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for sixty-odd years.
In the latter part of that year he wrote in the journal, ‘I always keep on my desk “Sunset and evening Star” [Tennyson's “ Crossing the Bar” ], and am ready for whatever comes.’
On the eve of his eightieth birthday, in 1903, a reception was given to him by the
Boston Authors' Club, when
Judge Robert Grant read his inspiring verses written for the occasion, and afterwards printed in the ‘Atlantic Monthly,’ beginning:—
Preacher of a liberal creed,
Pioneer in Freedom's cause;
Ever prompt to take the lead
In behalf of saner laws,
Still your speech persuasive flows
As the brooks of Helicon.
You have earned a fair repose,
Thomas Wentworth Higginson!
This poem
Colonel Higginson called ‘one of the greatest laurels I ever won.’
He thus alluded in his diary to the celebration:—
Dec. 21.
Evening — an unexpected and elaborate reception by the Authors' Club.
There was a series of flattering speeches, of a more headturning description than anything I ever had addressed to me, but they left me happy and humble.
After one of the receptions given him by the
Grand Army Post which bore his name, he wrote, ‘Reception by
T. W. H. Post Sons of Veterans—much enthusiasm making me feel quite humble.’
