must bo in men of genius. His hair, beard and eye-brows are long and white, giving him a very venerable exprëösion. His features are agreeable and kindly, He is tthvays cheerful and pleasant in conversación, and laughn heartily at a joke. When at his country house he visits the office about once a week, and sits and reads the papers without glaSses. Ho is very vigorous for ao oíd a man, and now and then indulges in such gymnastic exercises as raising himself up over the door by his arms, in competition with the younger men. He always walks down from his house when he visits the office during his residence in town. He has one of the editorial rooms of the Post. It is the sanctum salictorum, but is seldom occupied, as he rarely works in it. The poet resides, during the summer, at his country house at lïoslyn, Long Island. He will be in the city in a week or two for the winter. His place at Roslyn is old and beautiful, with its wealth of trees and vinos. It is a fit j home for him, and he loves it well. The most distinguished men of the time feol honored when, at his invitation, they enjoy his hospitality. He is a mental autoorat, and his invitations are sparingly given. One of his intímate friends said, the other day: " Mr. Bryant is the proudest man I ever saw, and yet he isn't ashamed to work."