A few friends felt at liberty to visit the recluse, and were kindly welcomed, but he himself sought no one.

His favorite companions were his grandchildren, with whom he delighted to pass his time, and his devoted wife, who was a constant assistant and adviser in his literary work, chiefly done at this period for his own amusement.

To her he addressed his last little poem, the touching 'Return of the Sire de Nesle.' Various efforts were made by the New York literary colony to draw him from his retirement, but without success.
It has been suggested that he might have accepted a magazine editorship, but this is doubtful, as he could not bear business details or routine work of any sort.

His brother Allan was a New York lawyer, and until his death, in 1872, managed Melville's affairs with ability, particularly the literary accounts.
During these later years he took great pleasure in a friendly correspondence with Mr.W.Clark Russell.

Mr.Russell had taken many occasions to mention Melville's sea-tales, his interest in them, and his indebtedness to them.