settle in Canada, in preference to these States, I can see reason for his false colouring; but why should he do it at the expence of the American character? which is, according to him, a compound of stupidity, laziness, and knavery. It may be accounted for another way; some young men have come over to America, from England and from Ireland, who have no consequence in their own country, yet assume intolerable airs of importance in this; they appear to me to be of that class of men which you, in England, denominate "Riders," who are sent by the merchants and manufacturers to settle accounts, and obtain orders. The haughty airs with which these little great men adorn themselves, are very disgusting to our quicksighted peasantry and inn-keepers, who do not fail to tip their companions the wink, as much as to say, "let us smoke this assuming foreigner," and this they sometimes do to his mortification and disgust. The Americans are a very civil, courteous people. Their attention to gentlemen strangers is as remarkable, as their sarcasms are severe to certain characters who affect to despise them, their manners, and their country. I have seen enough of other countries and my own, to form some judgment on this head, and I venture to pronounce the Americans a kind, humane, and courteous people, but feelingly alive to resentment when they perceive a foreigner treat them with contempt, and behave as if the American ground were not good enough for them to walk on. Such writers of

Travels as this Isaac Weld, actually do a great dis-service to their countrymen, who may hereafter visit this country. Such writers will probably occasion the Americans to treat the English, Scotch, and Irish in the manner he describes; and surliness, shyness, and inhospitality may be the consequence of such publications. Had this young traveller visited New England, and written in the same abusive strain of its inhabitants, I would certainly have addressed a letter to him through thẹ medium of a London press.

B. W.

LETTER CCLXIII.

Dear Doctor,

From the same.

Cambridge, Jan. 1, 1801.

This is the first day of the new year. A severe snow-storm distinguishes the ending of the old, and the beginning of the new.

This year began, shall wondrous things behold!
But-what to me the stars have not foretold,

says one of our American almanack-makers.

You in the south of Britain can form no adequate idea of one of our severe snow-storms, when the wind rages as if it would "blow the earth into

the sea." This rugged season is, however, with us, a season of merriment, universal sociability, and expansive bounty. Our ancestors brought the custom of making this season a period of hilarity from Europe. At this season the rich give a portion of their good things to the infirm poor, and to those confined in prison, not even omitting the criminals; so that the hearts of the most wretched at this time are made to beat with a short-lived joy. If the earth be covered with a firm body of snow, it is esteemed an highly favourable circumstance. By means of it, an easy and pleasant intercourse is made between our vast back country even as far back as Canada, and our sea-ports; for the mode of travelling in sleighs renders every transported article much cheaper than if conveyed by wheels. Thus does a firm and even coat of snow increase our plenty, mirth, and sociability;

For now, amidst the rigours of the year,

The tinkling sleigh-bells greet the damsel's ear.
The vial too sends forth its frolic sound,

And mirth, and dance, and jollity abound.

You will cease to wonder at my quoting rhymes, when I tell you that I employed my pen the greatest part of yesterday in the manufactory of poetry! You must know that it is the custom of the news-carriers to address at this season, those to whom they carry papers, in rhyme, or what they call poetry, recounting past events, foretelling future ones, magnifying their own importance,

and begging a little money. One of these Mercuries who frequents my doors, applied to some of my family for such an address, and so it came in a circuitous course to me. Being confined to the house by indisposition and the snow-storm, I tried to enliven the gloomy interval by weaving a poetical address for the aforesaid Mercury; and I here transcribe a few of the leading stanzas for your diversion, should they happen to meet you similarly situated. When you have read them you may burn them, as I should probably do, were I to keep them until to-morrow. Several stanzas, alluding to local matters, are omitted:

THE NEWS-BOY'S ADDRESS TO HIS CUSTOMERS ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR, 1801.

The various comforts of the changing year,
In situation snug have oft been sung;
Spring, Summer, Autumn, elevate and cheer,
And furnish charms to grace the poet's tongue.

But chilling Winter, riding on the storm,
Half froz'd I sing unto my trembling lyre;
With scarce enough to keep my body warm,
Or wherewithal to feed the kitchen-fire.

I am a Printer's Boy, condemn'd to trudge,
In snow and rain, to circulate the news;
Can this be done, kind patrons, you shall judge,
Without a small expence of boots and shoes?

Although December keen, has blown his blast,
Yet Januarius the same trumpet blows;
He's froze the lakes, and all the rivers fast,

And painted blue your humble servant's nose.

Think what I brought you all, the year before,
Occurrences most strange beneath the sun,
Will ever year unfold to mortals more?

Yes! bounteous Sirs!—the year that's just begun.

Old Ninety-odd pass'd like a rapid stream,

And on his surface bore tremendous things!
Vast heaps of slain, "and garments roll'd in blood !"'
The blood of subjects and of scepter'd kings!

'Twas then you heard how Liberty inspir'd

With more than mortal energy, the band,

Who would in Bastile-dungeons have expir'd,

Had they but lisp'd these words-" The Rights of Man."

Hark! Gallia's cannon roar! terrific sound!
Lo! stupid vassals strew the bloody field!
See Austria's sons with anguish bite the ground,
And the combined slaves compell'd to yield!

These were thy triumphs, France! but lo! a tear
In frighted Mercy's milder eye is seen,
Check'd in her heavenly course by Robespierre,
And his infernal scourge, the Guillotine.

But see Democracy, of Yankey birth,

With open front, and an undaunted eye,
How kind he looks! how firm he treads the earth!
He dares to think, and act; nor fears to die.

On his approach fell Cruelty withdraws,

(Dress'd like an Algerine, all stain'd with blood)

And in his train, Equality of laws,

With Peace and Love, and every other good.