Recollections of Samuel Breck

Mr. Breck was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1771, five years before the Colonies had declared their independence, and died in Philadelphia in 1862, while the war of the rebellion was in active progress. His father was a wealthy merchant, and he enjoyed a good position throughout life, associating with the most distinguished of his countrymen, and with many of the most important visitors from abroad. His notes of travel in Europe and of life at home abound in curious details, not always accurate, perhaps, but very interesting nevertheless. Perhaps the most valuable part of the book, however, is the insight it gives into social life in New England immediately after the peace. Puritanical restrictions began to sit heavily on the shoulders of the young Americans, nor is it much to be wondered at when we read low Mr. Breck narrowly escaped arrest for the high crime of travelling to see his father, after a long separation, on the Sabbath day. Theatrical entertainments were forbidden Boston as late as 1791, so that the Hub at that date could scarcely have been a very pleasant home to a youth fresh from London and Paris. At that time Philadelphia was the centre of polite society and the residence of President Washington, and thither Mr. Breck and his family removed.