Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/214

 CHAPTER VIII.

of the authors to whom Mr. Carter was friend as well as publisher was the Rev. Dr. Cuyler. He kindly furnishes the following reminiscences of their intercourse.

“The first time I saw my honored and beloved friend, Robert Carter, was about fifty-two years ago.

“I was then a schoolboy of sixteen, reviewing my studies in the Grammar School of the New York University in preparation to enter Princeton College. He was then keeping the little bookstore in Canal Street, which had lately become somewhat famous and popular by the issue of the cheap edition of Merle d’Aubigné’s ‘History of the Reformation.’ My good mother took me there with her when she was in pursuit of some devotional books, such as Jay’s ‘Morning Exercises.’ He had a taste and appetite for that class of savory books, as a Scotchman has for oatmeal porridge and Finnan baddies, and those who relished strong spiritual food knew that they would find it at the modest shop in Canal Street. Ministers resorted there somewhat on Monday mornings; but they came in much larger numbers when he opened his more extensive bookstore in Broadway, near Chambers Street. It was there that I formed my first personal acquaintance with him, about the year 1850. It soon ripened into friendship; and I have known him intimately and loved him warmly for forty years.

“Some of our most delightful intercourse was at Saratoga, where we spent several summers together under the