transport the whole to thy grounds at Camberwell. Let the person who does this, send thee the dimensions of every part.

I intend to establish a Philosophical Society here, under the title of the Columbian Philosophical Society, or some such name. I hope to have thy leave to inscribe thy name as a member, and that thou wilt not only become a member, but forward the institution by sending some papers.

The celebrated Volney has lately arrived in America, and is now republishing his Travels into Egypt and Persia. He is engaged in reducing all the Oriental Languages to the European Alphabets; and I am pleased to hear that the first person he inquired for was thy friend Cadmus.

It has been observed that Cadmus, after introducing letters into Greece, went to build the city of Thebes-This application has, however, too much of vanity in it for me to repeat. I often think of the observations of Solomon, that after he had built and adorned his pleasant places, and planted groves, and had obtained all that the heart of man wished for-it was vanity; there is no solid pleasure but that which is derived from good works.

I have no doubt, from what I hear, that Volney will pay me a visit soon. I wish it, for there is no language that man can speak which I cannot write at least this is my idea. Judge Turner, one of the superior Judges of the N. W. territory,

told me, that since he studied my small work, he can take down with great facility the Indian languages, which before he was incapable of doing; though he understood tolerably the language of the nation of Creek Indians. The Judge understood my work in a few hours, with instruction, and writes English perfectly. He is a man of great genius, and I think will make many valuable discoveries in the back countries which he visits. When Volney comes here, we shall try to reduce the Eastern Languages to a fixed scale, which will advance towards the completion of an universal alphabet. I think it will not contain more than about fifty characters, perhaps even fewer may do, for the European may be considered as containing the great outline of all; and there is more case in learning it, than can at first be conceived, for when we have laid aside names, sounds follow in order.

The great key of human learning will be the universal alphabet, with a perfect knowledge of which any one will be able to read all languages as they are spoken; how much then will the learning of languages be facilitated. When I first began this subject I found unspeakable difficulties, and I at one time had many doubts as to the completion of it, for difficulties increased for some time, every part was so involved in error by many ingenious men. The cause of my considering the subject at all was, the difficulty I had in teaching a negro servant to read. I was tor

tured with his want of intellect, and considering the subject, I found the language was faulty, for the man understood when I gave words properly spelt; but in the present mode there is no spelling at all. We invariably speak letters, and my plan is, to write the letters we speak. We never speak but one letter at a time. But let my work speak for itself.

I have a fine farm, for which I pay six thousand pounds, this currency, about £3530 sterling, of 572 acres, situated just six miles from George Town and the City of Washington. I have also purchased several lots, next to those whereon the President means to build his private house of residence in the city, which we have travelled over together on foot, and laid out plans of future improvement. Thou wouldst, my dear Lettsom, enjoy such little excursions-we were alone, and I thought myself highly favoured by the manner in which this great man received my opinions. Thou wishest to see him-come to this region of happiness. I have many things confided to me, that, could I consistently with my duty disclose, would make our prospects appear to thee truly grand. We are approaching to a state which will, I doubt not, be the envy of the world. Come, I say again, and I promise thou shalt have a gratifi. cation that emperors covet to enjoy-thou shalt converse with Washington,-thou wouldst be by him kindly received, he would soon know thee, and call thee his friend. What do I say to thee?—

thou art in the midst of learning, of arts, science, grandeur, wealth. It requires a mind of great resolution to leave all these things, but thou hast a great mind, and many will envy thy happiness if thou art thus gratified. I can say nothing of what I would say were I not entrusted with the mind of the President, but I know thou wilt love me yet better for refusing to tell even my best friend what is confided to me. Washington would not hesitate to tell thee many things, although he is very reserved in general. Come, and partake of his conversations, where thou wilt find such solidity of judgment as shall convince thee that his mind dwells in the midst of great things, and mingles in trifles with difficulty. He is a man of great accuracy, of great forbearance, firm in his friendships, chaste in his opinions and words, correct in his judgment, free from affectation, mild and even meek in his manners, respectful to the meanest person, whose salute he never fails to return; indefatigable in his duties; temperate ; he retires early, and rises early; is an example in private life; but above all, he is an example in public, of reverence to the Deity, by his regular attendance at church; and in all his actions as Chief Magistrate of our Republic, he invokes the protection of God, and ascribes to Him alone the happiness of our Nation!

I intend to collect all I can concerning him; and if I can do nothing with it myself, it may be of service hereafter. I wish it were in my power

to do him justice. He has a regular Journal of his whole Life, particularly during the war, which is all in order; this will be a treat. I have seen in his private closet the trunks that contain these valuable memoirs.

W. T.

LETTER CCLXXXV.

From the same.

Washington, Oct. 9, 1797.

If, my friend, all the instances of your generous attentions to the afflictions of human nature, were recorded, they would compose an ample volume. When I hear of misery, I sympathize with the sufferers, and I would be willing to grant a participation of what little falls to my lot. When I hear of such generous liberality as raises the objects o distress above want and misery, and cheers the voice of affliction, my heart bursts with feelings of benevolence towards such virtuous men. I feel grateful to Heaven that the emanations of Divinity are permitted to quicken the sensibility of mortals, and that the mysteries of perpetual happiness are revealed. Were it not for the enjoyment of that delight which is only known to them