The New Hampshire Gazette

Montgomery, the Poet.—The following interesting account of an interview between Mr. Carrer, editor of the New-York Statesman, and the Poet Montgomery, is contained in one of the letters of the former to his partner:-

"Finding ourselves rather unexpectedly at Sheffield, without letters of introduction, and having a strong desire to see the Poet Montgomery, I addressed a note to him, enclosing my card, making known our wishes, and requesting the favor of an interview. It was a novel experiment, partaking more of the spirit of adventure, than of either etiquette or politeness. Some slight apology might be found in a kindred profession, and in the expectation that the interview might take place at the office of the Iris, of which he is editor.

In a few minutes a note was returned, saying, that Mr. Montgomery would be happy to see us at any time between 5 and 7 o'clock on that evening. At 6 o'clock thinking a medium the safest, we called at the number designated in the note, and passing through a book-store, were shown into a small neat sitting-room, in which a table was set for tea. In a few minutes, Mr. Montgomery made his appearance, and we went through the awkward ceremony of a self-introduction which his politeness, however, rendered as little embarrassing as possible.

We soon took seats at the tea-table, and his affability, as well as that of the lady with whom he lives, and who has relations of my acquaintance in the United States, made us forget that we were strangers, and in some degree removed the restraint of unexpectedly throwing ourselves upon his hospitality. The conversation turned upon a great variety of topics, literary, local and general; and one of the happiest hours of my life passed in the society of a Poet with whose writings I had long been familiar, and from which I could have repeated to him a hundred favorite passages.

In his manners, Mr. Montgomery manifests all that mildness, amiable simplicity and kindness of heart, so conspicuous in his writings. His flow of conversation is copious, easy, and perfectly free from affectation. His sentiments and opinions on all subjects of remark, were expressed with decision and frankness, but at the same time with a becoming modesty. His language is polished and select, betraying occasionally the elevation of poetry, but exempt from any appearance of pedantry. While the merits of all his contemporaries were freely discussed, and the meed of discriminating praise liberally awarded to each, not the slightest allusion was made to his own writings, although they are quite as much read in our country as those of any other living poet. It would have been a breach of politeness in me, to have told him how many generous sentiments he has instilled, and how many hearts he has made better, beyond the Atlantic.

I was much amused with a little incident that occurred while we were at tea. A kitten kept purring and mewing about him, and would often leap up into his lap, as if it claimed a familiar acquaintance, and had been accustomed to receive its daily portion at his hands. He seemed slightly annoyed, and endeavored secretly to silence the importunities of the little animal for her tea. This scene, trifling as it was, at once suggested to my mind the gentle virtues and domestic habits of the amiable Cowper.

Mr. Montgomery is now at the age of forty-seven. In his person he is slender and delicate, rather below the common size. His complexion is light, with a Roman nose, high forehead, slightly bald, and a clear eye, not unfrequently downcast, betraying a moderate degree of diffidence. The contour of his face is not unlike that of Mr. Lloyd, Senator in Congress from Massachusetts, and there is also a resemblance in their persons.—The events of his life are too well known in our country to need repetition. Both his parents died as missionaries in the West-Indies, and to that misfortune we are probably indebted for one of his finest poems. He appears to be universally respected and beloved in the place of his residence. But I have perhaps already said more than the delicacy of an interview under such circumstances can justify, and will therefore only add, that at eight o'clock he very cordially took our hands, and wished us a pleasant tour."