LETTER V.

Liverpool, England,

Monday, May 26, 1828.

Yesterday evening I visited the church in which the pupils of the Asylum for the Blind worship. The service commenced, as do all the publick religious exercises in the afternoon at Liverpool, at six o'clock, P. M. I paid one shilling at the door for admission, to a man posted there to receive it, who afterwards conducted me to a good seat. Though there is no actual demand made for entrance money, yet it is expected from every stranger, and there is a printed notice on the door for this purpose. The services were, of course, after the

form of the church of England. The chaunts were by the blind pupils: the voice of Rebecca, one of the most intelligent blind girls, was harmonious indeed; and when they all pronounced the frequent Amen, which they rather sung than spoke, the effect on the feelings was exceedingly touching. The musical performances of the pupils are perhaps more remarkable than their skill in the mechanick arts: they play on the organ or piano some of the most difficult and complex pieces of musick, without omitting a word or making a false note. At the Asylum we saw, yesterday, their Musick Hall, which is well furnished with an organ and numerous pianos, and on which they practise a good deal. The sermon was not much; but I left the church

highly gratified, if not much instructed. This morning I went with Mr. B., to whom I had letters, and who has been exceedingly attentive and kind, to see an annual exhibition of the flowers in bloom at this season. The company collected on this occasion was numerous and well dressed, though it poured down torrents of rain. This exhibition gave me an opportunity of seeing a good deal of the female fashion, and manners of the place. Except a few ultras, who wore long-tailed cloth riding habits, round hats and jockey whips, you would not have been able to distinguish the company from a collection of American ladies and gentlemen. The flowers and fruits exhibited were numerous and in a high state of perfection, though ar

ranged without any regard to neatness, taste, or effect.

In the afternoon, that is at six o'clock, I dined with Mr. B., and for the first time sat down to a private dinner, served in a fine English style. A number of ladies were present: the entertainment was rich and profuse: excepting however in some little niceties, you might have supposed yourself at an entertainment in a gentleman's house in Philadelphia. I will here take occasion to remark, that there is an openness and a cordiality about the English of both sexes, that is indescribably gratifying to a stranger. There was none of that stiffness, and reserve, and consequence, which I expected to find, from the few specimens of their character I had seen in America.

The moment you are fairly introduced, all disagreeable restraint is removed, and you are at once at ease and almost at home. But to return to the dinner table-However much gratified with the hospitality of Mr. B., this entertainment convinces me that I can spend my time to more advantage than in feasting-four hours at least must be lost on such occasions.

I ought not to omit mentioning the Liverpool market, a place which no curious stranger should neglect to visit. The principal building is reckoned the largest structure under roof in the kingdom. It is divided into a number of avenues, extending from one end to the other, along which the various articles which form the mer