Other men are known to posterity only through the medium of history, which is continually growing faint and obscure; but the intercourse between the … - Washington Irving

If ever I should wish for a retreat, whither I might steal from the world and its distractions, and dream quietly away the remnant of a troubled life, I know of none more promising than this little valley.

There is no situation in life but has its advantages and pleasures — provided we will but take a joke as we find it

All now was hurry and bustle. The meeting of acquaintances — the greetings of friends — the consultations of men of business. I alone was solitary and idle. I had no friend to meet, no cheering to receive. I stepped upon the land of my forefathers — but felt that I was stranger in the land.