The early part of the year 1841 was productive of some well-written papers. The ‘Foreign Quarterly Review’ for January contained an account of the ‘Memoirs of Varnhagen von Ense,’ and its April number introduced Luchvig Uhland and his followers, grouped as “Suabian Poets,” to the reading public.

‘Blackwood's Magazine’ for February contained a review of the ‘Memoirs of Baron Strombeck,’ whose account of King Jerome Buonaparte's dramatic appearance in Westphalia, as its satrap for Napoleon, was full of interest for the world of fifty years ago. In August, John Blackie also contributed to ‘Maga’ a notable article on the “Traits and Tendencies of German Literature,” enlarging with point on the influence of the State upon the national mind.

For ‘Tait's Magazine’ he continued the popular “Burschen Melodies,” and wrote an article on “Protestantism, Puseyism, and Catholicism,” contributing to the Poet's Corner “The Emigrant's Song,” “To a Caged Eagle,” and “My Lady's Picture.”

The routine of this year's spring was varied by an episode, sudden, tumultuous, and fleeting, which can scarcely be ignored. He fell violently in love with a lady whose identity the fragmentary indications of flashing eyes and imperious temper, with the solitary information that her name was Mary, cannot help us to discover. He met her once without speaking to her, a second time with five minutes’ ordinary talk, and after, dreamt of her for two months together. Then came a fortunate Wednesday evening, when he was permitted to escort her home from a party, and when she graciously gave him leave to call.