LETTER CCXL. From the same. Aug. 21, 1794, Jokes however aside, though I have often, to keep up the ball, in imitation of Johnson, belied my real sentiments in ridiculing matrimony, yet I always secretly revered it, and perfectly agree with you, that on the whole, notwithstanding certain drawbacks, it bids fairer for happiness than the happiest state of celibacy can pretend to arrive at; and when a proper opportunity offers, shall be glad to risque the experiment. Ridentem dicere verum Quid vetat ? A. F. LETTER CCXLI. From the same, Philadelphia, Oct. 30, 1805. In June last I accompanied Dr. Wistar, Professor of Anatomy (whom you know), in a long journey on horseback, N. W. from Philadelphia to Lancaster, and from thence to the Susquehanna Junietta, and through several counties of Pennsylvania, far among the woods and wilds, and over such rough formidable roads as I had never seen before, except in my former tour along the banks of the Lehigh, into the wilderness, where the wild terrific scenery made me conceive we had entered on the confines of old Chaos! We alighted and walked over the rocky bottom, admiring the pendent rocks and hanging woods nodding over our heads, expecting to encounter rattle snakes and other poisonous reptiles, but saw none. In the wilderness we often travelled many miles without seeing a human being, and at length arrived at Belfont, our head quarters, a little town or rather village among the iron forges, where we had a little trout-fishing, and some agreeable rambles among the honest people, who were every where very civil and accommodating though their fare was coarse and homely. The solitary inns, ycleped taverns, often mere loghouses, without locks, and sometimes even a latch to the doors where we slept; yet we felt no apprehension or suspicion of danger. We returned by Northumberland, a neat town on the Susquehanna, pleasantly situated on a neck of land between the two great branches of that noble river, in which we bathed with great refreshment. Spent a pleasant day with Mr. Priestley's family and Mr. Cooper, viewed the laboratory, great burning lens, and other implements used by the late celebrated Dr. Priestley. The sight of these and his library, and some printed sheets of his life, drew from us a heartfelt sigh! We returned by Reading, another handsome city, where we also met with much hospitality. We returned by the Yellow Springs, the water of which is a strong chalybeate, though not much frequented; and reaching Philadelphia had ridden about 500 miles. This day I accompanied Judge Smith to the villas along the banks of the river Shailkell, and viewed the famous mill for sawing large blocks of marble, where with two main wheels and some simple machinery, put in motion by a small rippling rill, no less than 22 saws were at work! a truly ingenious and useful contrivance, and which facilitates labour at a very cheap and expeditious rate. There is a similar mill, though on a much smaller scale, in Market Street, Philadelphia: whether such mills exist in England I know not. A. F. LETTER CCXLII. From Dr. RUSH to Dr. LETTSOM. Dear Sir, Philadelphia, April 8, 1785. I was sorry to perceive by your last friendly letter that you have failed in procuring a loan for my friend Mr. W. I lament the decay of the American character in London, and wish I could say something in defence of it. War tends to loosen the bonds of morality and government in every country; the effects of it have been greatly increased by the people of America handling for four or five years a depreciating paper currency. The evils produced by both, I hope, will soon cure themselves. As nitre, the offspring of putrefaction, is afterwards an antidote to that process of nature, so vice often furnishes the most powerful remedies against itself, in the political as well as in the moral world. To reform as well as to enlighten our country, colleges and schools are now founding by the friends of humanity in most of the States. I have undertaken the duty of a trustee of a College lately established near the centre of Pennsylvania, at a village called Carlisle, 120 miles to the westward of Philadelphia. The place where this village stands, 30 years ago was inhabited by Indians and beasts of prey. It now contains above 300 houses, built chiefly of stone, and three churches. This may furnish you with a sample of the rapid progress of population and improvement in Pennsylvania. The college of Carlisle owes all its funds to private donations. We have appointed a Principal and two Professors; and our prospects are very flattering of a large accession of youth from every part of the State. We suffer as yet a great deal from the want of a li brary. Granville Sharp, esq. has extended his benevolence across the ocean; and we have recorded his name as a benefactor to our infant seminary in that way. I know the pleasure you take in doing good; I know your zeal in promoting knowledge; and hundreds testify your partiality to the American States. Will you give me leave to solicit your friendship to our College, in begging a few books from your friends for our library? the sweepings of their studies will be very acceptable in our illiterate wooden country. The lumber of the stalls in the streets of London, which are sold by weight, would make us truly rich. It will give me great pleasure to make our trustees (who are composed, with a few exceptions, of the first men in the State) acquainted with your name, and to assist in transmitting it to posterity, in a country where the fame of learning and benevolence will exist, after both have yielded in every part of Europe to the admiration of splendid buildings, or to a veneration for hounds and horses. Your assured friend, and humble servant, |