The psychometric impression from the manuscript of the foregoing poem was as follows:
“This seems like a poetical influence. I think the person who wrote this, was adapted to intellectual pursuits,—a man of fine powers of mind, but not fully progressed in thought. As far as he knew, at the time of this writing, he was appreciative of your suggestions, and of scientific progress. He was a cool-headed man,—not a light or superficial thinker, but thought on deep subjects. He was a brain worker; it makes my brain tired. I think he published books—poems. I think he was more a poet than a prose writer. He was not like Tom Moore—there was nothing light or superficial—his poetry was grand, solid, deep, stirring. He could write upon warlike scenes, vividly and descriptively, but was not in favor of war. He would deplore any appearance of war, but he had a patriotic spirit, a proud spirit, and would defend the right and assail the wrong.”
This description was verified in his numerous volumes of poetry, such as “Legends of the Islands,” “Poetry of the English Lakes,” “The Battle,” “Town Lyrics,” etc. He also published three volumes of “Memoirs of Popular Delusions,” edited the London Review, and was the war correspondent of the London Times from this country during the rebellion.
His opposition to war is shown in the following admirable poem, the reading of which revived my recollection of its author.
FREEDOM’S WARFARE. By Charles Mackay.
We want no flag, no flaunting rag,
For Liberty to fight;
We want no blaze of murderous guns
To struggle for the right.
Our spears and swords are printed words