[J. Thomas Scharf (1886)] There are many anecdotes and unpublished memo-rials of Mr. Irving's life that throw a pleasant light upon his character and spirit, and show why it was that his presence was always so welcome wherever he went. A letter of his, never before printed, which has been kindly furnished by Mr. Morgan, may be taken as an example. It illustrates the genial play of his innocent humor and wit. The "Mr. Hoge " mentioned was the late William Hoge, the well-known banker, who then owned and occupied the place which was afterwards owned and occupied by the " New York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb." " The great sachem of Pokahoe" was General James Watson Webb, whose stone man-sion was in the wood about a mile or less north of the Pocantico Bridge, between Broadway and the river. " Pokahoe" was the name he gave his place, after an old Indian word, formerly used to designate the locality. Bolton says the name was of Algonquin origin, and kindred to Pocantico and Pokohantes. The following is the letter : " Sunnyside, July t, 1856. 11 Worthy and Dear.Sir: "We live in portentous times, and everything is full of direful omen. I paid a visit yesterday to my neighbor, Mr. Hoge, and forthwith a for-midable cudgel was presented to me, on the silver head of whic h was en-graved Fort 1/iHjiiesne, being fabricated from the ruins of the stronghold of former days. I came home, and lo another weapon of the kind is put into my hands from your castle of WoodclifT.