ed upon the world of letters in this city. At that time the
best literary thought of the nation was expressed through the medium of
_Graham's Magazine_, of which Mr. Peterson was the editor. Among his
learned and brilliant associates were James Russell Lowell, Edgar Allan
Poe, Dr. Rufus Griswold, Dr. Bird, Richard Penn Smith, Professor J. K.
Mitchell, Judge Conrad, Morton McMichael and Louis A. Godey. Of all
these men with whom Mr. Peterson worked and lived upon the most intimate
terms of literary companionship Mr. Lowell now alone survives. Fifty
years ago they were the names which gave to American literature
distinction, and made Philadelphia the most prominent centre of genius
and talent. Among his contemporaries Mr. Peterson held distinguished
rank, and had he continued his literary career there can be no doubt
that he would have continued to hold it even in the army of writers who
in recent years have become so famous.

"But Mr. Peterson put aside writing to become a publisher, in which he
achieved remarkable and deserved success, and subsequently he wrote but
infrequently, and then only brief brochures intended solely for private
circulation among his friends, but which showed the fertility of his
mind, his rare fancy, fine taste and ripe judgment.

"But while Mr. Peterson was commonly known as an author, editor and
publisher, he was best known by those who enjoyed the happiness and
privilege of his acquaintanceship, friendship or more affectionate
relations, as a man of the noblest character, the tenderest
sensibilities, the most refined and gentle qualities. Advancing age, a
great and sorrowful loss, that of an only son by sudden death, induced
him to withdraw from the society that had always welcomed his presence,
but in his seclusion he did not grow misanthropical or morbid. His faith
in God and men seemed to grow stronger and greater the nearer he
approached the end, and in dying he was close to both. His nature was
most generous and affectionate; and age, which so often dulls and
hardens the finest characters, left his brilliant and gentle to the
end. He was a man of large benevolence, giving largely to those who in
his wise judgment were worthy, and his bounty to authors and old
associates who had struggled and fallen by the way was measured only by
their needs. He was a good citizen and a good man; those who knew him
best loved him best. We can speak of him only as he was in that part of
his daily life wi