of, a
small elderly gentleman, dressed in an old black coat and cocked hat, by
the name of Knickerbocker. As there are some reasons for believing he is
not entirely in his right mind, and as great anxiety is entertained
about him, any information concerning him left either at the Columbian
Hotel, Mulberry Street, or at the office of this paper, will be
_thankfully_ received.

"P. S.--Printers of newspapers would be aiding the cause of humanity by
giving an insertion to the above.--Oct. 25."

Almost two weeks later a notice signed _A Traveler_, told that the old
man had been seen resting by the road over which the Albany stage coach
passed. Then in ten days followed this amusing letter to the editor of
the _Post_:

"Sir:--You have been good enough to publish in your paper a paragraph
about Mr. Diedrich Knickerbocker, who was missing so strangely from his
lodgings some time since. Nothing satisfactory has been heard of the old
gentleman since; but a _very curious kind of a written book_ has been
found in his room in his own handwriting. Now I wish you to notice him,
if he is still alive, that if he does not return and pay off his bill
for board and lodging, I shall have to dispose of his Book, to satisfy
me for the same."

Needless to say, the book was issued in due time, and it was warmly
welcomed not only in the United States but in England.

This year of great literary success was also one of the saddest in
Irving's life. He had become deeply attached to Matilda Hoffman,
daughter of one of the lawyers under whom he had studied, and was
looking forward to the time when she should become his wife. The death
of the young girl in 1809 caused a grief so deep that Irving almost
never spoke of it. He remained true to the memory of this early love
throughout his life, and never married.

By this time it had become plain that Irving could write with far more
effect than he could ever hope to practice law. Yet the idea of using
his pen in order to earn a living, not merely for his own amusement, was
so distasteful to him that he put aside the thought of a literary
career. Had he not had two kind and indulgent brothers, it might have
gone hard with him at this time; but he was given a one-fifth share in
their business, and being only a silent partner was allowed to spend his
time in whatever ways he pleased.

In 1815, however, it became necessary for him to take his brother
Peter's place for a time at the head of that p