attention of the more near observer, and prevent him from calmly considering the ultimate tendency of those great principles which, though now more or less every where acknowledged, are found to clash with the prevalent interests of the moment; it is not only that the noise of the combatants is lost in the distance, whilst the petty actors in the shifting scene dwindle into air, leaving only apparent the colossal stage itself, and the general purport of the great drama which it exhibits; it is not only this, but that the various revolutions which have convulsed the European continent, have thrown into America a motley crowd of statesmen, soldiers, and politicians, who can here repeat the result of their experience without risk, and consequently without reserve. This continent seems at present to be the great side-scene into which the chief actors of Europe make their exits, and from which, in the revolutions of human destiny, they may perhaps again be called to make their

entrances.

It was observed, I think, in the English House of Commons, by a generous opposer of the Alien Act, that the present league subsisting between the great European potentates, had realized the appalling picture drawn by the masterly pen of Gibbon, when the proscribed sought to fly the power of Rome, and found her every where. The parallel, however, is not perfect; since there

are now two hemispheres, while formerly there was but one. Beyond the waters of the Atlantic, the proscribed of every nation, whatever be their merits or demerits, now find a leucé, wherein, though they should bring that with them which may poison happiness, they may at least enjoy security. Perhaps I am sanguine; but judging from the sentiments of the foreigners with whom I have chanced to engage in conversation, I feel disposed to augur well of many nations which are now little considered. The march of the human mind is rapid as silent, and many circumstances conspire to accelerate its progress. The very existence of this country teaches volumes; even those who have never considered its history, and who seek it from necessity, merely as a haven of rest, or as a field of mercantile speculation, when they look around them upon a cheerful, intelligent, peaceful, well-ordered community, are led to examine the secret spring which impels and regulates its political machinery. Men are here brought to think who never thought before, and who then bear with them to distant climes the result of their observations. A spark dropt from the torch of liberty will always spread, and spread until it bursts into flame.

It is a useful curiosity which impels us to engage in conversation with a foreigner; however circumscribed his mind, however scanty his stock of information, he is sure to know many things

L

which we cannot know. It is curious also to hear his observations upon the men and things that surround him; even should he see them through the medium of local or national prejudices, his remarks may be at least amusing, if not instructive; though it is probable, indeed, that they will be the latter also; for, in detecting the prejudices of others, we are often led to detect our own. It is always with peculiar curiosity that I listen to the remarks of Europeans upon the institutions of this country, and the appearance of its population, often so strangely, and sometimes so painfully contrasted with those of their native soil. An Irishman exclaims, "Ah! it is a fine country!” and sighs as he thinks of his own island. A Frenchman observes, "Mais comme tout va doucement et sagement!" And a Swede, whom I chanced to cross some weeks since, closed some fervent ejaculations with "Ah! we cannot conshieve de vantages of dish peeplishes;" or, as he afterwards more intelligibly expressed it in French, "Nous autres Européens nous ne sçaurions concevoir le bonheur de ce peuple sans en être témoins."

I have already, in a former letter, introduced you to the family, to whose kindness and hospitality we are here so much indebted. I know not that I have as yet met with a more amiable specimen of the American country gentleman than we have found in this house; his children and infant grandchildren look up to him with that respect and

affection which ever bear the most beautiful testimony to a parent's character. In his earlier, I can hardly say more vigorous years, he carries his accumulating lustres with so much ease and dignity, he took a part in political life. On retiring from the senate, he was employed in diplomacy on the continent of Europe, from whence he returned to pass the remainder of his days on his farm in Pennsylvania. I should like those, whose fancy pictures to them the American farmer as a half civilized savage, to see this veteran's mild aspect, but unbent and majestic carriage; to see him rendering attentions of the kindest and most finished politeness to all around him; in manner and sentiment invariably the gentleman, the kind and considerate father, companion, and friend.

THE hasty letter I addressed to you from Connecticut, will have explained to you my unusual silence, and relieved you from any apprehension that it might be occasioned by a broken neck; but in truth you are rather unconscionable in epistolary demands. You had no manner of title to look for a letter by the Martha, and yet I thank you that you did look for it. It tells me that your thoughts are as often on this side the ocean as mine are on yours.

We have just made the passage up the magnificent Hudson (160 miles) from New-York to this city, which has indeed but one, though that no unimportant title to so grand a name, in being the capital of the state. It is probable, however, that the government will soon have to travel in search of the centre of the republic in like manner with that of Pennsylvania. Albany indeed seems to stand as in expectation of her falling honors, for though there are some well-finished streets and