9:45 A.M. In a few minutes to see W., who was still in his room and eating breakfast.
Had been reading Press. Also said had enjoyed copies of Scribner's I left with him yesterday.
W. spoke of death of Hedge—of his advanced age—his long friendship with Dr. Furness. "I am personally greatly indebted to Hedge—have been for 40 years. He was the man opened German literature to me. You have seen this book." Stopped eating—turned in his chair—shoved about several books, etc., on floor—and drew out "Prose Writers of Germany," edition 1848. "It was a great book for me—I shall not forget its influence. It was a necessity, nobly answered." He could never have got at the German writers in the original—so that "this book became indispensable."
W. well—I did not linger.