Edward Cary

“ In the drawing of this picture we see the working of an old man's memory, for it is much more detailed than that of more important matters occurring later, as when we are indulged in an account of young Schurz's first affair of the heart, which deeply occupied him in some most stirring and even momentous experiences, but which passed without his summoning courage to address the object of his boyish adoration. ”

“ They naturally, on this account, possess an intimacy and directness peculiarly attractive. This is enhanced by the fact that the reminiscences were at first intended only for Mr. Schurz's immediate family and close friends. One catches in them the glow and warmth of talks by the fireside in the long evenings, the play of affectionate sympathy, the eagerness of filial pride in the achievements of a remarkable life, the confiding responsiveness of one wholly sure of his audience. ”

“ Gottfried Kinkel, whom he afterward rescued from the prison of Spandau, and who was in every way a most gifted and noble man, quite worthy of the splendid devotion he inspired in young Schurz. Despite his extreme youth, and despite also the modesty of this narrative, it is plain that Schurz did real service, showed rare qualities of mind and heart, and acquired a solid training which stood him in good part in his after career.
Certain of these qualities which do not usually go with youth are to be noted. ”