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as yet. There is, however, a great desire in the Eastern States to see what was said about the casus omissus in the Treaty, that part relating to the Fisheries. The language held by the Ministers at Ghent is not supported by any description of people here, every one, of course, concluding they have no other rights on the subject than those derived from the laws of nations.

The boasted proof of the shameful traffic in slaves has been furnished, on the demand of the Senate, and will as much astonish you as it did me. It proves to be a copy of a paper published in a small town in Virginia, purporting to be the affidavit of a single obscure individual making the assertion. The original affidavit, after a most diligent search, cannot be found. I have sent home, in one of my dispatches, the report made by the Secretary of State, which Hamilton can show you, if you are desirous of seeing as curious and lame a story as ever was fabricated against us in this country.

Hughes turned up some days ago, after a passage of fifty-two days, and is now in Washington with his wife Laura. His account of his miseries is truly diverting. You will have seen by the papers that the American Commission has been a perfect magazine of ministers. Hughes talks of giving up diplomacy, but Carroll has a strong wish to be Adams's Secretary of Legation.

If you see Dr. Adams will you remember me kindly to him? Tell him that as soon as the Treaty was well ratified, doubts were started here as to the meaning of the 1st Article, in that part where slaves and other property are mentioned at the end of a sentence; the term "said forts" is used where no forts had been before mentioned, and adds to the obscurity.

Great indignation has been shown at the mode in which the American signatures are placed in a row under the British. Mr. Monroe has declared to me that no consideration should have induced him to affix his signature in such a manner. I perceive that this is laid, in some measure, to my account, and I have exhausted myself in assurances that no slight or disrespect was intended to the United States.

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MILLER TO MR. F.

Washington, March 20th, 1815.

This city has been quite deserted since the rising of Congress. Mr. Monroe has been on a visit to his country seat, and returned yesterday, but will not remain here above a few days. Mr. Dallas, the Secretary of the Treasury, is now in Philadelphia, and the President sets out for Virginia to-morrow. I called yesterday evening to take leave of him, and find it is impossible to be too attentive in these ceremonious visits, which are exceedingly acceptable. I ought now, after the most approved precedents of dispatches from this place, to inform you that I mean shortly to leave the city myself. I am, however, detained by a wish to get into some established residence before I move. I am still at Crawford's, and, as you may imagine, spend half my evenings on the road, going and returning. I intend fixing myself in the Six Buildings, in one of Mrs. Thompson's houses, formerly occupied by Morier. Three weeks have already elapsed, and it will be some days yet before the rooms will be in decent order, nothing having been done to them since Morier went away.

The President had hired Taylor's house, but is now on the point of leaving it and taking up his quarters at your old house in the Seven Buildings, having turned out the Treasury, which had been established there since the conflagration. Serrurier is moving from his hill into the house occupied by Ct. Pahlen, and afterwards by Daschkoff, near the lower bridge. He has not as yet received his new credentials, and I have been obliged to defer making my formal visit, after sundry conferences on the important subject with the Swedish and Dutch Ministers. I have made Mr. Dallas, however, present me to him at a party, and had a great deal of chat with him. He seems a pleasant conversible man. I had malice enough to drop out something about the triumph of the bonne cause in Europe, which he could not at present take amiss. He reconciled himself to the change by saying, "Nous etions trop grands pour notre bonheur. He has married a very

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handsome but rather negative French woman, daughter of a Consul in this
country.

Our latest public news is, the capture of Fort Bowyer, on a point com-
manding the entrance of the Bay of Mobile, by a part of the unlucky New
Orleans Army, under General Lambert. Mobile is supposed to be threatened.
This, in connection with a report, that Spain had ceded the Floridas to us,
in repayment of the sums advanced in the Peninsular war, has excited a great
sensation here. This is, as you know, a sore point.

People of all ranks, conditions, and even persuasions want to be Consuls. S... of New London wrote to me, conceiving it to be a matter of course, that he was to resume his functions. I, however, hinted to him that a fresh Commission and Exequatur would be necessary. If the arrangements are not completed, it would be right to do something for poor Patton, of Alexandria. His pretensions are very moderate, and he is a deserving and respectable man.

You were formerly so surfeited with newspapers that I do not send you
any. Should you wish to have the "National Intelligencer," (our old friend
for inclosures,) I will take care to forward it regularly.

MILLER TO THE HON. CAPT. M.

Washington, March 22nd, 1815.

I had the pleasure of receiving your letter written after you had left Sandy Hook, and congratulate you upon the expedition you used in getting to Sea. Your movements were so rapid, that Mrs. Madison tells me, her letters and the dispatches from this Government, although sent after you in a Pilot Boat, did not reach you, and were returned to Washington.

I hope you found my agents at the Foreign Office, Messrs. Bidwell and
Bandinel, serviceable in arranging your accounts. I am still where you left
me, at Crawford's, although my future residence in the city is now on the
point of being completed, and I hope to move into it in a few days. Washing-

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ton has become triste beyond idea since the rising of Congress, most of the Members of the Government with the President having left it. Fortunately I have a good deal to do at present which fills in the time.

I send this home by Kaye, who returned from Canada yesterday, after having undergone a great many marvellous adventures, the account of which, I have no doubt, you will find very amusing, should it ever fall to your lot to be shut up again with him in an American stage. The Canadians are not at all satisfied with the Peace.

We have no news here except that Carroll has fallen deeply in love, and flatters himself he is going to be married; the latter part is, however, thought to be doubtful.

MILLER TO LADY B.

Washington, April 10th, 1815.

Your Ladyship will, I am sure, easily account for my not having before done myself the honour of writing to you, as since my departure from Ghent, I have been in a constant whirlwind of occupation, and literally Chargé-d'Affaires. I did not fail, however, during the short time I was in London to call in Cavendish-square, where I learnt that you had been for some time on the Continent.

The public accounts will have informed your Ladyship of the extravagant joy with which the Peace was received in this country. The balls and rejoicings are not, indeed, yet terminated in some of the principal towns. It has afforded me the sincerest satisfaction to have been selected for the purpose of completing the Peace; and I am quite proud of having, by these means, borne a part, however inconsiderable, in the great drama which has just closed, for although affairs may still be in a very unsettled situation in Europe, the exchange of the Ratifications of the American Treaty undoubtedly was the termination of the awful series of events which arose out of the French Revolution; and whatever future wars may occur, it is not to be expected that the political liberties and independence of the world will be immediately endangered by them.

I am now doing all I can to cover up well the hatchet we have buried, so that things may be as tranquil and quiet as possible on the arrival of a Minister from England. I have no wish or desire to be advanced to such a situation myself, being content here to take my leave of this branch of public business, and by becoming Consul General in this country, as I hope, and think I have some title to expect, to obtain a permanent and solid provision for the future. It is, I believe, intended that there should be only one Consul General in the United States, the other being suppressed, which will add very much to the importance and consideration of the office.

I cannot find terms to express my sense of the kindness which I have experienced from Lord Liverpool; and I was fortunate enough during my passage to London to meet with Mr. F. who was on leave of absence from Copenhagen, who in the most warm and friendly manner rendered me every assistance in his power, and was of the greatest service in forwarding my views. I need not say how happy it will make me to be honoured with a letter from your Ladyship, and to learn that your residence in the South of France has been as beneficial to your health as you anticipated.

MILLER TO THE REV. J. H. G. L.

Washington, April 20th, 1815.

I find that I must begin my letter, like yourself, with accounting for having so long neglected to write. The occasion of my silence is not, however, I am happy to say, of so melancholy a nature as that which occurred in your case. I received your letter—which I have brought with me across the Atlantic, being determined to take the first opportunity of answering it—just as I was getting into the carriage at Ghent on an excursion of nearly a fortnight to Cologne on the Rhine. Immediately that I got back, we resumed our conferences with great spirit, and succeeded in making a Treaty, with which I set off post-haste to London, and arrived in forty hours on the Monday morning; on the Monday following I was clear of the Channel in the Favourite Sloop-of-War, steering under a press of canvass for America.

382

During the passage we had such severe weather, that we thought of nothing but taking care of ourselves, and since my arrival here, you may well imagine I have not had many idle moments.

You will have seen by the accounts carried home by Capt. Maude, with what joy we were greeted here. It has, I assure you, given me the greatest satisfaction to have been so fortunate as to be selected to consummate the Peace, and thus, by extinguishing the last embers of war, to be able to boast of having my name connected with the winding up of the awful and tremendous series of events which have so lately shaken the world. It is to be regretted that we closed the campaign so badly on shore. In England, by this time you have had, in all probability, the reasons of our failure explained; to me they are at present inexplicable. I am doing all I can here to get things as quiet and calm as possible, until the arrival of a Minister; for do not imagine that I have any views of being appointed myself. I have no wish nor pretensions of that nature, and, what does not often occur, shall resign my office with the most perfect cheerfulness and content.

I congratulate you on your thriving family. My line of life is not so conjugal as yours, but I dare say my time will come. Do you remember our famous fencing matches in your rooms in the Great Quadrangle, when the equanimity of a certain personage used to be a little disturbed, by being hit oftener than he liked, by the thrust carte over the arm, until he put all science to the route by charging foil in hand. What a difference to view you now, as the grave, careful Rector, surrounded by a wife and six children.

MILLER TO MR. F.

Washington, May 11th, 1815.

I write to you merely for the purpose of offering my congratulations on your marriage. As this letter will not reach England till nearly four months after, in any other case I should have hesitated about the discretion of sending it, but in yours, I know I am perfectly safe. I can assure you no person prays more fervently "quod felix faustumque sit," than your humble servant.

UNITED STATES. 2.—MEMOIR.

I have received a most handsome letter of approbation of my conduct which, as you may imagine, has given me the highest pleasure. Everything here looks well, notwithstanding the late astonishing events in France. Nothing can be stronger than the assurances I receive from Mr. Monroe. He sets off for Richmond in a day or two, and I mean to make an excursion to the northward, having been detained till now by sheer hard work. Do not forget your bachelor friends.

UNITED STATES, 2.

MEMOIR.

PART of the correspondence relating to Miller's subsequent proceedings during the time he had charge of H. M. affairs in the United States, has been laid before Parliament, and, should circumstances permit, further correspondence may perhaps be printed, with reference to some of the following subjects which engaged attention at the time, viz., the mutual surrender of posts on the frontier of the United States and Canada; the liberation of the prisoners of war; the restoration of the fort at the mouth of the Columbia River, on the north-west coast of America; the steps taken consequent on the riot of the American prisoners at Dartmoor, in England, and the loss of life which ensued; the fisheries; the difference of opinion between the two Governments respecting the interpretation of the 1st Article of the Treaty of Peace, in relation to slaves, which was afterwards negotiated in London, and resulted in the appointment of a special Commission on the point; the refutation of the wholly unfounded charges of the American Government, made at Ghent, respecting the sale of captured Negroes by British Officers, and also of their exciting the Northern Indians to commit hostilities against the United States; the proper execution of

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the Indian Article, introduced into the Treaty of Ghent in favour of
the Indian Tribes, and some other matters.

Great difficulty was experienced by the American Government in
reducing their army, no one caring to undertake that unpopular office;
and considerable injustice could not fail to accrue to many of the
officers, who were dismissed with merely three months' pay, many of
whom had abandoned lucrative professions for the purpose of entering
into the service. As respects the rank and file enlisted for the period of
the war, the army was reducing itself, whole troops deserting in a body.
The delay, however, on the part of the Government, after the 1st of
May, the date fixed by Congress, rather alarmed the Commander-in-
Chief in Canada, who was induced by the circumstance to wish to
postpone the departure of the British Troops who had been ordered
home, and consulted Miller on the subject; who lost not a moment in
explaining to him the real causes of the delay, and in conveying the
strongest assurances of the good faith of the American Government.
The Troops were accordingly sent from Canada; and so urgently were
their services required in Flanders, that they were not allowed even to
land at the port in England at which they arrived, but proceeded im-
mediately to join the Duke of Wellington after the battle of Waterloo.

In consequence of the sudden and immense inundation of trade
between the two countries which followed the Peace, considerable in-
convenience was experienced from the want of commercial agents in
the principal sea-port towns; particularly with respect to the signature
of manifests of cargoes, and the recovery of deserters from British
vessels; and Miller was induced (in the same manner as he had for-
merly nominated sub-agents of prisoners of war) to authorize persons
who had heretofore been in similar employments, or respectable
British merchants residing in the place, to act provisionally as Vice-

UNITED STATES. 2.—MEMOIR.

Consuls, until H. M. Government should have determined upon the
Consular appointments in the United States; the services of these
Agents being at first in every respect gratuitous. The war having of
course annulled the Commissions of all the former Consuls, he was
placed in an awkward position with respect to some who had rendered
themselves highly obnoxious to the American Government, and who
wished to return to their former duties as a matter of course, without
procuring fresh Commissions. He knew the hopelessness of obtaining
the consent of the American Government to their acting upon his
mere nomination, and did not choose to lay himself open to a refusal.
With respect to one indeed, who went to England, and returned fortified
with a new Commission, the greatest reluctance was shown to granting
his Exequatur, which was only at length furnished, in consequence
of the fear entertained by the President, that its refusal might possibly
have the appearance of an act disobliging the British Government.
Its being finally granted, served to persuade the individual in question,
that the difficulties proceeded merely from ill-will towards him on the
part of Miller, who in fact entertained no other feeling in the matter,
than that of the most perfect indifference.

He was also induced to prepare a Provisional Tariff of Fees to be
received by the British Consuls and Agents at the different ports, who
thus eventually obtained some remuneration for their services, which
Tariff remained in force until one was formed by the Government, and
annexed as a schedule to an Act of Parliament.

A commercial Treaty having been negotiated in London by Mr.
Robinson, President of the Board of Trade, afterwards Lord Grantham,
and Mr. Goulburn and Dr. Adams, who had been two of the Com-
missioners at Ghent, on the part of Great Britain, and by Messrs.
Adams, Clay, and Gallatin, who had been employed also at Ghent, on

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the part of the United States, was signed on July 3rd, 1815. It comprised only four Articles, one of which related to Consuls, and merely placed the trade between the two countries, on the footing of the most favoured nation, and admitted American vessels to an intercourse with the East Indies, allowing them to stop for refreshment, in transitu, at some British ports, including St. Helena. St. Helena, however, on the overthrow of Bonaparte, after the battle of Waterloo, having been selected as his place of imprisonment, it became necessary to close that island against all Foreign access, during the period of his residence there, and Miller was instructed to notify this to the American Government, and to add a declaration to that effect to the Ratifications which were sent out to him to be exchanged. To this the American Government consented, although Mr. Adams, their Minister in England, insisted upon some indemnity being granted by Great Britain, for the temporary withdrawal of one of the ports of refreshment expressly granted by the Treaty. Mr. Adams was a good deal astonished on his resuming his claim for some compensation in London, on having put into his hands one of Miller's dispatches, announcing that the American Government had received the Declaration, and that the Ratifications had been exchanged at Washington subject to this rider. Although the dispatch showed that little difficulty was experienced in arranging this matter at Head Quarters, it was, however, a pleasing circumstance to Miller to have been the means of thus getting rid of Mr. Adams's demand for compensation, and also, in some measure, of connecting the United States at the last scene with the great Bonaparte drama, then closed for ever.

A letter is given below relating to the change now first introduced in the form of precedence observed between the two countries, a matter of no real consequence, but not unworthy of being noticed.

MILLER TO MR. G.

Washington, December 22nd, 1815.

I have to accuse you of a total dereliction of principle upon a most
important point. You recollect your decided opinion at Ghent, relative to an
alternation of precedence with the United States, and the form which we used,
and which was persevered in here, at the expense of a little trouble, on the
exchange of the Ratifications. Judge, therefore, of my surprise this morning
on exchanging those of the Commercial Convention to find that you had given
up the point altogether in London. I could hardly be convinced, until the
original Convention was shown to me, and one of Adams's Dispatches pro-
duced, giving an account of the proceeding. Dr. Adams, I find was true to
me, and I should be much obliged to you to give him my thanks when next
you see him. With all due deference to Mr. Robinson, the Treaty of
Chaumont is not a case in point, as no two powers who signed it, stood in the
same relation as Great Britain and the United States. You may call this a
trifle, but I can assure you that I should not be surprised if the United States,
were like Louis XIV. with Spain, to strike a medal on the occasion.

Nothing is talked of here now but increase of the navy, large establishments,
a permanent and ample revenue, and a National Bank. You will perceive
by the Convention which I send home, that my name is to immortalized, both
in the Old and New Worlds, by being tacked to the Treaty.

UNITED STATES. 2.

MEMOIR.

During the summer Miller spent part of his time most delightfully
at Bristol, immediately on the right bank of the broad Delaware, about
nineteen miles above Philadelphia; on the opposite side of which river
stood the small town of Burlington in New Jersey, part of which was
spread along the green bank of the river, where many of the Philadel-
phia and other families possessed pretty country villas. The Spanish
Minister, the Chevalier de Onis, and Swedish, de Kantzow, had

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residences at Bristol, and the Dutch Chargé-d'Affaires, Ten Cate, and the Russian Minister, Poletica, with the Danish Chargé-d'Affaires, Pederson, and the Portuguese, Rademacher, were frequent visitors there, with many of the best families from Philadelphia. Whenever there were no parties, either the Spanish or Swedish Ministers received their friends, the former having added a billiard table to the agrémens of his house. His eldest daughter, by an amiable German lady, whom he married at Dresden, was a perfect musician, with a fine voice, and danced the bolero with the utmost grace, and prodigious was the jealousy of the two Swedish young ladies, both grown up, and not wanting in beauty, particularly the younger. Their mother was of the Walpole family, married by De Kantzow when employed at Lisbon. So great a réunion of Diplomatists in one spot, and that not the seat of Government, gave some umbrage to the American Ministers, who called Bristol "La pétite Haye," and Miller was obliged, on two or three occasions, during the fine season, to travel to Washington, for the transaction of some business which would not well admit of solution by writing.

The following anecdote will give some idea of Spanish Diplomacy. The younger Mina occupied rooms at the Mansion House Hotel, in Philadelphia, and was supposed to be engaged in some project of revolutionizing a part of Spanish America. The moment he quitted his apartments, they were taken possession of by one of the Attachés of the Spanish Legation, who had previously engaged them, and who collected every bit of torn up paper he could find; the whole was with great patience and ingenuity sorted and sewn together, and notwithstanding many an hiatus, enough was made out to show that Mina meditated landing on the coast, and stating the time, place, and manner of so doing; which information was, without the loss of a

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389

moment, dispatched to the Captain General of the Province, and
Mina, on his arrival, was received by Spanish soldiers in disguise,
seized, and hurried to execution.

We have some reason for supposing that Miller at Bristol fell over
head and ears in love with the accomplished and graceful Narcissa de
Onis,—so much in fact, as to have entertained serious thoughts of
marrying her,—the mother inclining in his favour, and the father
holding himself, like a wary diplomatist, neutral. This flame, however,
only served to confirm and bring to light a deep-seated attachment
which existed between the young lady and the Secretary of Legation,
a M. Heredia, of one of the oldest families in Spain, with Gothic blood
and many Hats, who eventually became her husband. This was,
perhaps, fortunate for Miller, when we consider the vast difference
which existed in point of country, religion, habits and manners between
him and his fair one.

As Poetry enters so much into these matters, we made a strict search
amongst the papers, and were rewarded by finding the following
stanzas:

Farewell, Narcissa, though the task be hard,
From this fond heart thy image to discard,
Yet it must be—the doubtful struggle’s o’er—
’Tis past—I’ll strive to think of thee no more,
The soft delusion from my memory tear,
And stifle feelings which you could not share.

The silent language of the expressive eye,
Which only love can feel, or love descry,
The pallid cheek, the pensive air, too well
Thy secret, tho’ long-cherished passion tell;
And ah! how vain the tenderest cares to move
The breast responsive to another’s love.

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Base and ungenerous he, who could destroy
Thy every hope of future bliss and joy,
Who to obedience could submit to owe,
The hand which warm affection should bestow,
And meanly selfish, satisfied with part,
Could hold a corner in an aching heart.

More lovely, gentle, graceful, cannot be,
Yet I shall find a maid more kind to me,
But never will a heart so fond, so true,
Trust me, Narcissa, beat again for you.
May peace and joy in that fair bosom dwell ;
Once more, alas! for ever, fare thee well.

1815.

The joyful news of the Victory of Waterloo was brought to Miller
when in bed at Philadelphia, and he determined to celebrate the event
by a Fête worthy of the occasion, the magnificence of which remained
for many years in remembrance in that part of the country. Invitations
were sent even to Washington and New York, and the grand Hotel
at Bath, near Bristol, was capacious enough to accommodate all guests.
A large room at the entrance of the garden was devoted to supper,
and the road to it passed through an avenue of coloured lamps and
Chinese lanthorns, scattered amongst the trees, with the words "La
belle Alliance" in large lamps across it, by which Miller and Madame
de Onis led the column of guests when supper was ready. Some
Foreigners who had arrived on a musical speculation at Philadelphia,
were engaged to give specimens of their talents between each dance,
thus varying the entertainment. The following two letters mention
the Fête, and an account of it is added, no doubt from its style taken
from some American newspaper.

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391

MILLER TO MR. J. M.

Bath, September 16th, 1815.

I received your note of July 4th, and will not fail to take the earliest opportunity of making the inquiries you mention. At present even the chief clerk is absent from Washington.

I congratulate you on the glorious turn affairs have taken in Europe. I celebrated our success here on the 13th, with a very handsome Fête and Ball, to which all the chief persons of New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore were invited. Mesdames Onis and de Kantzow did the honours to the ladies. In the garden there was a large illumination of "La belle Alliance." All the people were delighted, and although there was a great mob of their Majesties the οἱ πολλοί we had no riot. Daschkoff, the Russian Minister, on a similar occasion during the war, had two shots fired through his drawing-room windows.

MILLER TO MR. J. B.

Bath, September 16th, 1815.

..........The extraordinary expense has been occasioned by a public Fête in honour of our late glorious successes, to which all the Foreign Ministers, (French excepted) and many of the American Naval and Military Officers, and nearly every person of note within one hundred and fifty miles, were invited. There was an illumination of "La belle Alliance" in the garden, which produced a fine effect, the other decorations were excellent, and all the people were highly delighted. The whole went off with great spirit, and although, of course, the mob was immense, no riot took place. The expenses will be considerable, but I am sure, considering the occasion, which required some corresponding éclat, and that this is the only great party I have given during my Mission, in return for the attentions I have received from all quarters, that it will not be thought unreasonable in Downing-street.

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UNITED STATES. 2.—WATERLOO FETÉ.

COMMEMORATION OF WATERLOO.

Wednesday evening last, Mr. ...... the British Chargé des affaires, gave an elegant Ball at Bath, in Bucks County, to ladies and gentlemen of Philadelphia, Bristol and Burlington.

The assembly was fashionable, numerous, and gay, which in conjunction with the splendid decorations of the ball room, converted the scene from the dulness of reality into the most fascinating attractions of ideal conception. The dancing and supper rooms were decorated with wreaths of laurel, variously entwined; and the innumerable lights were artfully disposed to shed lustre and brilliancy on the surrounding objects. An avenue was formed of the long piazza of the Hotel, leading to the ball room, festooned by the luxurious drapery of nature, lighted by lamps suspended from the tops and sides, emitting a various hue through the garlands of laurel.—Over the entrance of the supper room was conspicuous by its superior effulgency in large letters—LA BELLE ALLIANCE. It is impossible to conceive the inexpressible beauty of the whole scene by any who had not the gratification of witnessing it—or fancy the exuberant manifestation of universal delight that pervaded the company. The honour of the presence of the Swedish Minister and family, the Chevalier de Onis and suite, and our gallant townsman, Capt. Biddle, added much to the pleasure of the occasion. The whole was conducted with elegance and propriety, worthy of the honourable gentleman who entertained, and the artificers engaged in the preparations.

UNITED STATES. 2.

MEMOIR.

Mr. Bagot was appointed Minister in the United States in the autumn of 1815, but did not arrive at Washington until March 18th in the following year, being detained during the winter of 1815 in England, by Mrs. Bagot's confinement. The continuance, therefore, of Miller in charge of affairs in the United States was prolonged until

394

assistance on this occasion; I would write to express my acknowledgments to Lord Liverpool, did I not fear he might think it an intrusion. My salary is the same as each of the former Consuls General received, although the duties of both are to be performed. It was at one time in agitation to make the Amount £2,000. on this account, but the idea was abandoned, for what reason I have never heard. I do not think, however, that it would be right, nor do I intend, to make any representation on the subject, as it would certainly have a thankless, mercenary appearance.

Pedersen has produced his Credentials as Minister Resident here, and a Mr. Forbes is in the city, paying strong court to be appointed Consul General at your place of residence. He was formerly Consul General at Hamburg for the United States. Great changes have taken place here since you knew the country. The President's last speech is called Federal, and Federal measures, such as Navy, National Bank, increased Revenue, and expensive Establishments, are in vogue. Federal men, however, do not share the same fate as their measures. Monroe remains precisely the same, only working hard with a view to the approaching Presidential Caucus. I think there is little doubt but he will succeed. Onis has been at last recognised.

Do you not congratulate me upon the immortality I have obtained, by making the United States, the only power which stood aloof from the grand Confederacy, a party in the close imprisonment of Bonaparte. I shall be happy to be favoured with some Danish news. I have not had a line from you since you embarked after your marriage. The papers say you had some lamps broken at your Waterloo fête. I was more fortunate, for although their Majesties collected to the amount of some hundreds, all went off peaceably.

UNITED STATES. 2.

MEMOIR.

No system of control existed at that time in the Consular Department, each Consul in his district acting as he thought proper, without bestowing a thought upon the discharge of any other than his routine

UNITED STATES. 2.—MEMOIR.

duties, and frequently neglecting them. A new era, however, now commenced in the United States; the intercourse with the Consul General, who was stationed at the capital for the purpose of facilitating his communications with the several departments of the American Government, became active and frequent; special instructions were sent to the Consuls for the guidance of their conduct whenever necessary; and information was furnished by half-yearly returns, drawn out according to forms prepared for that purpose, of the extent of the trade and amount of shipping in each district, which were digested into general reports at Washington and transmitted to the Foreign Office. Some of the Consuls were at first inclined to rebel against these innovations, but eventually were obliged to see the necessity of acquiescing in them. This system was subsequently adopted in England, and made general throughout the world, the forms of Returns required being condensed and simplified, although, as Mr. Planta observed, taken from those first used in the United States. The continuance of peace and the great increase of commerce universally calling more attention to such matters, a separate department was formed at the Foreign Office, for the purpose of attending to them and of conducting the extensive correspondence to which they gave rise.

Mr. Bagot not only brought to the United States Miller's Commission as Consul General, but also a younger brother, whose services as Secretary were put into immediate requisition. He afterwards became Vice-Consul for the District of Columbia, Secretary to the joint Commission respecting slaves under the 1st Article of the Treaty of Ghent, and subsequently Consul for Florida, and was then promoted to be Consul at Riga, in Russia, and Corunna, in Spain, and married at Washington an American lady, of one of

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the first families in Virginia. A young gentleman from the north of Ireland was likewise attached by the Foreign Office to his Department as Secretary, in order to be preferred to the first vacant Consulship in the United States, and became, in due course of time, Consul at Baltimore, in Maryland, and then at New Orleans.

We have annexed some letters, written about this period, relating more personally to Miller, for although several occurrences of interest took place with reference to public matters, we will omit here, as before mentioned, the correspondence which they occasioned. Some verses describing a great boat race at Bristol are given, after the notice of the race, which appears in one of the letters.

MILLER TO MR. B.

Bristol, June 27th, 1816.

I have received your letter of the 22nd inst., which was forwarded to me at this place, where I am at present established.

M. De Neuville arrived here last evening, on his way to Washington. He came to Onis's, where I was, and staid some time. His entry into the house was very ludicrous. It was dark, the hall lamp not being lighted. As the door was open he walked in, and began stumbling over some chairs. A Spanish Officer, living with Onis, mistook his Secretary for the drunken Irish Gardener, and turned him out of the hall. Neuville expostulated in French, not a syllable of which the Spanish Officer understood. The confusion and scuffling was so great that the music was interrupted, and we all rushed out to drive away the supposed robbers, when lo! we discovered the French Minister. His Secretary was immediately admitted, and order restored. He has several private letters for you, which he will deliver in person. He has made the same mistake as yourself about furniture, and even imagined he could procure a house at Washington, ready

furnished. He started in the steam boat this morning, and will proceed with all expedition to head quarters. Madame is left at New York unwell.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Bristol, July 9th, 1816.

The Messenger delivered to me yesterday your letter of the 6th inst., and I had previously received that of the 30th ult. Many thanks for the information contained in the former.

Nothing can, I think, be more untenable than the ground taken by the United States respecting the Fisheries. The most decisive language was always held on the subject, both at Ghent and Washington, and not even the combined talents of the five American Commissioners, who negotiated the Peace, were able to adduce any decent arguments in defence of their doctrine. I hope we are to have some equivalent, real or nominal. You are, no doubt, aware of what passed relative to Admiral Griffith's interruption to their vessels last season, which was certainly very unjustifiable. At present, however, I suppose he is only acting within the King's jurisdiction, and after the notice given, no offender can complain. They are, in fact, as I told Monroe, poaching upon our manor, after having been warned off.

I am not aware of any forms with which you are unacquainted. The alternation, of course, is yielded. The omission in the Full Powers does not appear of any consequence. Lord Gambier was described in his Full Powers as Admiral of the White, but before the signature of the Treaty he was promoted to the Red, and being very scrupulous, both his late and actual rank were inserted. Were I in your place, I would insert my proper designation.

Will you have the goodness to make me an official communication relative to what passes on the subject of the remission of the alien duties?

I had nothing of importance by the Packet, excepting directions to make

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a return of fees received last year. To this, of course, I answered nil, and shall make the same return in future. I do not perceive how a Consul-General, residing at Washington, can derive any emolument from fees, which are all paid to the Consuls at the respective sea ports.

I regret very much your detention at Washington. The country round this place is very beautiful, but although we go out very often, we do not meet with many birds. The Spaniards fish a great deal.

An American Whaler has been seized in the Pacific, which has produced a remonstrance from the Government to Onis.

## THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Bristol, July 29th, 1816.

I received late on Saturday night your letter of the 25th, with its inclosure, and have written by this mail, (as we have no post on Sunday), to Baltimore for the information which you request, with instructions that it may be sent direct to Washington.

I dined with Onis yesterday, and delivered your message. By Frégate he means a large merchant vessel only. He is naturally very anxious that the Expedition should be paralyzed, and I gave him strong assurances of your willingness to do what was proper. I do not see that you can take any other steps than those which you mention, except, indeed, something should appear in the transaction, when fully before you, so extremely irregular as to justify an application for the intervention of this Government.

I have just heard a report of an arrival at Philadelphia, bringing accounts that Spain had declared war. I know not what ground there is for the rumour, (if any), as Onis went early to town.

The De Kantzows left Bristol this morning on their way to New York. We all drove yesterday evening to drink tea with Mrs. Manigault, who lives at a short distance from this place, where we found, to our great surprise, Grouchy and Clausel. They kept aloof, and could not have been much

pleased, as the music and songs were principally Spanish, and must have
recalled no very pleasing recollections.

Every body was delighted with our boat race, which was a complete
novelty. I have sent Mrs. B. a card of the regulations. Twelve boats started,
and we had, of course, a dispute, and nearly a battle. We had taken the
precaution of naming three of the most *influential* men in the borough
umpires, and by their exertions, and a subscription purse for one of the
competitors, were able to reconcile all differences.

## BOAT RACE AT BRISTOL.

(In imitation of Virgil. Book V., Verse 103.)

“*Expectata dies aderat*,” &c.

AT length appeared the long expected day,
The sun on Bristol shed a brighter ray,
Thy banks, O Delaware, the neighbours round
From twenty miles with festive concourse crowned;
Some came to visit Onis, Kantzow some,
Others to bet upon the race had come.
The prize was seen upon the silver tide,
'Twixt Head's and Lenox' House safe moored, to ride,
A boat of fair proportions, buoyant, light,
With streamers gay, and painted green and white.
This Van Zandt, for his crutches famed, had made,
Then on the work his pingent skill displayed,
And added two swift sculls, with pliant blade.
Two other prizes to the race invite,
Of gold and silver, not a talent quite.
Now eager Rickel a two-pounder gun
Fired from the lawn to show the sport's begun.

400

UNITED STATES. 2.—BRISTOL BOAT RACE.

Twelve boats, which each a coloured banner bear,
Chosen from all the craft, to start prepare.
Scroggins, with pulling sharp, impelled the red,
Of Burlington, a numerous race he fed.
The white beneath broad-shouldered Gubbins flies,
Surpassing, like himself, the rest in size.
Thou, Jonathan, the blue possest, whose name,
Borne by a nation, is consigned to fame.
Wiggins next rows the green; the barber race,
'Tis said, from him their wide spread lineage trace.
Eight boats succeed, which various masters own,
By balls and stripes, and mingled colours known.

Mid channel in the stream an island lay,
Called Joachim's, which with their winter spray
The waves of Delaware would oft assail,
When fiercely blew the cold north western gale;
Its silent plain now graced the waves unmoved,
A cover by the summer partridge lov'd.
Near one extreme, not distant far from shore,
A boat at anchor a striped ensign bore;
To reach this goal the men must use their force,
Then passing round, trace back their former course.

Their places now they take, by lot assigned,
Eager their bodies forward are inclined,
Their oars with outstretched hands are firmly prest,
The signal they await with panting breast.
Nor wait they long; for lo! they hear the sound
Of gun the second; from the goal they bound.
Exciting clamours rend the azure sky,
The swift boats thro' the foaming surges fly,

401

With headlong way they down the stream are borne,
And with their labouring oars the stream is torn.
The betters' shouts and plaudits rise around,
The verdant banks re-echo with the sound.

The foremost place the ardent Scroggins gained,
Next Gubbins, by his heavy boat detained.
Together striving, then the green and blue,
At the same distance following, these pursue.
The blue now shoots ahead, and now the green
Its conquered rival to outstrip is seen;
And now both glide along with equal bow,
And with their keel the glassy river plough.
The goal now near, more fierce the contest grows,
The swift boats trembling with the frequent blows;
Struggling for breath, their panting breasts distend,
While streams of moisture from their limbs descend.

The wish'd for glory chance at length bestowed,
For while, with furious mind, Giles Scroggins rowed,
And close to shave the goal appointed tried,
He passed unlucky on the inner side;
But Gubbins, joyful at the unlooked for chance,
Appears with greater efforts to advance;
Anxious his comrade's fate to shun, too wide
A berth he gives the goal, and down the tide
Far, far outside the bannered mark he hastes,
And in the lengthened way his strength he wastes.

Avoiding both extremes, the green and blue
Around the mark at proper distance flew.
Expecting now the first reward to gain,

402

Each nerve both Jonathan and Gubbins strain.
Nor did alone the prize and victor's fame
Their breasts excite; from rival towns they came;
For Burlington called Jonathan her own,
While Wiggins had been bred in Bristol town.
Whene'er the green possest the foremost place,
With joyful shouts exclaimed the Bristol race;
Whene'er the blue recovered her lost way,
The shout was changed to " Burlington, Huzza !"

Now so well balanced was their mutual force,
The umpires they had passed with equal course,
If Jonathan had not with fervent prayer
Addrest the gods and river Delaware :
"Ye sea and river gods, but chiefly thou
Whose sacred waters with my keel I plough,
Much homany to bribe your succour I'll bestow,
And floods of toddy at your shrine shall flow."
He said, and though they thought the bribe was small,
The promised aid they furnish at his call;
E'en Father Delaware himself ascends,
A helping hand to Jonathan he lends.
Fast as an arrow, as the north wind fast,
The conquering boat by Joe Head's Terrace past.

Now the whole band before the judges came,
Who the first conqueror Jonathan proclaim.
No sooner heard, he seizes on the prize,
And straight to Burlington in triumph hies.
The prize of gold to Higgins they accord,
The silver one forms, Gubbins, thy reward.
With whiskey, toddy, porter, and with ale,

403

Spread on the verdant lawn, the rest regale.
'Tis true, (my muse with grief the fact records),
Some clamour'd 'gainst the judges' just awards,
But cheering draughts their murmurs quickly drown'd,
And all was joy and festive mirth around.

MILLER TO MR. B.

Bristol, August 14th, 1816.

I received yesterday, on my return from Philadelphia, your letter of the 9th Inst., and feel much obliged for your support respecting the Consular arrangements.

I have sent you officially the Tariff of Fees, which has been provisionally established for the Consuls, and some observations on the subject, which is rather a delicate one. A Tariff was much wanted as every body did as he pleased. I have given positive instructions that no other Fees should be taken without further directions.

We celebrated the Prince Regent's Birth Day at Walker's, in Philadelphia very pleasantly. We were, of course, crowded with Diplomacy, and under the hard necessity of drinking the several Sovereigns in most delicious wine.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Philadelphia, August 24th, 1816.

I received this morning, via Bristol, your letter of the 21st Inst., in good order and condition.

In answer to the case which you have put, I recollect something similar. A Sergeant of Marines had deserted, but not entered the American Service, and applied to me to be sent home, being willing to run any risk to rejoin

3 G

404

his company and country. I wrote a strong letter, stating all the circum-
stances, which I believe saved him from punishment, and he re-entered as a
private.

Strictly speaking, the only security A and B can have, is under some Pro-
clamation pardoning deserters, which is issued from time to time; but it is
more than probable that your interference under the peculiar circumstances
would procure their pardon.

We have been here since Monday last, our establishment at Bristol having
been broken up, in consequence of the landlady quarrelling with, and dis-
charging the whole of her servants. We are very comfortably lodged at
Renshaw's, and shall remain until we have the pleasure of seeing you and
Mrs. B. As we have the same travelling projects, and have promised to visit
M. de Neuville, we might make common cause, and assist each other in
laughing at our difficulties on the road. We propose travelling with a pair of
horses, and a groom mounted, and wish if possible to get as far as Rhode
Island, to visit the Vice-Consul there. You must not forget to bring your gun.
To-morrow we celebrate the Fête of His Most Christian Majesty with the
French Consul General.

MILLER TO MR. G.

Washington, March 8th, 1817.

I received by the December Mail, a few days ago, your note of the 6th
of that month, inclosing a letter for Hughes. As he left the United States
some months past for Sweden, where he is to act as Chargé-d'Affaires, I have
sent the letter to the Department of State, to be forwarded to him, as you
requested. The former Minister in Sweden, Russell, has failed in his plans
of employment at Washington, in the new Administration, and intends return-
ing to Stockholm, as soon as he has married a wife, and dispatched some other
business. This will be a disappointment to Hughes, who expected to act en
chef for some time.

I do not send you the new President's inaugural speech, nor any news, as

405

you will see everything in the papers. Adams is to be Monroe's Secretary of State, and will, I fear, revenge himself upon us, for all the delays and difficulties he may think he has experienced in Downing-street. So far from any apologies being necessary for your commission to me, I felt extremely happy that it afforded me an opportunity of hearing from you.

MILLER TO MR. F.

Washington, March 9th, 1817.

..........We have been perfectly worn out with what is called gaiety here this winter, having had a constant succession of parties, sometimes two, and even three the same day. Washington was never so full, many persons coming to take leave of Mr. Madison, and others to congratulate our old acquaintance, Monroe, and to ask favours. You will see his inaugural speech in the papers, which is, as you must have anticipated, sufficiently high-toned. He read it from a small portico, erected in a few hours, before the temporary brick Capitol on the hill, which is immediately in front of the one Cockburn made so free with. He was dressed in black, and resembled in every particular, except wearing a sword, the prints of General Washington; the same hat, drest coat, &c. This was no doubt intentional, and corresponded with the tone of the speech. The Corps Diplomatique did not attend the ceremony, not knowing that seats had been prepared for them, but paid their visits to the old and new Presidents the same morning.

We are now quite deserted since the rising of Congress. Adams is to be the new Secretary of State, at which we tremble. Crawford keeps the Treasury, and Crowninshield the Navy. Poor old Governor Shelby from the back woods, has been nominated Secretary of War, but will not accept. The Western Country, however, will be equally pleased. Clay has refused the War Department, and likewise the London Mission, for which Rush is mentioned, to return after the first year, in order to receive 18,000&.

I have sent you some Spanish correspondence which will amuse you, and put you *au fait* on that question up to the latest dates; and likewise

406

the correspondence relative to the execution of one of the articles of the
Treaty of Ghent. All at the "King's Arms" are well. We are impatient to
dispatch this Packet in order to commence operations against the Snipes. I
am expecting leave of absence to pass the summer in England.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Washington, June 2nd, 1817.

I had fully expected, and with great reason, to have been in
England before this time, but am most provokingly detained here. I expect,
however, to be at liberty about the end of July.

The President, Monroe, set out on Saturday on his tour of inspection
and observation. He wished to have travelled very quietly, as an individual,
but a hue and cry has been raised in all the great cities, where the chief
persons are laying their heads together to do him honour, and overwhelm him
with respect, Madeira, and Tea. This is very maliciously done, and will, no
doubt, annoy him prodigiously, occupy his time, and defeat, in some measure,
the object of his tour. He had been very unwell just before his departure.
Rush, the Acting Secretary of State, while talking to him, thought he paid
little attention, and was incoherent in his replies, and on his attempting to
walk across the room he was seized with a Vertigo, and fell down. The
tour, it is thought, will do him good, by removing him from business, but it
seems probable, he will not be allowed much peace on his progress.

We have lately found out a new amusement, that of shooting
night hawks at dusk, which sometimes affords good sport. You see to what
we are reduced. Is it true, as stated in the papers, that you have given up
Copenhagen ?

UNITED STATES. 2.

MEMOIR.

The new minister being now comfortably established in his office,
Miller became desirous of paying a visit to England, conceiving that

UNITED STATES. 2.—MEMOIR.

407

he had earnt a fair title to do so, and, accordingly, on Nov. 30, 1816, he requested a short leave of absence, after the rising of Congress, on the ground of private business of importance requiring his presence in London, and that " owing to the urgency of the service on which he " was employed on his return from Ghent, in the winter of 1814, he was " enabled to pass a very few days in England, and was occupied the chief " part of the time by a close attention to public duties." Mr. Hamilton, however, was desired to acquaint him, on April 15, 1817, " that " Lord C. felt every disposition to attend to his wishes; at the same time, " he was of opinion that his absence from his post would be of material " inconvenience to the transaction of public business in America, con- " nected as it would naturally be with the assistance his experience so " well qualified him to give to Mr. Bagot, and his Lordship was " very desirous, therefore, he should suspend for the present [his " request." Miller, in consequence, did not hesitate to sacrifice every private consideration, and forebore to press the subject.

On the next year, however, Nov. 6, 1817, he again urged his application for leave after the rising of Congress, adding " that the state of " his health, which had been declining, furnished an additional reason " to compel the application." In answer to this he was informed, on December 13, by Mr. Planta, that " Lord C. had every wish to accede " to any reasonable request on his part, but could not avoid feeling an " extreme reluctance to the permitting an officer, whose services were so " necessary, from leaving his post in those times. The most, therefore, " that Lord C. authorized him to state, was, that if his health was really " so infirm and declining that remaining in America any longer would be " of serious danger to him, he would, upon a representation of this matter, " re-consider his request." To this Miller replied by " expressing the " greatest sensibility on account of his Lordship's intimation of his wil-

408

UNITED STATES. 2.—MEMOIR.

“lingness to accede to any reasonable request on his part, and indulging
“a confident hope that the present would be found deserving of that
“character; for although he was not prepared to assert that his health
“was at present so infirm and broken, as to be a subject of immediate
“alarm, yet that he had no hesitation in giving the strongest assurances
“that it was nevertheless in so weak a state as to render the leave of
“absence requested indispensably necessary to its re-establishment, and
“that the delay of even another summer might be attended with conse-
“quences the most serious and irretrievable.” This letter produced, at
length, the desired effect, “in consequence” as stated, “of its explain-
“ing more particularly the circumstances under which the leave of
“absence was requested,” which was at length granted for eight months,
on April 3, 1818, after a delay of nearly a year and a half; on its
arrival in the United States, at the end of May, immediate measures
were taken for departure, the temporary management of affairs being
left in his brother’s hands, who had now been with him for two years,
but with the strictest injunctions not to take a single step without first
consulting the Minister.

On his way to New York he heard, at Philadelphia, of a fine vessel,
the Rebecca Sims, usually employed in the East India trade, being on
the point of sailing from that port for Liverpool, but that she was
restricted from taking passengers, the accommodations being engaged
by two ladies who, he learnt, were the sister of the late Consul General
Bond, with her niece, and who, on being applied to, very obligingly
allowed him to accompany them. He left the Delaware on
June 10, 1818, and on the 29th of that month arrived at Liverpool,
after a very short and prosperous passage of only nineteen days.
The sea voyage proved of the greatest benefit to his health. This last
absence from England had been about three years and a half.

UNITED STATES. 2.—MEMOIR.

409

The following letters will explain what passed after his arrival in England, with reference to his declining the office of Secretary to the Commission which negotiated in London the Convention of 1818, with the United States, which was signed, on October 20, by Mr. Robinson and Mr. Goulburn, and by Messrs. Gallatin and Rush on the part of the United States, the latter of whom had succeeded Mr. Adams as Minister. It consisted merely of five articles, by which the Fishery question was arranged; the 49th degree of Latitude established as a North Boundary from the Lake of the Woods to the Stony Mountains; the N. W. Coast and the Oregon Country declared open to both parties for ten years; the Commercial Convention of 1815 continued for ten years; and the difference respecting slaves, under the first Article of the Treaty of Ghent, referred to a friendly sovereign. These letters will also shew what occurred during his leave of absence, which was, with great indulgence, extended to seventeen months, concluding with a short course of the waters at Cheltenham, recommended by Dr. Latham.

We are informed that Miller entertained the project of taking a wife to the United States, and had selected a most amiable young lady to whom he had paid great court for some time, but it turned out, as we have heard, that, upon deeper investigation, the father insisted upon a settlement, and the damsel herself hesitated about living abroad, so that he was induced to abandon this idea.

MILLER TO MR. B.

London, July 8th, 1818.

I wrote you a few hasty lines from Liverpool to tell you of my having landed, which you will of course have received long before this letter reaches you, which goes by the Packet. My passage was uncommonly short and

410

prosperous, and I believe few people can boast of being actually in London
in nineteen days and a half from the Capes of the Delaware.

I leave you to imagine, for I cannot describe my joy, at finding myself
once more comfortably seated in London, my family and friends all well, and
everything looking *couleur de rose*. I have no news to send as yet, as town is
quite deserted. Lord C. is in Ireland, and has just been re-elected, without
opposition, for his old county. Lord Bathurst is in the country. Hamilton
sailed the day of my arrival in a small smack, on a party of pleasure, to
Scotland. Lord Liverpool is, however, at his post, and also Planta and
Goulburn. Robinson in the country. I had, yesterday, a long conversation
with Lord L., at Fife House, upon American subjects in general. The
question of the negotiation, which Rush wishes to enter upon without delay,
will wait until Lord C.'s return to London, which he has written to Lord L.
will be about the 22nd, till which time I shall of course, as in duty bound,
wait here. Gallatin is certainly to be the second American Plenipotentiary.
I know not what to think of the further indulgence " de rebus piscatoriis,"
but much fear its effects at Washington.

A great many enquiries have been made about the two persons, said
to be Englishmen, who were executed by General Jackson, to which I have
answered exactly in the sense of our conversations at Washington, and of
your note to me at Philadelphia,—that you did not intend, under the circum-
stances then known to you, to take any step on the subject with the American
Government. Planta intends writing to you on this point by the Mail. I have
found him remarkably frank and friendly. He tells me he has sent you a
conditional leave of absence, upon which I most sincerely congratulate you.
I suppose you do not intend to avail yourself of it until next summer.

You will see by your papers that the Westminster Election is over, to
the great comfort of all quiet, peaceable people. It is supposed some
members will be lost in England, but that there will be a small gain in
Ireland. Nothing could have been better conducted than the Liverpool
Election.

I hope Mrs. B. continues as well as possible, and does not suffer much

411

from the heat. I most faithfully delivered her packet to Mrs. Wellesley Pole within two or three hours after my arrival, and answered the numerous enquiries which were made about her. I have not been fortunate enough to meet with Mrs. Wellesley Pole at home since, but am to spend the evening with her to meet General Harper, who arrived in town to day, having spent some time at Cheltenham.

Your letter to Mr. Gifford was safely delivered at his house, but we have been both so unfortunate as not yet to have met. I shall call again to day as soon as I have finished my letters, and expect besides to meet him at dinner at his neighbour's Col. Hamilton. Have you read Paulding's Letters from the South?—Stupid enough; but abusing the Quarterly beyond measure. If not, I would recommend you to look them over at a leisure moment, as also Bristed's resources of the United States, which was put up by the Philadelphia bookseller amongst my sea stock.

You will have perceived that I have got an addition to my staff, or rather a promotion; Gilpin is a most deserving man with a large family.

I hope you do not let James give you much trouble, but make him useful, for I am anxious he should be as much occupied as possible.

## THE SAME TO THE SAME.

London, August 8th, 1818.

I wrote you a long letter by the last Mail, and have no particular news to send at present, at least, nothing but what you will learn much better from the Office. You will see that the American Commissioners have been chosen. Lord C., to my no small surprise, offered me the Secretaryship, which I did not hesitate an instant in declining, in as proper a manner as possible, although it was evident that he was not well pleased at the refusal. It is always awkward to refuse an offer of this kind made to you in person, but I could not, I think, have acted otherwise. I expressed, of course, my willingness to render any assistance in my power during the negotiation; but pray most ardently that my holidays may not be interrupted.

412

Remember me most kindly to Mrs. B., of whom I hope soon to hear
the most favourable accounts. I have seen two of her little girls, who were
very well, and very prettily behaved.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Paris, October 4th, 1818.

Many thanks for your letter of August 3, which I received in this city
on the 22nd ult. Although I can readily conceive your annoyance
from the excessive heat, yet the description of your sufferings reminded me
of the parson in Scotland, who on a bleak winter's day in the Highlands was
so very eloquent in describing the warm birth prepared hereafter for sinners,
that many of his freezing auditors determined to entitle themselves to what
they thought such luxury. The weather here has, in fact, been with some
slight exception so very wet and cold that I would have given the world for
some of your Washington sunshine.

I have been here rather more than a month, and do not find the place
so much changed as I expected. There are some few additional public
buildings; the cooks are as good as ever; the wine (thanks to the allies)
rather worse; and de ceteris nil nisi bonum. The society is much unhinged
and divided, and the Court said to be one of the dullest in Europe. Time,
however, flies rapidly and pleasantly, as well described by the clock over the
chimney-piece before me, which represents Pleasure emptying a basket of
roses, without a single thorn, over the hours, with other appropriate fancies.

I am extremely happy to hear James is going on so well and steadily.
I appointed him, by the last Mail, my Ambassador Extraordinary auprès de
Madame, and hope he has executed his commission in a becoming manner,
and with his usual eloquence. I can assure you he can tell her nothing that
I do not feel most sincerely; and from what I know of him, I could not have
trusted my congratulations in better hands.

Of politics I can tell you nothing. The American negotiation I un-

413

derstand " is progressing" in London. There was some question about a
third commissioner, but, upon consideration, Lord C. thought it improper that
our forces should outnumber theirs.

I send you a very bad return for your entertaining letter; but you know
Paris so well that I am sure you will excuse me.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Brighton, November 1st, 1818.

The few lines I wrote to you from London will have acquainted you
that I had received your letters of Sept. 1 & 2, and that it did not appear
that anything could be done about B. unless he so far commits himself as to
render some official notice of his conduct necessary. In fact the F. O. is
unwilling to take any trouble upon itself which it can avoid, particularly
business of an unpleasant nature, but will readily sanction any steps which
you may judge necessary, and report home for confirmation.

The new Treaty was of course sent out to you by the last Packet to be
ratified; but of politics I learnt little or nothing while in London, as I only
remained a few minutes at the Office, and had no opportunity of conversing
much with Hamilton, the only person there, and who was in great request.
Planta, who has the American Department, is, as you know, with Lord C.
With respect to Halifax and St. John's, I do not think we can fairly find
fault with the measures taken by the Americans, who have a right so to
interpret their Law, the opening of those ports being, after all, only partial
and limited.

I mentioned, in my last, that a Mr. Gray had been chosen Consul for
Virginia. He was immediately nominated on Lord C. being informed of the
vacancy at Aix-la-Chapelle. He was recommended by Mr. Marriott, and is a
Merchant, and a friend of Robertson, if not partner. I had met him at Bermuda,
and since in London, and he is a very respectable man. His salary is only half
(£200) of that of his predecessor. I am very much obliged to you for appoint-
ing Dykes *ad interim*, as it will (for it seems it must) in some measure indemnify

414

him for his former expenses, while acting at a period when no fees
were taken.

You mention having forwarded a representation from Robertson about
his emoluments, or rather losses. A similar one was sent to me by Manners,
which I simply inclosed to Lord C. Lately, however, I have received from
Buchanan a letter inclosing a duplicate of a memorial to Lord C. on behalf
of himself, Stewart, Robertson, Manners, and Dawson, complaining of
reduction in their salaries, and the loss of fees consequent upon the Second
American Navigation Act, and suggesting measures and laws which would
increase their fees. Manners wrote to apologize for having signed this
memorial, after the letter he had sent to me. I do not think they will obtain
any relief, the Office not caring a straw about the Consuls, but being deter-
mined to reduce salaries until they bring the total amount within the estimate
submitted to the House of Commons, which has been much exceeded in con-
sequence of the number of appointments which have been made. I am
clearly of opinion that great public benefit might be derived from the Consuls,
if a proper system respecting them was organized, but this would be attended
with infinite trouble. ...Morier tells me that his staff is upon a worse
footing than the American. A Major R., who is consul at Ostend, took a
journey to London to inquire at the Office if they meant to insult and degrade
all Consuls, and told Hamilton, to his no small surprise, that in that case he
was ready to fight them all round, beginning with him. Hamilton of course
assured him he was quite mistaken, and with some difficulty pacified this
consular champion. Some of Morier's staff have, in fact, barely a miserable
subsistence, as respects salary.

It is not sufficiently understood that the Consuls in America stand in
a different situation from other Consuls, owing to the form of Government.
Each State being sovereign and independent, and having only one Consul,
that officer is the only public British agent residing in that State, and from
the immense commerce with England, the circumstance of the State having
once been a Colony, and there being no other than official rank in the country,
he enjoys a degree of consideration which is unknown in Europe; and

he ought, therefore, in my humble opinion, to be a person of the greatest
respectability and prudence, with an adequate salary, and not permitted to
take fees. This, however, I am sorry to say is an Utopian idea of a Consul
(at least thought so in Downing Street) not likely to be realised.

I now come to speak of self, which can be comprised in a very few
words...I see no prospect at present but that of returning to Wash-
ington. My leave of absence will expire at the beginning of February, but I
shall endeavour to prevail on Lord C. to allow me to wait for a more moderate
season. I should wish to embark in the May Packet; but if you hold your
intention of leaving the United States in that month, it is probable I may be
obliged to sail in April at latest, so as to arrive just before you take your
departure. I shall be under the necessity of arranging some kind of
an establishment to bring with me. Heigho! what troubles and vexations.

It is, however, time for me to relieve you from the infliction of this let-
ter, which you will easily discover has been written during one of those fits
of the *vapeurs noires* which used to haunt me at Washington, to my
own great annoyance, and the still greater, no doubt, of my friends. I have
written to Mrs. B. and will thank you to give my best remembrance to
Antrobus, from whom I have never heard, and to Hughes, who was good
enough to send me some poetical effusions, for which I am much obliged to
him, and which I would answer in kind, if I could.

MILLER TO MRS. B.

Brighton, November 1st, 1818.

I had only time, when in London, to write a few lines to Mr. B.
requesting him to acquaint you that I had received your very kind letter
of August 30, and to congratulate you on the increase to your family, the
account of which was more acceptable, as great fears were entertained that
your health had suffered from the intense heat with which you had been
visited last summer at Washington. I hope this letter will find you quite

416

recovered, and sufficiently braced by the North Westers to have danced at some of your own balls, for by the time you receive it, you must be in the midst of visitings, tea-parties, soirées, and all such gaieties, so called.

I wrote to Mr. B. from Paris, which letter you probably have seen. My stay there was unfortunately shortened by a sudden call to London about some prize business, which was not of a nature to be arranged by letter, and instead of returning immediately, I have suffered myself to be seduced to this place, where I shall probably remain some days if the weather continues so remarkably fine as it has been of late. I wish very much to return to the Continent, but doubt if I shall be able to accomplish the journey, as, in a short time, I must begin to turn my thoughts westward, where the prospect will be quite overshadowed by the idea of finding the Hotel d'Angleterre deserted. It is truly said that we never sufficiently value anything till we feel its loss. How I shall manage I know not, and cannot bear to think. I shall probably resume my summer excursions to the northward, two or three of which will, I hope, be quite sufficient; but I will not dwell on this subject, which however melancholy to me, will suggest very different ideas to yourself and Mr. B.

Pray give my best remembrance to little Caroline, with many thanks for her message. I suppose she has now grown too much ever to be naughty and “sceam.” May I beg you to accept the inclosed specimen of Paris taste, almost the only one the Custom House officers have allowed me to keep. I will now relieve you from this dull epistle, by wishing you courage, health, and spirits to dine the Congress, and to tea the ladies, with as much success as last year, which is, I think, the best wish I can make for you.

MR. B. TO MILLER.

Washington, September 24th, 1818.

I do not quite know what to think about your refusal of Lord C.'s offer. When a decision has been taken and acted upon, it is, perhaps,

better to say nothing, and undoubtedly you must be the best judge in
a matter immediately affecting yourself, and depending upon a thousand
shades of little circumstances. But I cannot help thinking that the offer
was made without any reference to your present post, and not as a thing
which it was imagined would be a gratification to your ambition, but because
from your knowledge of American matters, and personal acquaintance with
the Plenipotentiaries, you were obviously fitted, and peculiarly so, for the
station. If this was Lord C.'s view,—much as you would have grudged such
an abridgment of your holidays—I think you had better have taken the job.
At all events refusal is a ticklish matter, and particularly so with Lord C.
who (by no means unwisely) carries the discipline of the corps very high in
this respect.........

MILLER TO MR. B.

London, December 5th, 1818.

Owing to the stupidity of the people at the Post Office at Brighton, I
did not receive your letter of the 24th of September until the 19th ult., the
clerks detaining Bidwell's packet for some days, in consequence of their mis-
interpreting his hand-writing, which is, I am sure, sufficiently legible. I have
since received James' letters of Nov. 1, brought by the Packet of that month
in seventeen days, which removed all anxiety about your illness, for I could
not help thinking (although I kept such thoughts to myself) that in the post-
script to your letter, you had given rather a flattering account of your
condition. I congratulate you most heartily on having passed so severe an
ordeal with safety, and suppose this letter will find both yourself and Mrs. B.
completely restored and enjoying the delightful prospect of your return home.

I quite agree with you in opinion about the Secretaryship under the
view which you have taken of the matter. I should have considered myself
highly culpable in refusing, if I had thought that my acceptance could have
been in the slightest degree serviceable, but any information which might have

418

been wanted, could have been quite as well furnished without my holding the post, my present employment authorizing the Government to ask, and me to furnish it, and had any been necessary I should unquestionably have been called upon, after the offer of contributing any assistance in my power. Robinson and Goulburn, with the documents within their reach, were fully masters of all the subjects to be discussed, and it is evident Lord C. thought so, by his finally deciding not to appoint a third commissioner under the plea of our not outnumbering the Americans. The mode of declining the Secretaryship was unexceptionable, being nothing more than a submission for Lord C.'s decision, as Commander-in-Chief of the Department, of my doubts as to the compatibility of the two situations. With respect to the trouble, you know very well that I am not in the habit of taking that much into the calculation, partaking in some degree although perhaps *longo intervallo*, of Hamilton's gluttony of business, when the object is *tanti*.

I fully expected Antrobus would have come to the decision mentioned in your letter. Do you think he will remain in the United States, under a new Minister, should you decide upon relinquishing your post?

I have only just come to Town from Brighton, and have seen nobody, so send you no news. The Queen was buried on Wednesday, and as the people thought proper to expect a great show, there was some disappointment. You will see that the *Chronicle* of to-day, chooses à propos to the Duke of Wellington to hint at Lord Wellesley's return to office. You know, I believe, that I am indebted to him for my first Commission.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Cheltenham, September 2nd, 1819.

I received yesterday a very civil letter from Planta, wishing to know for Lord C.'s information what were my plans as to returning to America, and adding, that it was wished I should be at my post as soon as it might be convenient to me. I have acquainted him in reply, that I had been recommended these waters before I went back, which I should hasten as much

as possible, in order to escape the bad season on my passage. I do not imagine that he has any particular object in enquiring about my plans, further than a wish that I should go to my post. It is possible, however, that Lord C. may be desirous of making some arrangements amongst his corps, which may include my office, in which case I should not have the least objection to his knowing that I did not feel any very particular attachment to Washington, and should be happy to do anything which might fall in with his views on the footing of an exchange for any post of equal (and of course greater) rank and appointments. Perhaps, as you must now have frequent opportunities of seeing Planta, you would have the goodness to suggest this to him, and do me the friendly office of sounding him on the subject. I believe he goes into the country at the beginning of October, and it would therefore be necessary that I should be in London in September, to see him before I take my transatlantic flight, which I look to always as a pis aller. I conclude that you will not be ready to set out on your Embassy until that time, at the earliest.

I received at the same time the application about the Woollen Merchants, which you mentioned to me at the Traveller's, together with your note to Planta on the subject. The Secretary of the Treasury is able, under the general remitting clause, to afford relief in all cases of fines and forfeitures incurred through any unintentional violation of the Laws of the United States; and therefore I am inclined to think that application should be made to him in the customary manner by the Leeds Merchants, in the present instance. I have written to Planta to this effect, and referred him to my correspondence in 1812, for fuller information. The President's communication to Congress, mentioned in Lord Lascelles' letter, relates either to our old friends the vessels seized on the Canadian Lakes, or to the Peacock affair—perhaps to both—but has no reference to seizures of goods which arrived in consequence of the Repeal of the Orders in Council.

Pray let me know whether I shall find you in town towards the end of September. I have commenced the waters, and find this a pretty place—the best epithet I can give it.

31

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Falmouth, November 8th, 1819.

I regret very much that your absence from town deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you before my departure, Lord C. having decided that I must not wait for Stratford Canning. I expect to sail to-morrow, and have the whole cabin to myself. Before I left London I prevailed upon the proper authorities to allow the Packet to proceed direct to New York, which will save me some invaluable days at this season; and the Captain has just told me that this is a better month than October in point of expedition.

I do not know whether American news may not bore you; if not, I would send you, from time to time, a line stating what they were about. Perhaps the St. Petersburgh Ambassador may feel some interest in American politics—at least I should think he would.

I am tired to death, as you may suppose, and am now going to take my last night's comfortable rest, for thirty days at least. "Cras ingens iterabimus æqor:"—ingens, I think, may be fairly translated Atlantic. Good bye. If I get to New York, I will write to you: if not—why, my ghost shall haunt the Foreign Office. Many thanks for your present of game.

UNITED STATES. 2.

MEMOIR.

Miller embarked on November 9th, 1819, at Falmouth, in the Packet Boat of that month, and made, for the second time, a stormy winter passage, as remarkable for its length and turbulence as the voyage home had been short and prosperous. He was buffeted about at sea for no less a period than seven weeks and two days, and did not arrive at New York until December 31, to which port Mr. Freeling, of the Post Office, and the Admiralty, had the goodness to allow the vessel to proceed direct, instead of first touching, as then customary, at

UNITED STATES. 2.—MEMOIR.

421

Halifax. He was the only passenger, and amused himself with his usual sea stock of books, and with translating from a pocket Virgil, keeping a chart of his extraordinary voyage. We will omit the poetry as containing nothing new, but annex the chart as a curiosity.

Mr. Bagot had returned home in the summer of 1819, having exchanged at Washington the Ratifications of the Convention of 1818, and was made a Grand Cross of the Bath, and Ambassador at St. Petersburg. He was succeeded in the American Mission by Mr. Stratford Canning, a cousin of the celebrated Prime Minister, an old friend of Miller, they having served together at Constantinople; and with whom Miller would have been happy to have returned to the United States, but as the new Minister did not intend to leave England until the fine season of 1820, the further delay was thought by Lord C. as extending for too long a period his absence from his duties abroad.

SIXTH EXPEDITION ABROAD,

*From arrival at New York, on December 31, 1819, to leaving that city at the end of November, 1822, and subsequent residence of almost two years in England.*

UNITED STATES. 3.

MEMOIR.

MILLER'S present tour of duty abroad, was destined to be shortened by an alarming illness which attacked him in the autumn of 1822—the climate at length exacting the usual penalty—and which, after an ineffectual struggle against it in the United States, compelled him to return to England in a most weak and debilitated condition.

In 1820, he was absent from Washington during August and September, passing those unhealthy months to the northward, partly at the famous springs of Ballston, in the State of New York, at a large hotel called Sans Souci; but, notwithstanding a strict search amongst his papers, we have been unable to find any account of his journeyings on this occasion, but have heard that his residence in the north was not confined to Ballston, but included the town of Troy, about five miles from Albany, on the Hudson River, where he had met with

3 K

424

UNITED STATES. 3.—MEMOIR.

some great attraction in the only daughter of the Representative of
that district in Congress. He returned to the Capital at the beginning
of October, and found there the new Minister, Mr. Stratford Canning,
Mr. Autrobus, the Secretary of Legation, having in the interim since
Mr. Bagot's departure, acted as Chargé-d'Affaires.

We have selected below a few letters and journals which contain an
account of some occurrences during this period, and also of his
travels in the autumn of 1821, to inspect the northern Consulates, and
make the acquaintance of those Consuls who were not known to him.

UNITED STATES. 3.—CORRESPONDENCE.

MILLER TO SIR C. B.

Washington, January 31st, 1820.

Both yourself and Lady B. will, I am sure, be glad to hear of my safe
arrival at Washington. I had a most tedious and boisterous passage; but in
other respects was as comfortable in the Packet as a man could be. I was
the only passenger; so had the whole of the after-cabin, and, in consequence
of Mr. Freeling's recommendations, enjoyed every accommodation I could
have wished. I got to New York on the last day of the year; having been
at sea seven weeks and two days!! We were obliged at twelve o'clock, on
the 30th, to anchor just above the Narrows and ride out a snow storm, which
prevented the pilot from seeing half a cable's length from the ship, and which,
if we had been outside the Hook, would have carried us some distance back
to England. It was not until the next day that the weather admitted of our
proceeding to the city. I am now seated in the same chair, in the same
room, in the same house as eighteen months ago; the same routine of
dinners and parties is going on; and the same eternal Marine band continue
to play the same old quadrilles as much out of tune as ever. If you inhabited

UNITED STATES. 3 — CORRESPONDENCE.

the opposite house, instead of Poletica, I might imagine that my English trip
was nothing more than a dream.

I was not aware until I arrived here, of half the obligations I was under to
you for your attentions to James during his illness; and for which, I can
assure you I feel very grateful. He begs his best remembrances.

We have no particular news, except that Congress is very busy debating
whether the new State of Missouri is to be admitted into the Union with or
without a restriction as to the toleration of Slavery. This subject, called the
great Missouri question, excites a deep interest all over the Union. Some of
the slave-holding States are very warm; and Virginia says she will support
Missouri if she refuses to comply with the restriction, supposing it to be
imposed—i. e., will support her in rebellion. Gales says the subject is
misrepresented; not being one as to the extension of slavery, but only as to
the diffusion or concentration of existing slavery. Be this as it may, if the
restriction is not carried, it will tell very badly in Europe, that Congress
having an opportunity of checking slavery in any way, refused, after great
deliberation, to profit by it.

The President, on Wednesday evening, was very particular in his inquiries
about you; and said you would carry with you wherever you went the best
wishes of the Americans, &c. I replied, according to the most received pre-
cedents in such cases made and provided, that you entertained a reciprocity
of friendly feeling, and always spoke of the country in terms of regard, &c.;
in short we both squiddled to perfection, to the great edification of surround-
ing senators. I am to dine there next Wednesday; the only one of the
corps.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Washington, April 3rd, 1820.

My brother James has begged I will express to you his thanks for
your kind letter of the 6th of January, which he will not fail to answer by the
next Packet.

426

Antrobus read to me your letter to him received by the last mail, with the message for myself. Your delay in answering my letter from Falmouth will save you one communication; as you will have received before you write my letter of January 31, telling you of my safe arrival, and about the great Missouri question; which has at length been settled in a manner not quite to have been expected. In the Senate, it is true, there was a majority against the restriction of slavery, but it was supposed the House would have come to a different determination. The majority, however, which at one time existed there prohibiting slavery in the new State, gradually melted before the vigorous and united attacks of the members from the south, and the slave-holding States. The question became at last an undisguised contest for political superiority between the slave-holding and non-slave-holding States. The language and arguments used by the members from the former were of the most violent kind, and they succeeded finally in bullying and frightening some of the quiet Northern men to change their side, and others to stay away on the final division. A compromise was said to have been effected, but it consisted in allowing slavery in the new State of Missouri, and in all the territories south of 36½ degrees of latitude. A Northern Senator and a member were burnt in effigy by their constituents for their votes on this occasion.

Antrobus will tell you all about the melancholy affair of Decatur, and send you the correspondence which led to the duel with Commodore Barron, and the late Spanish Papers, adjourning the war, or rather the seizure of the Floridas until the next Congress, to Clay's great disappointment. Apropos of Clay, he means to retire and practise law in order to provide for his family.

I will only detain you to say that there is a piece of scandal circulating amongst the Dons here, of which I first heard from H . . . , derived from a high American quarter in London, that your professions of regard for this country were only a profound quiz; and that since your return home, you have expressed your real opinion, and said on many occasions very severe things about the good people here. You may depend upon all your friends who are very numerous, defending you whenever this is brought forward, but

427

you know that no contradiction or defence can altogether avail in such matters.

What think you of a snow-storm here on Easter Sunday, the snow on the Monday several inches deep?

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Washington, July 28th, 1820.

I duly received your letter of the 6th of April by the Packet of that month, and conclude that I may now congratulate you upon having passed through the troubled waters of a first arrival, and of being well-seated in the saddle. Nothing could have happened more unfortunately for you than the death of Casamajor, but I hope, *par esprit de corps*, that you found my confre, Sir Daniel Bayley, very useful to you. I believe, however, that he is more of a consul and merchant than a diplomatist. Both A . . . and myself agree that it was quite irregular to give the secretaryship of Embassy as a first commission, and that some Secretary of Legation ought to have been promoted, in which opinion I am perhaps more disinterested than he is.

Washington is just the same place it always has been at the end of July—quite quiet and deserted. Roth and Petry remain with the French Attachés, Menou and Thierry. All the others, ourselves excepted, have flown in search of a more northern at least, if not a cooler latitude. A . . . is certainly not well, and means to try the effects of a little shaking after the departure of the mail, taking Passmore with him. I shall probably adopt the same course, and James will remain here for a short time *Chargé de toutes les affaires*. We do not expect our new Minister till the beginning of October in time to prepare himself for the winter campaign.

My staff remains much *in statu quo*, excepting that Buchanan and Robertson have, as I believe you know, returned home on a short leave of absence. The former I hope will never return, and the latter, I believe, made up his

428

mind not to return to his old post. Buchanan's son (quite a youth) has the
temporary charge of his Consulate, by Lord C.'s express desire, and Crawford
acts at Philadelphia, Lord C. having requested he might be sent to the first
vacancy, in order that on the circumstance being reported, he might, if the
Consul did not return, be confirmed. All this has been duly performed, and
I added a recommendation in his favour which he richly merited. This is
certainly hard upon our poor friend the Doctor, more particularly as the King
of Spain nipped in the bud Patton's projects of removal to Florida. I now
very seldom hear from M . . ., the postage I presume having silenced him,
as some Boston gentlemen who came here respecting the loan told me, what
at all events I hope was an exaggeration, that his only means of subsistence
were fish, which is obtained at Boston for almost nothing, and potatoes which
he raised himself. This ought not to be at a place like Boston. Dictators
may dig potatoes but not Consuls.

Mr. Digges has told me many particulars about the slaves under our Ghent
Treaty, which question you will probably have to settle, but you will, no
doubt, find all his information in the letter which he forwarded to you through
the Department of State about a month ago. I thought you fortunate in
receiving it in this shape, as he is more deaf than ever, and a visit from him
generally costs me a headache.

W . . . spent two or three days here a short time since, and promises
he will be of some service in relation to the threatening Tariff question, which
was postponed to the next session by one senatorial vote only, having actually
passed the House. It will be curious if the Americans commence a system
of restriction and protection at the time when we begin to abolish them, and
to remove impediments to Free Trade as talked of. Baldwin is the great
champion of the new American system.

General Vives, with his Mission, went after the rising of Congress, to
Philadelphia, where he was taken no notice of, and retreated across the Dela-
ware to a small place called Camden, for summer quarters. If you take the
trouble to read his correspondence with Adams, you will perceive that he and
Gallatin are directly at issue with respect to a conversation which took place

at Paris, and which Gallatin reported home. Gallatin's letter ought never to have appeared. It was sent to the House by mistake with other communications. It is said unintentionally, although some over-wise people think it was meant to injure Gallatin, who will return home after the presidential election is decided.

Poletica has just set out for Pittsburg per stage, and intended to make a short cut to Lake Erie, and follow the shore to Niagara, but he will, I think, find himself compelled to take some more circuitous and easy road.

We have just heard from England the commencement of the Queen's affair. It is an unfortunate business.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Washington, April 18th, 1821.

We are very much obliged to you for your letters of December 20th, which were received just before the departure of the last Packet, and should have been answered by that opportunity, had not James and myself been very hard pressed to get through our respective shares of business for the Mail, which was a very heavy one as respects commercial and consular affairs. I have not quite a clear conscience on the subject of a letter you wrote immediately before you left London, and which I received during the time I was up the North River last Autumn, but I will not allow myself to suppose that I can have so long delayed answering it. If I have, it is consoling to perceive that you begin your last letter with some excuses of the same kind: *veniam damus petimusque vicissim*.

It has given us great pleasure to hear that you enjoy such good health and are so well pleased with St. Petersburg. Antrobus left us in the April Packet and is now tossing about on the Atlantic. It is now blowing a severe north-western gale, and while I was dressing some snow fell. You know Antrobus so well that I need not tell you how much we feel his loss, although I consider it was good for him in all respects not to remain longer with us.

430

I am now sometimes reduced to a solitary day's shooting, and still haunt our old suipe ground over the Alexandrian bridge. I have inherited your Congreve barrel of powder.

Congress broke up on March 3rd, and on the Monday following (the 5th) the President took the oath for his second period of service in the House of Representatives. This was performed with more than ordinary ceremony. The diplomatic body was invited to attend by the Secretary of State, and went in full dress, narrowly escaping suffocation in elbowing through the crowd at the door. The Senate, Supreme Court, Cabinet, and all public officers, attended on the occasion, and we afterwards offered our congratulations at the Presidential Palace, and I received a most warm and cordial reception from both Monsieur and Madame for old acquaintance sake. As Monroe has now nothing further to expect, he will, in all probability, act with decision and energy if he has any favourite policy to promote, which will, of course, soon be made to appear. I do not know whether you retain much curiosity about the proceedings of Congress, but have sent you a short printed précis of the principal measures they had under consideration, which will in five minutes put you au courant of all they did, or rather, of all they left undone, heavy complaints being made against them for allowing the Missouri question to take up nearly all their time. You can have no idea of the bitterness which this question excited. It would probably never have been adjusted had not Clay made his appearance and exerted himself in the most indefatigable manner in arranging it. Lowndes, the great southern champion, knocked himself up, and was confined by illness during the latter part of the session.

Considerable retrenchments have taken place in the army and navy; the latter has been deprived of half the annual appropriation for its increase; the army reduced to 6,000, and a board of officers is now sitting in this place to carry the reduction into effect. This unpleasant duty is performed by the three generals who remain in service, Brown, Scott, and Gaines. Jackson, who was very unpopular with Congress for his bullying them about Arbuthnot's business, retires from the service, but is appointed Governor of the new Florida territory, with 5,000 dollars salary. The remaining generals

are otherwise provided for, and the inferior officers, who are now crowding to Washington to learn their fates, must retire to the "dull pursuits of civil life," if they were so fortunate as to have had any calling or profession.

Stratford Canning has got through his first session very well, both as respects representation and business; the latter, you will have perceived from the newspapers, has consisted of a little of what I call "fancy negotiation" about the slave trade. He has great apprehensions about the summer, but does not mean to travel, that is, to make any great progress, but he will probably indulge in excursions in the neighbourhood. I have myself a project of visiting all the northern consulates, but shall be detained here some time in moving into and fixing myself in my new habitation, the house fitted up for Antrobus, which is more clean and comfortable than my present one, and has three or four additional rooms; but its greatest recommendation is its belonging to a more reasonable landlord. Old Dunlop has got beyond all further tolerance.

As respects my staff, but few changes have occurred. Crawford succeeds Dawson at Baltimore: Buchanan has returned to New York, boasting that his last employment in England was the completion of the arrangements for bettering the condition of the consuls in this country, and drafting an Act of Parliament for that purpose,(!!) which business, by the bye, is now under serious consideration here, by orders from home, and will, I hope, be satisfactorily adjusted. Robertson writes that he means to return to Philadelphia, and Walker is, ad interim, entrusted with the consular seal. Patton has renewed his Florida-breakfast-visits, and writes home by the last Packet to be appointed to Pensacola, with a salary, where, I believe, he means to go, at all events, to reside as a merchant.

The Junon Frigate has arrived at Hampton to take Neuville to the Brazils, whenever he has concluded his commercial negotiation here. Roth will be left Chargé. Vives returns to Spain this summer, and we shall lose Lomanosoff from the Russian Legation.

And now I believe I have told you all the news; so good bye. All your commissions have been executed, and Thornton pacified.

3 L

UNITED STATES. 3.—JOURNEY UP HUDSON RIVER.

MILLER TO HIS SISTER.

Saratoga Springs, New York, August 16th, 1821.

I was obliged very suddenly to break off in the midst of my letters by the last Packet in consequence of an unexpected summons from the Agent, saying that the mail was only waiting for me. To prevent any interruption, I have determined to take time by the forelock, and begin my September letter to you at this early period. If I recollect rightly, I was endeavouring to give you some sketch of my northern travels this summer, and had got as far as a place called Long Branch, on the Atlantic. I staid there about four or five days, and then proceeded to New York by a very pleasant route. After breakfast I was driven a few miles to a place called Red Bank, near Shrewsbury, in an open carriage; four of five friends left Long Branch at the same time, remaining afterwards to pass the morning in fishing at Red Bank. In a large sheet of water surrounded with hills, like a lake, lay the steam-boat—the surrounding scenery beautiful. We drove a short distance into the shallow water, and got out of the carriage into a boat which carried us on board, and where we found some friends who had preceded us. At the time appointed, to a minute, (the steam-boats always starting with the utmost punctuality), we got up our anchor. We left the bay by an outlet which did not at first appear visible, and proceeded towards the Atlantic. As we approached, we passed the famous fishing ground for clams, where there were an immense number of boats busily employed. The water became so shallow upon our coming near the ocean, that we grounded on a mud bank, with a range of low sand hills in front separating us from the Atlantic; on the other side of which we saw several large ships and brigs close in on their way to New York. We were detained nearly two hours, until the tide once more set us afloat. The boat was lowered, and some of the gents went on board the clam vessels to see the fishing—clams, I should tell you, are a hard tough shell fish, something like, but very inferior to, oysters. At two

o'clock, another amusement was provided in the shape of dinner, to which we all descended. On our floating, after dinner, we kept within the sand banks, and passed Sandy Hook lighthouse on our right; having enough of the Atlantic in point of prospect, but remaining in smooth water; the motion not being at all inconvenient. The weather remarkably fine though warm. Proceeding up Sandy Hook Bay, we passed the July Packet from Liverpool just arrived, and taking the passengers out of the pilot-boat, which was becalmed, carried them with us to New York, hearing the news to entertain us by the way—which was hardly necessary, the passage of the Narrows and the approach to New York forming one of the most enchanting scenes in the world, superior to the famous Bay of Naples even, if you take away Mount Vesuvius. The steam-boat landed us at a wharf on the Battery, a place planted with trees, and forming the fashionable promenade of the town. I went to my old quarters, at Mr. Wilkinson's, occupying a charming room immediately on the Battery. I gave you an account of how I passed my time in New York in my last letter.

I have already told you of the unexpected pleasure I received by meeting at the Consul's office my old schoolfellow and fellow-collegian, Pigot, whom I had not seen for so many years. I did all I could to make his stay agreeable; and as he was anxious to see the North River on his return to join the Admiral at Quebec, and as another friend, Lomanosoff, the Russian Secretary of Legation, had the same project of seeing the Hudson, and many of my acquaintance being bound in the same direction—I thought I could not do better than join them; so, after a week's residence in New York, on the Friday morning, at six o'clock, I embarked in the steam-boat, and ascended the Hudson. There are two parts of the river very remarkable; the one called the Palissades, where the rocks on the left are completely perpendicular to a great height, so that the fir trees on the top appear like bushes. The other part is called the Highlands, in the neighbourhood of the Military Academy at West Point. On the left, before you come to the Academy, you pass under an immense bluff, called Anthony's Nose—I am afraid to say how many hundred feet high. What was curious, the weather, while we were amongst this wild, savage scenery was cloudy, and accorded with the moun-

434

UNITED STATES. 3.—HUDSON RIVER.

tains, a solitary bald eagle occasionally appearing, some flying showers falling; but immediately on passing the highlands, you come to a more level, flat, and cultivated country, with villages and houses in great numbers, and several considerable towns—on all this scenery the sun breaking forth shone with good effect, light and cheerfulness succeeding the former gloom. I know not whether this gives you an idea of my meaning; if not, your imagination must supply the deficiency of my hasty description. The breakfast, dinner, and supper on board the boat were very good; the worst part of the business consists in the sleeping, so many persons being crowded in the cabin. I procured what is called a settee—a rush-bottomed sofa—on which was a mattress, sheets, and a counterpane, and, succeeding in obtaining one near the cabin door, wrapped myself in my dressing gown and slept till near four o’clock, not liking to remain on deck on account of the dew. At this time we arrived at Albany; and I immediately got into a boat, and went to the inn where I had formerly staid, marched up stairs, and in a few minutes was in bed and asleep; leaving Thomas to follow at daylight with the luggage. I had thus a good night’s rest, and woke to breakfast quite fresh. The distance, about one hundred and forty miles, in twenty-two hours. This you will acknowledge to be a very excellent and expeditious mode of travelling.

At breakfast, a table d'hôte, we met with a great many of our friends—some returning from the springs, others going; among others, Cadwallader, Mrs. Erskine's brother. The day was spent in strolling about Albany, the curiosities of which I had to show Pigot; and I crossed the Hudson by an excellent ferry, to take a sketch of Albany, which I will one day show you. We dined at the table d'hôte, and formed after dinner a pleasant party, over a glass of wine. The people excessively civil. The landlord formerly was servant to Parish, of the great Hamburgh house, who recommended me to go there; and his wife an Englishwoman, who, as you may suppose, exerted herself to please a fellow-countryman. This table d'hôte differed from the continental ones—the landlord acting merely as head waiter.

The next day (Sunday), Lomanosoff, Pigot, and self, having hired a carriage overnight, set out at six, in a most lovely morning, to visit the famous establishment of the Shaking Quakers, at Lebanon. We were

UNITED STATES. 3.—SHAKING QUAKERS.—LEBANON.

ferried across the Hudson; and passing through Nassau, Stephenton, &c., in an easterly direction, drove up to the church door where they were at their devotions, or exercises, as I should rather call it. We were in high spirits, and the scenery most beautiful. You may form an idea by supposing an amphitheatre of high mountains, the sides diversified with fields, wood, &c., gradually sloping in some places, in others high and precipitous. The neighbourhood of the church was completely blocked up with carriages of every description, form, and denomination. It was late; so we pushed our way through the crowd with some difficulty into the place of meeting. The dancing had been finished; but we heard the sermon, singing, &c. These originals I described to you last year, after my visit to another of their establishments near Troy. Pigot, as you may suppose, opened all his eyes in wonder. The carriage waited; and at about one we mounted, and were driven to the public establishment at Lebanon Springs, about a mile or two; a great resort for company at this season. The springs are soft, the water running through limestone; and the warm bath efficacious in rheumatic cases. After a coup de toilette, dinner time (two o'clock) was announced by the ringing of a large bell. I suppose one hundred persons nearly, of all sorts, sat down to table; assembled for the benefit of the waters, or through idleness, like ourselves. We were enjoying our glass of wine very comfortably, the ladies having retired, when a waiter informed us that at four o'clock the room must be cleared for Mr. Somebody to preach. We of course adjourned; and at four, the dining room was converted into a chapel, just as we started on our return home; and where we did not arrive till near nine, travelling for the last hour in a charming moonlight. The distance is called twenty-eight or thirty miles; so that the horses performed a good day's journey of near sixty. The next morning (Monday) Lomanosoff embarked in the steam-boat for New York; being about to sail for England on his return to Petersburg on leave of absence. Pigot and self set out for Saratoga Springs; the only chance I had of showing him anything of American society: all the world and his wife coming here during the present season, from all quarters of the Union, even as far as Savannah. To change the route, I went by way

436

UNITED STATES. 3.—SARATOGA SPRINGS.

of Schenectady, leaving Troy, &c., on my right hand. Schenectady is a large
place, long settled, with a magnificent (magnificent in point of size) college,
part of which is only finished. Here we dined, about fifteen miles from
Albany; so that, you see, we did not start very early, being engaged after
breakfast in packing off all our friends in different directions. We passed
through Ballston; where I paid a visit to Sans Souci Hotel, the place of my
residence last year, and found not above forty or fifty persons yet arrived.
Saratoga just now having the preeminence. Between six and seven in the
evening we arrived at the Pavilion; where I found Moore, the Packet Agent,
who is a great man at these places, had obtained me most excellent accom-
modations; by which is merely meant an airy, comfortable bedroom. I found
a great many acquaintances, and have added many more new ones. I will
now describe the mode of passing our time here, or at least with the next
time I open my writing desk; being now about to dress for dinner, at which
you are obliged to be very punctual, if you wish to fare well... I drink
porter with my dinner; which is particularly recommended mixed with the
Flat Rock water—a tonic. The principal spring is called the Congress
Spring, where I go every morning just before breakfast, and drink four half-pint
tumblers. The effect is the same as the Cheltenham waters; and I think they
have done me a great deal of good. At first, like the Cheltenham, they are
apt to disagree, and give headache, &c.; I have taken them for ten or twelve
days, and find them rather weakening, although they remove the bile. They
are bottled, and sent to all parts of the country. There are only two houses
thought fashionable—the Pavilion and the Congress Hall; with a number of
inferior ones. The Pavilion decidedly the best. Of course, there is great
jealousy between the rival houses; each of which can accommodate from one
hundred to one hundred and fifty persons. In so large a society there is, as
you may suppose, a great many divisions; and there reigns a great air of
coldness and constraint in the general intercourse. You have great difficulty
of steering clear of little feuds and parties; the married ladies striving to lead
the ton, and the unmarried to engage the most distinguished beaux. One
great object engrosses the attention of the ladies—the Springs being con-

sidered a kind of marriage market, or common field of battle for belles and beaux from all quarters of the Union. By the time a young lady has made one day's appearance, some gent gets introduced, and generally takes his seat by her at table, and flirts with her till something happens to break off the intercourse; if not, an engagement takes place, and in due course of time, no accidents intervening, they are married. Some of the great objects of speculation are the young southern planters—mostly rich, of good address and education—who form a kind of aristocracy, and are courted by the mothers. Some of them now here are very gentlemanly men, and have mostly travelled in Europe, and form what is called the first society; to be ranked in which is a great object of ambition. When there are no balls, the evening is passed with music, conversation, chess, and backgammon; the former much played, and I have found some good antagonists. There are two billiard tables attached to the house; and some good baths, where you can either use common water, or a mineral called Freemason's Cordial, very refreshing and good for the skin. One very remarkable circumstance attending Saratoga and Ballston, which are similar in all respects, is the constant movement amongst the company; thirty or forty will go and come in a day; and not a person, scarcely, travels to Canada or the Niagara Falls, which it is very fashionable to do, who does not stop for a day here on the road. About this time there is a great practice of going to Ballston, the waters being thought a good tonic after the Saratoga; and to conclude the season there. A large party tried to do this the other day; but we still continue so crowded as to reject many visitors for want of accommodation; and some of the beaux who had deserted, returned to be present at our ball last night. Next week, however, Ballston will be the rage, and Saratoga in twenty-four hours deserted. They are distant about seven or eight miles. I should add, there is an excellent reading room in the village, where an infinity of newspapers are taken in, and a good circulating library. I have now, I think, enabled you to form a pretty good notion of the Springs, and of the manner of living at them; so, for the present, adieu.

438

UNITED STATES. 3.—BURGOYNE'S SURRENDER.

New York, Aug. 29th, 1821.

HAVING now at length a few minutes' breathing time, I cannot employ it better than by continuing the journal of my travels, which I began at Saratoga Springs, and hope you will at home find as much amusement in reading it, as you inform me you did in perusing the last long account I sent describing the breaking up of the Congress. On Tuesday the 21st, Thomas received marching orders. I had intended to have gone further north, as far as Lake George, the scenery of which is most beautiful, but as I had seen a great deal already and had some idea of going into Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, I determined to defer this trip till next season, and regulate my motions so as to be in New York to prepare my letters for the September Packet, confining myself to the country of Burgoyne's fighting, and to ascending the famous Catskill Mountains. I hired a carriage and pair of horses to land me that evening at Albany, and at about nine o'clock I started for the Hudson River, having seen Pigot off for Quebec.

I went along the left bank of the Fish Creek, which runs into the Hudson at about twelve miles from Saratoga. The North side, where the junction takes place, is the spot where Burgoyne's army surrendered, in a field close to the river. The spot was pointed out, near some haystacks, but there is no memorial whatever to distinguish it. The Hudson is about as wide here as the Thames at London, and Fish Creek is a considerable stream. I mounted a height near where formerly stood an old fort (Hardy) built during the Indian wars, long before the Revolution, but of which nothing remains but a little inequality in the ground. We had hitherto travelled along a bye-road pretty good, but here we met with one of the Northern turnpike roads which runs along the west bank of the Hudson, and is a most excellent one. This road did not exist at the time of Burgoyne's campaign, but there was an indifferent road close to it, by which the main part of his force retreated to the place of his surrender. So that we continued our journey through a most picturesque country, advancing in the same line as that in which Burgoyne retreated. At about ten or eleven miles, we came to the house in which poor

General Frazer died, and were shown the exact spot, near a window. This
is a wooden house, and has been moved some 100 yards nearer the river. It
formerly stood at the foot of the heights near which all the fighting took
place, called Bemus' Heights. An old man, of the name of Ezra Buel, who
was one of the guides to General Gates, the American Commander-in-Chief,
lives near the spot on a small farm, now between seventy and eighty years old.
I found him in a field assisting in carrying in some hay, and prevailed on
him to guide us over the field of battle. He mounted a horse which was at
work in the field with his saddle on, and trotted before the carriage to show
the way. We first went to the place where General Frazer was buried, in a
redoubt or a woody hill, which formed the extremity of the British line. We
then followed a road in a ravine which extended along the whole position,
our guide occasionally stopping to point out spots where fighting had taken
place. The whole appearance of the country is now quite changed, so much
ground having been cleared and cultivated—not a building remains on the
field of battle which existed at the time—you can however easily imagine the
rough and impracticable nature of the country, to which Burgoyne's misfort-
tunes are attributable. We were taken to a blacksmith's shop in the neigh-
bourhood, near to which General Frazer received his mortal wound. I pro-
cured some of the musket-balls and a grape-shot, which were fired on that
occasion, and are still found in great numbers in the fields, and in the sides
of the trees. After a circuit of six or eight miles, we came to a cottage where
General Gates' head-quarters were. It is almost in ruins, and will soon fall.
We afterwards regained the high-road near the river, and continued our
journey along the banks, occasionally crossing a canal, which is to extend to
Lake Champlain, and finally to be connected at Albany with the Great
Western Canal. Our guide, Ezra Buel, returned to his house in the opposite
direction, and just before he left us I was in great doubt as to compensating
him for his trouble—the more so as the blacksmith and his people treated
him with great respect, and called him *Major*. I was luckily relieved from
my embarrassment by the old gentleman himself, for on calling to him from
the carriage to ask some question, as he is rather deaf, he misunderstood

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440

what I said, and answered "Whatever gentlemen please. I am always con-
tented with what they choose to give me." This speech of course removed
all difficulty. It was some time before he found out who we were, and he
entertained us with some curious story of his having captured three grenadiers
to his own share, surrounding them I suppose himself. On his finding us
out, he began to apologize, and pay compliments to the British troops, which
he could with justice do, for they fought well.

At about four o'clock we stopped at a tavern beyond Stillwater, called
Woodsworth's, where we dined, and fed the horses. In the evening we pro-
ceeded on to Waterford, near to which place the Mohawk falls into the
Hudson. We crossed the Hudson at Waterford by a bridge, and followed
the east side of the river to Troy, where we recrossed in a horse-boat, and
got to Albany at about nine, in the dark. Mr. Bamman's house was overflow-
ing with company. He had just sent off two loads, as he called it, meaning
carriages full of guests; but he made me a comfortable bed in one of the
drawing-rooms, where, as you may imagine, I slept soundly after my fatigues.

I amused myself very well for a couple of days at Albany, our house being
kept alive by the continued arrival of acquaintances from the Springs. On
Friday morning, the 24th, one of the days on which the Chancellor, the largest
and best of the steam-boats, departs, I once more put myself in motion.
Owing to the size of this steam-boat, and to her great draught of water, she
is obliged, whenever the river is low, to remain at anchor about three or four
miles from Albany, not being able to pass a shallow called the Overshaugs.
An hour after breakfast, I despatched Thomas and the baggage in one of the
boats of the steam-vessel, to row down the river, and shortly afterwards got
into one of the stages furnished at the expense of the proprietors, with some
friends, and proceeded to these Overshaugs. The company filled several
coaches, each holding eight or nine, and the ladies were sent off in the first
two or three. We crossed the Hudson opposite to Albany in a good horse-
boat, and had a fine drive by the side of the river, arriving at the same time
as the boats with the baggage, which we saw pulling with all their might, as
we went along. After a delightful sail or paddle (I know not what to call it)

UNITED STATES. 3.—HUDSON TOWN.

down the river, we arrived at the town of Hudson, on the right bank, at two o'clock—distant about thirty miles from Albany—where I landed. I went to a very decent inn, and ordering dinner at half-past four, strolled out to look at the town. It is very well situated, partly upon and below a high bluff of rock which projects into the river. The chief street, almost a mile in length, runs from the river directly inland, and is only partially seen from the water. The banks of the river and the adjoining country are most beautiful. On the opposite side is a small place called *Athens*, to which is a ferry-boat worked by horses. In the middle of the river is a shallow or long narrow island, through which a channel has been cut, and properly planked like a wharf on each side to enable the boats to cross in a direct line. On my return to dinner, I was agreeably surprised with a visit from an old friend, who represented this district in Congress last session, and who resided in Hudson. The next day I crossed to the opposite side and explored *Athens*, and an old Dutch settlement a little above, and had my Congressional friend to dine, who in the evening took me to some heights behind the town from which all Hudson and the surrounding country, for more than ten miles, was visible—the prospect most charming. Another agreeable surprise was in store for me, by meeting a gentleman and his two daughters, fine agreeable girls, who were entering Hudson in their carriage, meaning to travel by land to New York. I had been acquainted with them at Saratoga and we all passed the evening together. Do not, however, imagine that it was for all this that I came to Hudson. No, I had much mightier projects in hand in which my Congressional friend was of no small utility. These were to explore the Cattskill Mountains, which had been constantly frowning at me since I had been acquainted with this part of the country. They are distinctly visible from Waterford. I tried to persuade the young ladies to be of the party. They declared they did not regard the fatigue in the least, and I believe would have gone, had not Papa, who is a widower, thrown cold water on the scheme.

Well, at between six and seven the next morning, a very light waggon with two cross-seats and one horse, not more heavy than a gig, was procured—a

442

UNITED STATES. 3.—CATTSKILL MOUNTAINS.

basket of cold fowl, porter, and other necessaries packed up by Thomas—off we started, my Congress friend acting as guide and coachman. We crossed the ferry to Athens, then drove along that side of the river to the town of Cattskill, distant eight miles, in less than an hour. Here we gave the horse some water, and explored the town. Some of the scenery at the outlet very pretty, where the creek flows into the Hudson. There is a rock here on the beach called Diamond Rock, standing up abruptly, and so called from a great variety of crystals being found at its base. We now approached the formidable Cattskill Mountains. The highest is called Round Top, and is 3,800 feet high. Our object was to see the Falls, a little way down another mountain, which is about 1,000 feet lower than the Round Top, from which it is separated by a frightful glen. We passed round the spur of this mountain, and ascended the glen called the *Clove*, as nearly as I can write the word according to its pronunciation. We found a road called Hunter's Road, from its going to some township of that name. My friend was accustomed to rocks and precipices, and drove or rather walked the carriage up without any accident. These mountains are very rocky, and covered with pine trees. The hollows and precipices are tremendous. This was the scene where Rip Van Winkle took his unconscionable nap, as mentioned in the Sketch Book. Near the top, in a heavy shower of rain, which almost always falls in these glens, we met some gentlemen of our acquaintance returning, who cheered us up by giving a most romantic description of the falls. They had slept at a mountain tavern near the spot the night before, and were surprised to hear that we had come from Hudson, and meant to return if possible to sleep there that night.

After making a distance of twenty or twenty-two miles from Hudson, we stopped at a log hut on the top of the mountain. Our horse was, as you may suppose, not very fresh. They had no oats, but merely hay and barley. Here we left the carriage, and taking a boy for our guide, went to the falls about two miles, partly through the wood, which has in some places been cut down so as to form a path. From the top, as is always the case, the falls did not appear to advantage. With some difficulty, and a little risk, we

descended, and halting on a ledge of rocks, looked up at the falls. The column of water, owing to the great dryness of the season, was insignificant, but the side of the mountain most wild and magnificent, caving in a good deal. The water here fell perpendicularly 165 or 170 feet, then dashing against the ledge near where we were placed, again precipitated itself 70 feet lower, and was lost in a savage glen—the side of Round Top rising opposite in great majesty. Some people, in commemoration of the 4th of July, caused an immense mass of rock of four tons weight to be thrown from the top, from whence it fell with a hideous crash, all which is duly recorded on a neighbouring flat piece of rock, the letters being cut with some mason's tools. On our return to the log hut, how we did eat and drink! !—a short preparatory luncheon when we first arrived not having had any effect on our appetites. Fowls, eggs, cheese, porter, disappeared in a trice—to the wonderment of the mountaineers. It was between four and five before we began to descend on our return. My friend drove with great rapidity and skill—sometimes holding the horse up by mere strength of arm. He would have astonished some of the Hyde Park charioteers. I was surprised at our slight vehicle keeping so well together. Notwithstanding all our exertions, it was nine before we got home. On arriving at Athens, we found the large horse-boat had ceased running for the night, so leaving the carriage at an inn, we summoned the watermen, and crossed in a small row-boat. The people at Hudson were surprised at our return, not expecting us till the next day, but I had determined not to sleep at any of the small taverns. Our landlord said, when I told him my intention in the morning—"Well, I guess you'll be mistaken. You'll be very busy to get back even to the town of Cattskill before night-fall." We went by a longer road than usual, Mr. S., who was acquainted with the country, wishing to show me the glen between the mountains called or pronounced the *Clove*, the sight of which amply repaid us for the detour. I dreamt of course of nothing but rocks, precipices, lightning-struck pines, &c.

The next morning, Monday the 27th, Mr. S . . . carried me to see the opening of the County Court, and at two I embarked on board the same boat, the Chancellor, in which I had come down from Albany. Some friends who

444

had just arrived from Lebanon by land, went with me on board, where I found
a great concourse of people and a considerable number of ladies. Amongst
other friends was Gilbert Robertson and his family, the Consul at Philadel-
phia, returning from an excursion to Canada. Although the boat is so large
and commodious, there was some difficulty amongst our new arrivals in pro-
curing beds for the night. Fortunately the Captain recognised me, and on
my asking for a bed, gave a knowing wink, and declared before the passengers
in a loud voice that my berth had been taken three days before! I said
nothing of course, but took possession of one of the best in the ship, where I
slept as soundly and comfortably as a man can in such a situation. As we
formed so large a party from Hudson, we had a separate dinner provided for
us with all the despatch and comfort of a good hotel on shore. After dinner
I joined Robertson and some of his friends over a glass of wine. A card-table
was opened in the evening, but I preferred the scenery and walking and talk-
ing on deck, where I staid till past ten to see the highlands and Anthony's
Rose by starlight. The weather was most delightful, everything gay and
cheerful, and the whole of my travels formed one continued party of pleasure.
Between five and six we arrived at the wharf at New York. I continued in
bed till Thomas had landed the baggage, and prepared everything for dressing
at my old quarters on the Battery, where I was received with open arms.
Had Titus been with me in this excursion, I am convinced that, bad traveller
as he is, he would have been delighted with it.

New York, Sept. 4th, 1821.

I am now about to conclude my long letter or rather volume. Since my
arrival here I have been passing my time pleasantly enough—a little too much
of dinners and wine. The weather has been abominable—wet and close—
yesterday it ended in a violent hurricane, which is described in one of the
papers which I have sent to my father. I was at dinner with a large party at
the Consul's house, and as I was handing Madame into the dining-room, we
were saluted by a large pane of glass being blown into the room, and the out-

UNITED STATES. 3.—EXCURSION INTO NEW ENGLAND.

side shutter was obliged to be closed to keep out the weather. The storm
kept increasing until it at length tore up a fine tree which shaded the back of
the house, and laid it prostrate; fortunately it did not fall towards the house,
and no interruption took place in our table proceedings beyond going to look
at the wreck. I was obliged to make many detours on my return home, the
principal street being in many places impassable on account of the large trees
which had been torn up. Trees being, as you perhaps know, planted in all
the towns here.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

New York, October 9th, 1821.

My father will have told you the reason why I did not write to you by
our Falmouth Packet, and that I intended writing by the Liverpool Packet, by
which opportunity I meant to send you an account of my excursion into New
England—a promise which I shall now endeavour to redeem—witness the
vulgar folio sheet of paper which I have taken for the express purpose. Now
then for the Journal, which I dare say you will find long enough.

On Friday, September 14th, I left New York from the Brooklyn Ferry
Wharf, in the steam-boat Fulton, commanded by Capt. Law. I got on board
at six in the morning, the regular time for departure, but the boat had only
just arrived from New Haven, and was therefore delayed until seven. Her
consort, the Connecticut, Capt. Bunker, had lately been driven on shore in a
violent gale of wind, near New Haven, and received so much damage that she
has for the present ceased to navigate the Sound, and the Fulton has conse-
quently double duty to perform. We had not many passengers on board—
about 30; the weather was most delightful. The boat, although a very good
one, not equal, in my opinion, to the North River boats. We soon came to
Hell's, or as it is more politely called Hurl's Gate, where there is a dangerous
whirlpool. The scenery here is very beautiful, and the several country-

446

UNITED STATES. 3.—NEW HAVEN.

houses appear to great advantage, particularly Gracies, which is in the finest
situation, and where I have drunk some good glasses of Madeira. As evi-
dence of the danger of this passage, we saw a large schooner sunk with her
topmasts only above water, and a sloop fast on shore on one of the rocks.
At about thirty-five miles, we passed on the right, on Long Island, a light
house, called Sandy Light, and an hotel adjoining frequented sometimes by
families from New York for the purpose of sea-bathing. We kept so much
in the middle of the Channel that we did not see much of either the main
land on the left, or of Long Island on our right; but the country appeared
flat and uninteresting, and the trees were particularly brown and shabby,
owing to the late gale and the dryness of the season. Amusement was, how-
ever, provided on board of the boat, where a circulating library of good books
was kept. On taking out a book you deposited one dollar, which was returned
to you on bringing back the book, with a deduction of 12½ cents for its perusal.

We had a very good dinner at two, and at about half-past five, arrived at
New Haven, landing at the Long Bridge, at a little distance from the town.
The approach to New Haven is very fine. It is situated at the bottom of a
bay, on a plain with an amphitheatre of hills in the rear, which terminate at
each end in two abrupt precipices called the East and West Mountains.
There was a spacious imposing hotel near the Long Bridge, which we passed,
and went to one in the centre of the town, kept by a Mr. Mott, near the great
square, which is thought the best, and where I was comfortably accommo-
dated, thanks to one of my fellow-passengers, who whispered something in the
landlord's ear. The distance from New York by sea is about eighty miles,
but by land it is something less. I ordered tea, and strolled out to reconnoitre
the town, which is chiefly remarkable for containing one of the best Colleges
in the United States, called Yale, from one of the founders. It was, at
present, vacation, but some lights were to be seen in the rooms of the students
who had remained behind, and I was carried back to old Oxford recollections
by hearing some of them murdering well-known ditties upon the flute. On
returning to the hotel, I had a visit from Col. Gibbs, whose younger brother
is Governor of Rhode Island. He has resided a considerable time in Europe,

UNITED STATES. 3.—NEW HAVEN.

447

and is reckoned a great mineralogist. He proposed taking me to see the President of the College, and to go over the establishment the next morning, an offer I was glad to accept.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH.

After breakfast I went with my Cicerone to call on President Day, who has a neat official house adjoining the College. He carried us to the library, which is kept in alcoves, and does not contain more than seven or eight thousand volumes, but I was told, as an excuse for its smallness, that the students had chiefly their own private libraries. Our Bishop Berkeley was one of the greatest contributors. We afterwards went to the Cabinet of Minerals, for which a distinct building has been erected behind the College. It is a very good collection, as far as I can judge, and was formed by my friend, Colonel Gibbs, during his travels in Europe principally, and he values it at about 40,000 dollars; Professor Dwight says not more than 20,000, which is probably nearer the mark. Colonel Gibbs has only deposited it at the College, with some understanding, perhaps, that he may bequeath it at his death. This was almost the beginning of the study of mineralogy and geology in this country, which have since been very generally cultivated. The key of the room in which the philosophical apparatus is kept was not forthcoming, but I had no great curiosity to see it. There are not above 300 or 350 students in the College; the lowest age at which they are admitted is fourteen; the general age, however, about eighteen. They dine in rooms which hold each two classes, and the monitors have raised seats at the head of each table to superintend. They live in small rooms, most commonly two together, having separate bed rooms and one sitting room between them. On the whole the establishment resembled more a large public school than the idea we entertain of a college, and I fancied that the President became very cautious and circumspect in his answers when he heard I belonged to Christ Church. He was constantly apologising for the inferiority of the institution. The College was founded about the year 1700.

3 N

448

UNITED STATES. 3.—NEW HAVEN.

I occupied the remainder of the morning by an excursion to the West
Mountain, distant about three miles, which I ascended, and had a most
delightful prospect of the town and adjoining country. On the left of the
Bay you can distinguish very plainly the fort and, further on, the light
house, with Long Island stretched out in the distance. The East Mountain
appeared to great advantage. My ardour in exploring the mountain was a
good deal checked by my nearly treading, when on the summit, upon a
large black snake. On my return home to dinner I found many friends
who were travelling to New York, among others the Commander-in-Chief,
General Brown. In the evening I made an excursion to the eastward, over
the Long Bridge, where I had landed. This is a great undertaking, which
has nearly ruined the projector. It forms a passage to the mainland across
a deep bay or inlet, out of which runs a small river, called by its old Indian
name, Quinnipiack. The harbour of New Haven is chiefly formed by a
long pier or quay, say half or three quarters of a mile, which runs directly out
from the town. Stores and warehouses are built on it, and the vessels are
ranged on both sides to load and unload. The population of the place
exceeds six thousand, and it was formerly a separate colony, but joined
Connecticut, and is consequently called the semi-capital of the State, sharing
that honour with Hartford, which has not above two-thirds of the population.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH.

I attended service in the Episcopal Church, a handsome Gothic building
in front of the College. The Bishop of Connecticut preached. The interior
was well arranged and remarkably clean, the organ and singing good, and
I was much reminded of an English church. After some visits I explored
the Burying Ground, which is very remarkable. It is at some distance from
the churches on the outskirts of the town. Imagine a large inclosed space
covered with turf and avenues of trees, divided into tiers and smaller spaces
by a neat rail, on which is marked the name of the proprietor. The monu-
ments are neat and handsome, chiefly of marble, and some imported from
Italy, principally urns, obelisks, or pedestals. Every family almost in the

UNITED STATES. 3.—NEW HAVEN.

town owns a division, as the several compartments were drawn for by lot. All the tombs surrounding the churches in front of the College were removed to this place, excepting those of the regicides Whaley and Goffe, which still remain by themselves, being thought objects of curiosity. There is nothing remarkable about them, except the mere fact of their being the tombs of these men.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH.

Rainy, unpleasant weather. The chief attraction in the town is a large turf space, inclosed with railing and trees, across which stands the Gothic Episcopal Church, nearly in a line with the old Court House, and two other handsome churches, with good spires, at equal distances. Further back, the ground rising, is another green, railed and planted round, on which stands the line of buildings forming the College. The churches are quite insulated on the green, and the effect of the whole is very handsome. Round the two greens the principal houses are situated. The streets are very wide avenues, regularly laid out and planted with trees; the houses white, with porches and ornamental entrances, standing in neat gardens, to which much attention is paid. The whole is a happy intermixture of town and country, and has a most pretty and picturesque appearance. Finding some difficulty in continuing my route to Boston along the coast, I determined to take an inland route by Hartford and Providence, and defer visiting Newport and New London until my return from Boston. In the evening went to Mrs. Clarke's Assembly Rooms, to hear recitations from Shakespeare by a youth of the name of Smith, only ten years old. He was dressed in character, and performed very well. The company was not very numerous, and the room low and bad.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH.

At about half-past eight, after breakfasting, set out for Hartford. There are two roads, one by Middletown, and the other by Meredin. My stage took the latter. My companions were pleasant people enough. There were

450

UNITED STATES. 3.—HARTFORD.

two young students from Princeton College, in New Jersey, educating for the Church. They told some curious stories of the insubordination of the students. One tutor, who was very unpopular, carried for a long time a brace of loaded pistols, which he put by his plate at dinner, and under his pillow at night. Several students constantly wore dirks, and on one occasion when a large number expected not to be able to pass through the necessary examination, they threatened to take the President's life if he should refuse them their degrees!! At a short distance from New Haven, we passed a neat but small gun manufactory of a Mr. Whitney, and stopped at Merredin to change horses. I took a sketch of the church, and of a remarkable mountain in the rear called Lamentation Fountain. At about two, we arrived at Bennett's Hotel at Hartford, distance thirty-seven miles. I asked the lad on alighting, if I could have a good room. He answered they had no other than good, very pertly. On one of the students telling the landlord my name, everything became most obsequious, and the best room in the hotel was cleared out for me. I ordered dinner, and strolled out to look at the town. It stands on a height by the side of the Connecticut River, along which it stretches principally in one street, with a few intersecting. The town is famous for having been the place of meeting of the Hartford Convention—called after it—during the war with England. There was a considerable number of small vessels, and some few brigs at the wharves on the river, across which is a covered wooden-bridge about a quarter of a mile long. I had an excellent dinner, and was comfortably accommodated at the hotel which, towards evening, overflowed with company—many being sent away. The Governor of the State was there with a large party. In the evening, I went to a concert given by a Mrs. French, an American singer of some celebrity, but *non mi piace*. A very large company was assembled in the ball-room.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH.

Up before daylight, the coach calling punctually at six, but we were detained a long time at the Post Office, waiting for the closing of the mail to Providence, which was given to our charge. To form an idea of the company

UNITED STATES. 3.—PROVIDENCE.

451

to be met with in the public stages, take the following account of my fellow-passengers from Hartford. A Mr. and Mrs. Hoppyn, of Providence, remarkably well-bred, pleasant people, who are not thought amongst the richest persons of their town, because only worth 100,000¢ or 200,000¢. They had gone with a gentleman to Hartford, but returned with us in consequence of their friend meeting with an advantageous offer for the purchase of his horses, to be shipped to the West Indies, which he did not fail to accept—and left his companions to return home per stage, or how they could. Another passenger was a Mr. Herrick, a German by birth, who has made an immense fortune as a merchant and money-broker, and lives in a splendid mansion at New York. Mr. H. was accompanied by an elderly gentleman, relation or friend, a man of independent property in South Carolina. Another passenger was a Mr. Ralston, a young gentleman of one of the wealthiest and most respectable families in Philadelphia—engaged chiefly in the India trade—who has travelled over most parts of England and of Europe—a very well informed man. The remaining two persons, excepting Thomas, who rode outside with the coachman, were a Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth, of Hartford. She was rather handsome. He is a lawyer of weight and influence in his State, and is a son of a former Governor of the State, who was at one time American minister in France. Our stage company, therefore, was composed of persons of the highest respectability and standing in society. We got on very slowly—had a good breakfast at a place called Coventry, sixteen miles from Hartford, composed merely of a few houses—and dined at Pomfret, that is at a house quite in the outskirts of the village—the places here being very much scattered, and the houses at great distances from one another. The tavern was kept by a Mr. Sumner, whose daughter waited. He is a principal farmer, and had just given 16,000 dollars for an addition to his lands. His daughter, who waited, was always called Miss Sumner. "Some bread if you please, Miss Sumner," had a comical sound to my ears. Our dinner was not of the first order, but we only paid 40 cents for it each. There was a most delightful prospect from the house. As a specimen of the manners of Connecticut, a man was pointed out, very old, with grey hair, working in the road. He was

452

UNITED STATES. 3.—PROVIDENCE, R. I.

a considerable farmer—had sixteen cows all of a dun colour, a fancy which he indulged in—and had gained some agricultural medals. His wife takes upon herself all the indoor work, without any servant, and they have eight or nine children, some very young.—Long live Connecticut industry!

The country between New Haven and Hartford had been very good and picturesque; but between Hartford and Providence it was stony, and very hilly, with considerable rocks projecting out of the fields, chiefly poor pasture; in some places the scenery was fine. About sunset, after we had passed some distance into Rhode Island, the country much richer, and the grass more luxuriant. It was half-past nine, quite dark, before we got to Providence, although the distance was only sixty-eight miles, but we went along in a very dilatory manner, frequently stopping and delivering mail bags. We had some difficulty in obtaining accommodations, but at last succeeded at a house kept by a Mr. Chapotin, a Frenchman, on the high part of the town.

And now, I will leave you at Providence, as I find I shall not have time to finish the whole of my journey. The remainder shall be sent by the November Packet.

THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Philadelphia, Nov. 2nd, 1821.

I sent you by the October Packet from New York some account of my excursion into New England, since which time I have not received any further letters from your side of the Atlantic. I shall now, therefore, proceed to redeem my promise of giving you the account of the remaining part of my journey. I had got, I believe, as far as Providence, in Rhode Island, and where I had put myself to bed to recover from the fatigue of a tedious day's journey by a good night's rest, at a house kept by a Mr. Chapotin, a French refugee from St. Domingo, who had married a Boston lady. Madame seemed to have the entire management of every thing, and did not disgrace

the place of her birth by any want of activity and shrewdness. The house,
as is mostly the case in the second-rate towns in New England, was more
of a boarding house than an inn. All the persons took their meals together
at a table d'hôte at a certain hour. The dinner party consisted of about
twenty or thirty, many of whom were my travelling companions; others,
gentlemen from the West Indies, engaged largely in trade, and some of the
most respectable inhabitants of the town. I sat next to a son of Mr.
D'Wolf, who has lately been chosen Senator for Rhode Island, and has
amassed an enormous fortune by trade and dealing in slaves. His friends
say he had left off the latter for some years; others, that he has been very
recently engaged in this abominable traffic, although in a clandestine manner.
This will, of course, create a prejudice against him at Washington during
the approaching winter, but he means to take his family with him, and as
wealth is so much adored in this country, there can be little doubt he will
be well received in society.

Providence is a very pretty town, and carries on an extensive trade,
vessels loading here for the West Indies in preference to Newport, in
consequence of the convenience of shipping the country produce. The
population may be from ten to twelve thousand. At the head of the harbour
is a bridge, connecting the western and eastern halves of the town. The
latter stands on a considerable eminence, and most of the houses of the
rich merchants are on the heights, where Mr. Chapontin's hotel is also
situated. I spent the whole day in exploring the town and neighbourhood,
and made myself quite master of all the localities. At present they have
no constitution, but act under the old Royal Charter. The general character
of the inhabitants of Providence is that of a plain, plodding, money making
people. Some young men at table were pointed out to me of very uncouth
appearance, worth, however, from two to three hundred thousand dollars.
There were so many blacks in all directions that I could almost have fancied
myself in a southern city. This arises from their connection with West
Indian commerce. Some of the houses have a most magnificent appearance
on the hills, but when you approach them you find all the ornamental

454

UNITED STATES. 3.—BOSTON.

architecture of wood, and most generally the houses themselves of the same
perishable materials. They are indebted to the carpenter and painter for
all their splendour, but look very clean and neat.

On Friday, the 21st September, I started for Boston at the reasonable
hour of eight. Mr. and Mrs. Elsworth were of the party, another gentleman
and his wife from Maryland, and an old lady and her daughter; the latter, I
was told, was the celebrated Boston beauty and belle. She did not, how-
ever, please me, nor could I think her handsome. The distance to Boston
is forty-two miles. At three or four miles from Providence we passed
several large manufacturing establishments at a place called Patucket Bridge,
which afforded a fine mill stream and one very beautiful fall of water. At
Dedham I had pointed out Fisher Ame's house, now occupied by his
widow and family. We dined at Walpole, a very pretty place, where
the inn was excessively neat and clean. The dinner was very good;
some fine large tender barn door fowls amongst other things, dressed with
English sauce, and upon which I feasted; so different from the half starved
tasteless things you meet with to the southward. The country now had
completely changed its appearance; it was rich and well cultivated, inclosed
with many hedges, with pretty white farm houses and a number of gentle-
men's seats. It reminded me very much of old England. The weather was
most delicious, I can give it no other name, so bright, cheerful, and in-
vigorating. The approach to Boston is through the town of Roxburg,
over a small strip of land called the neck, which forms the only junction
with the main land. At about half-past five I arrived at the Marlboro'
Hotel, in Marlboro' Street, to which I had been particularly recommended.
I left Thomas to unload the baggage and arrange the rooms, and determining
to make the most of the remaining daylight, started to explore the town. I went
first to the top of the new State House, a very handsome building, rising from
an eminence in the centre of the town, from which there is a most extensive
and beautiful view of the city and surrounding country. Below was the
Mall and the Common, a large space covered with grass and planted with
trees, where several companies of militia were training; in fact, a kind of

UNITED STATES. 3.—BOSTON.

455

small Hyde Park. It was surrounded with spacious and elegant private
houses, standing in gardens. In the opposite direction was the Bay, studded
with numerous islands and fortifications, enlivened with a vast number of
vessels under sail, the view losing itself in the ocean. On one side were
Dorchester heights, with some of the works still visible; on the other the
town of Charleston, with Bunker's and Breed's Hills, so famous at the
commencement of the Revolutionary War. Brighton Hills terminated the
prospect on the side of the Mall, and the vast sheet of water between
Boston and the main land was traversed in several directions by causeways
and bridges, some of which are nearly a mile long, and connect Boston with
the main land. When lighted up at night they have a very fine appearance.
At Charleston Point stands a large wooden building at the extremity of the
navy yard, under which ships of the line are built without exposure to the
weather, during the operation, which is thought to be a great advantage. One
was nearly finished, and would be launched shortly. Two others (line of
battle ships) were lying off the point, with a frigate and some smaller vessels.
All this taken together formed a spectacle I shall never forget—the scene being
enlivened and gilded by the setting sun in full splendour. I could only quit
the place when the keeper came at sunset to tell me he was going to close the
doors. I returned to the hotel, which was quite full; there had been some
difficulty in accommodating me, but the landlord managed matters for the
present, by putting up a temporary bed at night in my sitting room. The
people of the house most remarkably civil and attentive. While at tea, young
Baring sent his compliments to say he had just arrived, with a party in the
Newcastle frigate. After tea I went to the theatre, which is not very large;
there was a good drop scene exhibiting a view of Boston; the house was
quite thin, with scarcely any ladies. I did not remain long, but went to the
museum, which was full of birds, beasts, and curiosities filling several rooms.
A lamp is given to each party to walk about with, the rooms which are very
extensive not being sufficiently lighted to show the different objects dis-
tinctly.

30

456

UNITED STATES. 3.—BOSTON.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND.

After breakfast I had a visit from Baring, and went to Manners' office, on India wharf. He had not arrived, so I took his address in the country, meaning to visit him after dinner. He resides at Dorchester Point—three or four miles distant. Of course one of the greatest lions at Boston must be Breed's Hill, where the Americans made so firm a stand against the King's troops at the commencement of the revolutionary war—although finally repulsed, and their General, Warren, killed. Accordingly, I crossed that part of the water surrounding Boston, which is called Charles River, and arrived at Charleston over a very fine bridge. This is now a considerable place with the Navy yard at the point. At the back of the town are two hills in the centre of the Peninsula—the first called Breed's, where the battle was fought—the other Bunker's, which latter has obtained all the celebrity in history. They are however only divided by a small ravine or valley. I first mounted Breed's Hill, on the top of which has been placed a shabby monument of brick and wood in the form of a pillar with a pedestal at bottom and an urn at top; this has been done not long ago by some Freemasons. The hill takes its name from a family of the name of Breed, two of whom still occupy houses on the spot. I went to that part where the British troops stormed, which is not now by any means steep or difficult of access, the sides having been cut away and built upon. I took a turn on the adjoining, or Bunker's Hill, and then descended. Returning into Boston, I went to Faneuil Hall, the place of all public meetings, built chiefly by one liberal individual of that name. Underneath is a large market. The Hall is seventy-six feet square, twenty-eight high; in the centre of the wall, as you enter, are pictures of General Washington and of Faneuil, the founder, holding a plan of the building in one hand—a princely old fellow; a bust of President Adams is between them. Over the Hall is a large room where the Volunteer Corps assemble, with recesses round it, in which their arms are kept. Near Faneuil Hall stands a curious old triangular store house with towers at each of the angles; it is very ancient, but there is no account of its having been remark-

UNITED STATES. 3.—CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY.

able, or honoured with a better office than keeping merchandise in store. I
will not plague you with descriptions of buildings, as I have sketches of those
most worthy of notice. After a pleasant morning's tour, I dined at three, and
set out for Dorchester to find Consul Manners, who lives in the country through
economy, or rather necessity. He was absent at a dinner party in the
neighbourhood, but I saw his lady, and son who assists him in his consular
duties, and three daughters, the eldest a very fine tall handsome girl—passed
thirty perhaps. After a little conversation, the son was despatched in the
carriage to bring the father, who came immediately, and whom I found a very
pleasant, well informed man. He had been bred to the bar, and has mixed
much in good society in England. After tea I left them and got home by
about nine. I did not wish to put him to the inconvenience of giving me a
dinner, but could not avoid it. He fixed on Monday.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD.

After breakfast ordered a gig and drove to Cambridge, about three miles
or more distant, where the universities are established. I arrived as the
people were going to church, i. e. the inhabitants, for the students were
absent, it being their vacation. The colleges all stand together, with a fine
common in front, surrounded by a fence and a belt of trees. The buildings
differ from one another, and each has a separate name—but the general name is
Harvard, from the founder of one of the most considerable—or more com-
monly Cambridge University. The distinct buildings are University Hall,
or as the people call it, the Halls, standing in the centre some way back in
front of the common. It is a handsome white building of granite. The
other buildings are Harvard Hall, of brick—Holworthy Hall, Hollis Hall,
Stoughton Hall, Massachusetts Hall, and Holden Chapel—in all eight, of
brick, excepting the first. The number of students of all classes may be
about 298. The library is said to be a good one, containing 17,000 or
18,000 volumes, but the librarian had availed himself of the vacation to be
absent, and no inquiries could fish up the key. The situation and appearance
of the whole was calculated to give very favourable impressions.

UNITED STATES. 3.—JOURNAL.

I next drove to Brighton, passing Watertown Arsenal on my right. It is distant about nine miles from Boston. Brighton is a charming spot, where the agricultural meetings are held. A building called the Fair House, stands in an inclosure on a grassy slope in which the agricultural instruments to be exhibited are kept. I had, on setting out, passed over the Cambridge, or West Boston Bridge, so returned over the famous mill-dam just completed, of which the Bostonians are justly proud. It is a mile and a quarter in length. The country I had passed through was most luxuriant and beautiful, divided by good English hedges, well wooded, verdure rich and green—roads most excellent—and the prospects delightful. I hardly ever recollect a more pleasing excursion. Most of the owners of the land about Boston are wealthy individuals, who imitate English farming and scenery regardless of the expense. In the villages there were nailed on the church-doors written notices that such and such persons “intend marriage” at such a time. On my return, I found a great number of visiting cards from the principal persons—and one from Gen. Sumner, with an admission ticket for a brigade review on the common on the next day. After dining, I made some visits, and as I returned home went into a late church, which was open. Upon the preacher, who was a Presbyterian, arriving at ninthly at that late hour, I left him. My landlord had, by this time, given me a good bed-room opposite to the sitting-room, and I have not resided at a better hotel—hardly in England. Everything served with the utmost punctuality and despatch, and the fare remarkably good. Nothing can exceed the attentions of all persons—as I am something of a novelty, no higher British agent than the consul having visited Boston for some years. If I had time to stay, I should have been borne down by great dinner parties, as the Bostonians are remarkable for their hospitality. The day I left, I had no less than three dinner invitations, which I was obliged to decline—but to proceed with my Journal.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH.

Manners called after breakfast, and we paid some visits together—amongst others to the governor and lieutenant-governor. The former, General Brooks,

UNITED STATES. 3.—JOURNAL.

is an old Revolutionary officer, far advanced in years. He was in full uni-
form at the State House, preparatory to the review. We first went to the
Secretary of State, who accompanied us to the Governor's presence. He
was in the Council Chamber surrounded by his staff. The Lieut.-Governor
Philips is also very old, and immensely rich. He lives in an antique spacious
house, to which you approach by an antiquated court-yard. He was in the
country, so we left our cards. I was next taken to the Athenæum, and at
about twelve, repaired to the Mall to see the review, and on producing our
tickets, we were admitted within the picquet guard, where were several of the
leading persons, to whom I was introduced. I also met several old friends,
General Boyd, Col. Fenwick, &c. After a short time, a troop of horse, dressed
with helmets, in blue, like our old fashioned light horse, went for the Gover-
nor, and escorted him and his numerous staff into the field. Some discharges
from brass 6-pounders being fired by way of salute as he came on the ground—
bands playing, &c. The usual inspection took place, and the troops marched
past and saluted. They formed the first or General Sullivan's brigade, which
consisted of three regiments, generally 1200 strong each—no regiment
however had more than from 600 to 800 men present. There were besides
six pieces of brass 6-pounders, well-manned, with equipages complete. Some
marine artillery with iron guns, the men armed with pikes, and a troop of
light horse. The greater part of the infantry were not in uniform—having
only white cross-belts—but two or three companies of volunteers in uniform
and proper equipments headed each regiment. All the officers were in uni-
form. The marching past and whole proceeding was very respectable;—
the men steady and well-armed, chiefly with Tower muskets. A fall of rain
expedited the ceremony; and, as usual, according to laudable custom, there
were marquees pitched on the ground for the customary termination of the
day's exploits. I returned home and carried Manners out with me to his
own house, where I dined—only his family present—two or three persons
had been asked, but the stormy weather prevented them from coming. I beat
Manners at chess—ladies very agreeable, and I passed a pleasant evening.

UNITED STATES. 3.—JOURNAL.

460

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH.

Occupied in returning visits and seeing sights. Attended a meeting at Faneuil Hall upon city matters: one of the questions was, whether hacks should be allowed to stand and ply in the streets, or remain, as at present, within the coach-yard gates ready for use when wanted? I did not stay to hear any other subject discussed. Manners dined with me, tête-à-tête, to discuss consular matters. In the evening we paid some visits, and spent the remainder by invitation with Mr. Webster, who had a supper. He was formerly in Congress; is the leading lawyer in the city, and perhaps the ablest man in the State.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH.

I devoted this day to an excursion to Salem, to see that part of the country and some friends there. At nine, I went to Russia Wharf; but found, to my astonishment, that the Eagle steam-boat, which made such a figure in the advertisements in all the papers, was out of repair, and was lying dis-mantled for the rest of the season. So I lost my view of the Bay and Islands; having intended to have gone by water. I went, however, to the nearest livery-stables and hired a boy and gig: in half an hour I was under weigh for Salem. The distance is sixteen miles; the road excellent. I crossed to Charleston, and afterwards over Chelsea Bridge; and continuing on a fine causeway, stopped to water at Lynn, a large, handsome, straggling town. There was a beautiful view from some rocky heights in the neighbourhood. At a great distance you see the cupola of Boston State House, not much unlike St. Paul's. The view towards the ocean was very fine. At a little distance, connected by a sandy beach which forms a road of communication, is Nahant, a romantic rocky island, which forms the fashionable sea-bathing place for the Bostonians. No sea-serpent was in sight, although I looked everywhere for him. At half-past eleven I got to Salem, and went first to Mr. and Mrs. Silsby's. He was the commercial oracle in Congress, and has amassed an

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461

immense fortune by trade, chiefly with the East Indies. He accompanied me to Mr. Crowinshield's, the former Secretary of the Navy, and to Judge Story's, of the Supreme Court, who pressed me much to dine, but my plans and time would not allow of this. He had just received from Sir William Scott a print of himself and brother, Lord Eldon, and wished my opinion as to the likenesses: the first was remarkably striking. Silsby proposed showing me the town of Marblehead, famous for its fisheries, situated about four miles from Salem. He first, however, showed me what was to be seen in Salem, particularly a museum of East India curiosities, formed by Salem merchants who have constituted themselves a society, of which each member is bound to contribute an account of one East India voyage, which is bound up with the several names of the writers on the back; many volumes have been thus formed. The museum was a very good one. At length I mounted Silsby's gig, my own following. Marblehead is the same distance from Boston as Salem. It is a poor place, quite rocky and bare; but of very picturesque and singular appearance. Some of the cargoes of fish had already arrived, and were drying on stages. I drove back part of the way, and where the roads divided got into my own gig, bidding adieu to Silsby. I had the greatest difficulty to avoid passing two or three days with the hospitable people of Salem; but it was impossible. I had a charming drive home: the prospect all the way beautiful. I got some tea and cold meat, and contrived to arrive at Manners' house in very good time. Here I found a carpet dance and supper. Notwithstanding my fatigues, I danced with all the handsome girls in the room. Was much pleased with Miss Manners; who is a very fine girl, with a great deal of good sense. It is astonishing with how good a grace the whole family have borne their unpleasant situation—no nonsense or complaint; but all cheerful resignation and good humour. It does them great credit. Our adieux were very cordial; and it was near twelve before I got to bed, to be called again at half-past three to take up my line of march for Newport; finding it quite impossible to get to the extreme Consulate of Portsmouth, in New Hampshire.

UNITED STATES. 3.—JOURNAL.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH.

At a little before five started in the dark: my fellow-travellers not very interesting, but quiet people. We took the road by Milton, Sharon, Taunton, Troy, Tiverton, where you pass a stone bridge into Rhode Island. By the time we had passed Milton, the appearance of the country fell off most woefully; becoming rocky, barren, and poor. We breakfasted badly at Sharon, a wretched place; beyond which, passed on the right the Blue Hills, said to be infested with rattlesnakes, which sometimes come into the farm-houses. We did not meet with any large place till we came to Taunton, half way, or thirty-six miles from Boston, which is a great rendezvous for stages from several parts. At length we got to the side of the Solet River, which improved the prospect very much. We dined at a place called Troy, for what reason nobody could tell: it stands on an eminence from which you have a fine view of the water which separates you from Rhode Island. There are some falls at Troy, and some picturesque mills. All my companions had deserted me except a young gentleman, Midshipman or Lieutenant, going to see his friends at Newport. At Tiverton there was a fine view of the church and stone bridge, but we only stopped to deliver a mail-bag; which we did frequently on the road. The appearance of Rhode Island was very pre-possessing; the houses neat and clean, and the farms in excellent order. We drove along a ridge, from which we commanded a fine view of the sea from both sides. On the one was East River; on the other Providence River, which runs up to the town of that name: the latter river is more properly a branch of the ocean. At sunset we entered Newport, and stopped at Seymour's Hotel; an old house. I strolled before tea to look at the town, in which are a few old colonial houses: it is said to be in some decay. The Town-house and Market-house are good buildings, but the streets are rather narrow and dirty: many sailors about the streets near the harbour. The distance from Boston is seventy-two miles: a good day's journey, which made my bed very acceptable.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH.

Called on Gilpin, the Consul, immediately after breakfast, who lives in a small neat house. He was unwell; but succeeded in coming down to see me. I found him a very pleasant little man, fond of his books and of sketching. He showed me a large portfolio of sketches in and about Newport, very prettily done. As I found some difficulty in communicating with the only man who could take me to New London, I determined to go to him myself, although he lived at some distance, and make my own arrangements with him. Gilpin sent his son, a young clergyman who resides in Nova Scotia, to show me the way to the ferry. After exploring the town a little, I set out on my road to the coach proprietor, a man called Amos Garner, a great original, who lives beyond the second ferry, and makes it his occupation to convey persons to New London along the coast. I crossed the harbour in front of Newport in a good sloop; but as the wind was against us we were obliged to make a tack, passing to the southward of Goat Island, near the Limestone Rocks. The view of the harbour was very fine. Newport is covered by Goat and Rose Islands, on both of which are considerable works; but those on Rose Island not completed. The entrance from the ocean is defended by a martello tower, called Dumplin Fort, and by Fort Adams opposite: there is also a circular fort at the southern extremity of the town meant for volunteers. The asylum, a poor-house, makes a considerable figure standing by itself on an island, with which there is no general communication. In about an hour we crossed the ferry called the East Ferry, and landed upon Conanicut Island: the distance is about three and a half miles. I walked across Conanicut Island about a mile, and came to the second or Western Ferry. The ferry-boat here was a sloop similar to the other; both ferries indeed belong to the same parties, who enjoy the privilege under a charter from the General Assembly upon certain conditions. It blew very hard, in puffs; and an old gentleman on board was under great apprehensions: telling a story for my comfort of a ferry-boat having been upset and all hands drowned. To prevent this from being our fate, he constantly kept the gib-sheet in his hand,

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and made the boatman (for, strange to say, to so large a boat there was only one seaman) do the same with the main-sheet, in order to let both go in case of danger. It certainly blew hard at times; but we beat over in about an hour, making several tacks: the distance is not more than two miles. The boatman promised to wait while I went to Amos Garner's house, about a quarter of a mile. He was out, but his wife directed me where to find him; and I made my bargain with him to go to New London, and be ready at eight o'clock the next morning, if I could get myself and baggage across the two ferries by that time. To accomplish this, I agreed with a man at the ferry-house to have a horse and cart ready to take the baggage across Conanicut Island. After making my arrangements with Amos Garner, on my return to the beach, I found that my perfidious ferryman had set sail without me, and that the other boat (for there are always two) had not left the opposite shore. As I knew it would take a good hour for it to cross after it had put off, I made a virtue of necessity and, as it was now about two o'clock, passed my time in eating an execrable dinner at the ferry-house. The weather was most lovely, and the scenery beautiful. When the other boat at length arrived, a dead calm came on; and it was five o'clock before I reached Conanicut Island. I made the best of my way across, and arrived just in time to embark in the last boat which crossed that evening to Newport. It was seven o'clock before I got back to my inn, long after dark; but I had accomplished my object, and had not on the whole passed an unpleasant day. I dressed immediately, and called on the Governor, who had set out for Providence that morning. I drank tea with Gilpin and his family; and he sent one of them to guide me to Hunter's house. Hunter had returned from Washington, where he had been on business, in the morning, and had called while I was employed upon my ferry-boat expedition. The night was quite dark. We had to go to the long wharf, which projects a long way out from the centre of the town into the harbour. About half way down the wharf we turned to the right and passed along a strait, dividing the harbour from a shallow but large piece of water, called the Cove; west of which was Hunter's house. I had not bargained for such an excursion, so late of a dark night;

UNITED STATES. 3.—NEW LONDON.

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but persevered. He was most happy to see me, and I passed a short time with him and his wife very pleasantly; but had great difficulty to resist their entreaties to stay one day for the purpose of dining with them; but, if time had allowed, I did not feel disposed for a second expedition to Amos Garner's. It was quite late before I succeeded in getting back to my quarters.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH.

Up at five, and by a little after six, embarked in the East Ferry-boat, bag and baggage. The morning was most delightful, and a fair breeze springing up, I got to the main land over the second ferry by about eight, where I found Amos Garner, waiting with a carriage and pair of horses. The passage across Conanicut, the intervening island, was effected without loss of time, the cart being ready according to agreement. Amos Garner grumbled extremely at the weight of my large trunk, and stopped at his house to put on another horse, unicorn fashion. I found him a great original—upwards of sixty-five, but as fresh and active as a man of thirty. He had been married more than forty years, and has eight sons and six daughters. He began life on his marriage with nothing but an old horse. By his activity and industry, he has now several carriages and horses, and a considerable farm, having brought up his family with great credit. For part of his farm he had lately refused 75 dollars per acre. The land, therefore, must be of the first quality. He drove himself, calling to his horses nearly the whole way, and making several bargains *en passant* for oxen, cows, cider, &c. He was in a constant bustle—very talkative, and acquainted with every man and thing we passed. Between one and two miles, we crossed Narraganset River, taking a shorter cut than the usual route. At six miles, we reached a small place called Little Rest on the brink of a hill, from which was an extensive prospect over a poor, woody, and rocky country. Here we halted to let Thomas have some breakfast. The road now became better, although rocky. We had a small winding stream called Queen's River, on the right, which Amos Garner said, smacking his lips, was famous for trout. Between twelve and one, we reached Hopkinton, a small place distant twenty-one miles from

UNITED STATES. 3.—NEW LONDON.

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Newport, where we found a clean inn, civil people, and a good dinner, stopping about an hour to allow the horses to feed as well as ourselves. On crossing a small bridge over the Ashewog, we left Rhode Island, and entered the State of Connecticut. We watered at the head of Mystic, a shabby place six miles from New London; and at a little after five, arrived at the ferry across the Thames River, immediately opposite to New London. The river here, when frozen over last winter, measured half a mile. The ferry-boat was a large horse-boat belonging to the Corporation. I settled with old Amos, who begged hard for a dollar and a half extra on account of the baggage, in which I acquiesced, as he had behaved so well. He made so much disturbance at starting about the baggage with the view, I have no doubt, to this demand when we arrived—a true Yankee trick. I sent Thomas across to deposit the baggage and prepare accommodations, and mounted to Fort Griswold, just over the ferry, from one of the outworks of which I had a fine view of the town, river, ocean at the mouth, and the surrounding country. I ascended to Fort Griswold, and walked round the ramparts. It is now dismantled—the guns without carriages, and is in charge of one man only. Its situation is, however, good, and renders it formidable; much more so than Fort Trumbull, on the opposite shore, which runs into the river like an island. Here there is a small garrison. Sir Thomas Hardy thought he could soon succeed in silencing Fort Trumbull. After sunset, I descended to the ferry, crossed and explored part of the town and State House, and at length retired to my quarters at the Steam Boat Hotel, where I was well accommodated. There were many noisy seamen about the streets. The distance from Newport cannot be more than thirty-nine miles by the road which we came.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH.

In consequence of its being Sunday, the ferry-boat did not run; but as several persons were in my situation, desirous of crossing, we hired a boat and waterman for the purpose. The Sunday is observed very strictly throughout Connecticut and New England generally. Consul Stewart told

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467

me that formerly, when he wished to travel on a Sunday, he was obliged to
make an agreement with the driver, that he would indemnify him in case the
penalty for sabbath-breaking (20¢ fine) was actually enforced. On one
occasion, Foster, who was travelling in a curricle, was stopped—had his
horses taken out, and was sent in charge of a constable to church. Such was
the practice lately in the land of steady habits, as Connecticut is called.
After church, I recrossed the Thames, and visited Consul Stewart—who lives
in an excellent house built by a former Colonial Governor, Winthrop; well
situated at the head of a cove just out of the town. He has eight children.
His wife, a shrewd sensible Scotchwoman. I completed my survey of the
town, and at three walked out to Stewart's to take a family dinner, where I
passed a pleasant evening—some of his friends dropped in—and he uncorked
some of his choicest Madeira. He escorted me back to my inn, which I
found quite crowded with people who had come to take advantage of the
steam-boat which sets out to-morrow morning for New Haven and New York.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1ST.

At eight, embarked in the small steam-boat Enterprize, the large boat being
under repair. Stewart and half the inhabitants were assembled to see their
friends off. Amongst the passengers was an acquaintance, a Mr. Winthrop,
who owns a large plantation in South Carolina, and is a descendant of the
old Colonial Governor, whose house Stewart occupied. Soon after we had
left the wharf, the fireman, i. e. the man who supplies the fire with wood, got
his hand entangled in the machinery, which tore it most dreadfully. We
immediately about ship, and landed the poor fellow for surgical assistance,
taking in another man in his room. He was extremely pale, and with diffi-
culty kept from fainting. His hand was covered up with bandages, but bled
profusely through them. This was rather an ominous beginning. Imme-
diately on leaving the river Thames, it began to blow fresh with a heavy rain,
and a high sea setting in from the Atlantic, Fisher's Island not protecting us.
It was farthest from my thoughts to encounter a sea-voyage, but such it in
fact proved. As the vessel rolled, many of the passengers became deadly

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sick. I remained well but uncomfortable. We were obliged to secure the baggage with fire-wood, &c. to prevent its fetching way. On getting under the lee of Plum and Long Islands, the sea became less—and the rain ceased for a short time, but soon increased so as to fall in torrents. The awning no longer protected us, being wet through, and we were obliged to cloak and hoist umbrellas, not liking to go below. The wind freshened to a stiff breeze, and it was so hazy you could not see half a cable's length on any side. Some croakers began to anticipate the fate of the Connecticut, lately driven on shore in a gale. In fact we were threatened with a severe storm, and I was heartily glad to perceive, through the haze, New Haven light-house. After passing it, we go tinto smoother water, but the rain continued to deluge us. There were hacks waiting at the Long Bridge, and I was delighted to find myself at my old quarters at Mott's. After changing my wet clothes, I joined some of our companions at an excellent dinner, over which we soon forgot our fatigues. Another steam-boat continued on to New York that evening, going all night, but I had had quite enough of steam-boats for one day, so determined to lay on my oars at New Haven until the next trip. The distance from New London was about sixty miles by sea, which we ran in seven hours exactly.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND.

Detained at New Haven in consequence of the steam-boat only running to New York on the alternate evenings. Made an excursion to East Mountain, and had a fine view of the town, harbour, and surrounding country, but not equal to the one from the West Mountain. While on the mountain I was much annoyed with musquitoes, and had nearly trodden upon another large black snake. There is a famous quarry amongst the West Mountains for Verd antique marble—dark green and yellow; and I procured a specimen for a paper weight. It is very handsome. In the evening, I strolled amongst the shipping at the Long Wharf.

UNITED STATES. 3.—NEW HAVEN.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3RD.

Met Mr. Daggett, the late senator, whom I did not know was in the town. He carried me to his house on the green—introduced me to Madame. I begged he would take me to Professor Silliman's, who has published some travels in which he speaks very handsomely of his reception in England, &c. He is the person whose steps I followed in going over Burgoyne's route with Ezra Buel, about whom we laughed a good deal. He apologised about his wife not being visible, who was alarmingly ill. I was much pleased with the Professor, whom I found what I had expected, liberal and well-informed. He told me, on the removal of the tombstones and graves in front of the College to their present place of rest—that the tombs of the regicides Whaley, Goff, and Dixon had been suffered to remain as objects of antiquity and of curiosity to strangers, particularly English. He likewise directed me to the cave in the West Mountains, where they secreted themselves on their first landing. I made a sketch of the tombs, one of which has the date of 1630. The scenery about the cave is most beautiful and picturesque. Parties of pleasure frequently go out to dine. Between five and six after dinner, I embarked in the Connecticut steam-boat now completely repaired from her late accident. This is a larger and better boat than the Fulton. I supped on board, and went to bed. The births were drawn for by lot, but I could not help remarking that the most respectable people in general obtained the best. After a tolerable night's rest, I landed at half-past five in the morning, October 4th, at New York, where I had at first some difficulty in getting accommodations—a letter I had written having miscarried, and the town being very full of strangers. I dressed at the Mechanic Hall, where the Russian Minister was staying, and where they wished to keep me, but Mrs. Wilkinson had at length prepared a room for me at my old quarters looking on to the battery—one of the finest situations in the city.

So ended my excursion, in the course of which I accomplished several objects of importance, and now I must end my unconscionable letter. I hope it will serve to amuse you, and I shall be amply repaid. It will, at all events, give you a very good insight into the mode of travelling, and the habits of this part of the United States.

MILLER TO MR. S. C.

New York, September 2nd, 1821.

This morning I met Poletica, who had just arrived on his road to the falls with Ivanoff. He told me the following extraordinary circumstance, which he begged I would communicate to you. Joseph Buonaparte, some days before the receipt of the news of his brother's death, being unwell, sent for Dr. Chapman; and, in conversation on the state of his health, he inquired particularly respecting the symptoms and sensations which would attend a cancerous affection of the stomach; stating that he was afraid of some such disease, it having caused his father's death. This, Chapman told to Wilkinson, whom you know, and who acquainted Poletica with the circumstance. As so much calumny is afloat as to poisoning, and Dr. O'Meara's trash has been revived, this fact appeared to Poletica so curious that he has communicated it to his Government; and also intended mentioning it to the Comte d'Espinville, for Neuville's information. It will therefore be made known at Paris and St. Petersburg.

MILLER TO MR. G.

Washington, February 5th, 1822.

I cannot suffer this mail to go without offering you my sincere con-
gratulation upon your appointment to Ireland, and your right honourable
honours, accounts of which have just been received here; and have been, in
consequence no doubt of your treaty acquaintance with Brother Jonathan,
particularly noticed in this country, amongst the mass of news which has
lately poured in upon us. I trust you may derive all the benefit you expect
from the change, and that your labours may tend to render Ireland more

UNITED STATES. 3.—MEMOIR.

tranquil and prosperous, the last accounts we have received being really
frightful.

There is nothing very particular in agitation here, except indeed the question who is to be the next President, which has rather prematurely been brought forward: three years of Mr. Monro's term being unexpired. The candidates are Adams, our Ghent acquaintance, who is rather the favourite in the field; Crawford, the Secretary of the Treasury; Calhoun, Secretary of War; and your friend Clay, with some others, who will be drawn or distanced. Congress is the great scene of contest, the members attached to any one candidate attacking the official conduct of his rivals; and the jealousies which exist among his counsellors, must render the President's cabinet not very harmonious. If his health would allow him to stand for a third term, I rather think he would have a better chance of success than any other person.

It would not be fair, considering the laborious duties of your present office,
to inflict a long letter upon you; so I will only add my kindest remembrances
to Mrs. Goulburn, and little, now, however, I suppose great Harry.

Should an opportunity offer, will you have the goodness to present my
best respects to Lord Wellesley, who has perhaps forgotten, although I never
can forget, that I received from him my first commission as Secretary of
Legation in this country.

UNITED STATES. 3.

MEMOIR.

As before mentioned, Miller was attacked at Washington in the
autumn of 1822, by a severe fever and inflammation of the liver,
which nothing but the skill of his physician, Dr. Lovell, the Surgeon-
General of the U. S. Army, and his strong English constitution
enabled him to resist. This was followed by fever and ague. When
in a state to be moved, he was taken to Philadelphia, and placed under
the care of two of the most eminent physicians of that place, Dr.

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Physic, who had retired from practice, but was induced to come forward on this occasion, and Dr. Chapman. The treatment which he underwent was of the most severe description; including bleeding till he fainted, and would astonish any English practitioner, but which the extreme violence of the attacks in that climate renders necessary as the only means of rescuing the patient. At length he was recommended to try the effects of a sea voyage and his native air; and accordingly embarked at New York on board of the British Packet appointed to convey the November mail to England, and arrived at Falmouth, on December 7th, where he had the delight of finding, accompanied by his brother Charles, his father, who at his time of life did not hesitate at that season to undertake the journey from London for the purpose of receiving him on his landing, and accompanying him to town.

MILLER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Falmouth, December 8th, 1822.

I have the honour to acquaint you with my arrival at this place, having been induced to return to England as the best means of recovering from the effects of the severe fever with which I was attacked at Washington—a step which I have very reluctantly taken, without having obtained your previous permission, but upon which I have ventured in consequence of the earnest recommendation of my physicians, the entreaties of my friends, and the advice and sanction of H. M. Minister, and I trust that under these circumstances, which Mr. Stratford Canning undertook to represent to you, you will not disapprove of my conduct.

UNITED STATES. 3.—MIXED SLAVE COMMISSION.

Mr. James B., who has been attached to my Department since 1816, and has already acted in a similar capacity, has been left in charge of the duties of the office, and every precaution has been adopted to prevent any inconvenience being occasioned to the public service by my absence.

UNITED STATES. 3.

MIXED SLAVE COMMISSION.

Miller had not been long in England, and was still in a very weak and nervous condition, when an offer was made to him of being employed as Commissioner on the part of Great Britain to arrange with the United States the question relating to slaves, under the first article of the Treaty of Ghent, which, after ineffectual negotiation, had been referred for settlement to the Emperor of Russia, who had come to the decision that compensation was due to the United States for those slaves carried away by the British ships-of-war after the Peace,—an interpretation of the words of the article which it will be recollected Miller, in 1815, was unwilling to entertain, and which he had referred home for the consideration of his Government.

By virtue of a Tripartite Treaty, signed at Petersburg, on June 26, 1822, by Counts Nesselrode and Capodistria, Sir Charles Bagot, and Mr. Middleton of South Carolina, American Minister in Russia, a Board was created, to be held at Washington, for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of indemnification due to individual citizens under the Emperor's decision. The United States had appointed on their side, Mr. Cheves of South Carolina, a very able lawyer who had served in Congress, as one of the representatives of that State. Miller's health not admitting of the possibility of his so soon recrossing the Atlantic and entering upon business, he was obliged to decline the

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post of British Commissioner; but considered it a favourable opportunity of recommending his brother, whom he had left in the United States, to fill the situation of Secretary to the Board. Mr. George Jackson, brother to an old diplomatist, Mr. Francis James Jackson, and who had formerly been Chargé-d'Affaires at Berlin, and assisted at the marriage in that capital of the Duke of Cumberland,—was accordingly chosen to be the British Commissioner, and at the first meeting of the Board at Washington, Miller's brother was appointed to be the Secretary with a salary of £300 per annum; these duties not interfering with his continuing to discharge the functions of Acting Consul General until his brother's return from England.

MR. JOHN B. TO MILLER.

F. O., March 3rd, 1823.

Lord Francis Conyngham has asked me if I knew at what time you proposed to return to the United States. He prefaced this question by saying there was no wish whatever on the part of Mr. Canning to hasten your return thither one day before your health was completely re-established. I told him I believed you were better since your arrival in England, but that your illness had been so severe, that consequently your re-establishment must be a work of time and care. He then desired me to ascertain from you, when you thought your return might take place. I believe the object is some commission connected with the treaty signed by Sir C. Bagot at Petersburg, n which it is proposed to name you one of His Majesty's Commissioners to meet those named by the American Government. Of this possibly you know more than myself. If your return is likely to be soon, they would gladly avail themselves of your talents and experience; if it is not soon, they must look out for some other person.

I suppose you have no wish to return immediately, would your health permit. Will you therefore have the goodness to tell me what answer I shall make to Lord Francis Conyngham; as Mr. C. will write to Stratford by the March Packet.

MR. JOHN B. TO MILLER.

F. O., March 7th, 1823.

The accompanying letter, which Lord Francis Conyngham desired me to write, will put your mind at ease about your return to the United States. I understand it, that, until your health is completely re-established, you are to take your own time.

As you therefore cannot go back directly, the Commission will be given to George Jackson. Stratford Canning says it is necessary they should be named and enter on their functions without delay. It is to be a mixed British and American Commission, under an article of the treaty signed at Petersburg, to ascertain the value of the slaves liberated and carried off by the British forces during the war. Jackson is to go directly.

MILLER TO MR. JOHN B.

James Street, March 8th, 1823.

I have sent a line in acknowledgment of Mr. Canning's kindness respecting my leave of absence. The immediate entrance upon the business of the Commission of course sets that question at rest. My brother James is very anxious respecting the post of Secretary, and has been I believe, recommended by Mr. S. C. Can anything be done here to strengthen his pretensions to the votes of the British Representatives? He would be very serviceable

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from his acquaintance with the business of the Commission, and American affairs generally, and has considerable claims to notice. If Mr. Jackson will apply to him on his arrival at Washington, he will, I am sure, be happy to render him any service in his power, and I will write to him by the present mail to that effect.

UNITED STATES. 3.

MIXED SLAVE COMMISSION.

The Mixed Board in relation to slaves, continued sitting and squabbling for more than four years; and not being able to come to any conclusion of their labours was eventually dissolved, upon a convention being concluded in London, on November 13, 1826; on the part of Great Britain by Mr. Huskisson, the President of the Board of Trade, and Mr. Addington, a relation of Lord Sidmouth, who had been sent to Washington to act as Chargé-d'Affaires after the departure of the Minister, Mr. Stratford Canning, and who had on the arrival, in 1825, of Mr. Charles Vaughan, formerly employed in Spain, a brother of Sir Henry Halford, as Minister, returned to England;— and by Mr. Gallatin, who had been one of the Plenipotentiaries at Ghent, and was at the present time American Minister in England, on the part of the United States: by which a compromise was made—Great Britain consenting to pay, at two periods named, the sum of 1,204,960 dollars in lieu of all demands on this subject; the distribution of which amount amongst the claimants was left to the discretion of the Government of the United States.

The following letters relate to an application on behalf of Miller's brother to succeed to the Consulate of Charleston, in South Carolina, which had become vacant by the death of Mr. Moodie, in 1823; but

UNITED STATES. 3.—CHARLESTON CONSULATE.

although circumstances did not admit of his removal from the post of Secretary to the Mixed Slave Commission to which he had not long been chosen, Mr. Canning, the Secretary of State, wrote to him to say that whenever those duties terminated he should consider him eligible to be preferred to a Consulate, on the first favourable opportunity. This letter proved eventually of the greatest importance to him; for on the death of Mr. Canning, in August 1827, immediately on the intelligence of that event reaching the United States, Miller, who was then residing for the summer at New Haven in Connecticut, dispatched him by the first vessel to England to have his Consular claims acknowledged by Lord Dudley, who had succeeded as Secretary of State, the letter having been forwarded after him by the post, and arriving fortunately at New York on the very morning of his embarkation. On his presenting himself at the Foreign Office, there was a disposition shown not to pay any attention to him, and the fact of Mr. Canning's promise was disputed, it being asserted that M. C. was particularly cautious against committing himself in that manner;—all which was answered at once by the production of the actual letter, and Lord Dudley admitted its validity, and on the death of Mr. Purves, in September, 1827, conferred the Florida Consulate upon him.

MILLER TO MR. P.

James Street, June 10th, 1823.

By letters which I received yesterday from America, my brother has acquainted me with the death of Mr. Moodie, late Consul at Charleston, and has at the same time expressed his great anxiety to offer himself to the favourable notice of Mr. Canning, in the event of no person appearing to have better

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UNITED STATES. 3.—PROMISE OF CONSULSHIP.

pretensions to succeed to that office. He has now been for more than seven
years attached to my Department, having on two occasions, discharged, in the
most creditable manner, the duties of Acting Consul General, and it will be
within your recollection that on the death of the Consul at Baltimore in 1820,
he waived all pretensions at that time in favour of Mr. Crawford (although he
had joined me two years before that gentleman) in consequence of the inti-
mation which you gave to me that it was Lord Londonderry's express desire
that Mr. Crawford should succeed to the first Consulate which became vacant.
He flattered himself that by this conduct a better prospect of promotion might
be afforded to him, whenever any future vacancy occurred.

Allow me to request your friendly offices, in submitting these circumstances
to Mr. Canning's consideration, for although perhaps in strictness the com-
munication should be made through Lord Francis Conyngham, yet I have
taken the liberty of addressing myself to you, both on account of your intimate
acquaintance with American affairs, and of my not having the honour of being
personally known to his Lordship.

Mr. James B. trusts that this application will not be thought to interfere
with any claims which may be advanced on behalf of Mr. Wallace, should it
be Mr. Canning's intention to separate Georgia from the two Carolinas, as I
believe was recommended in the paper prepared at Washington, in 1821, on
the subject of the Consular Establishment.

MR. SECRETARY CANNING TO MR. JAMES B.

Foreign Office, October 9th, 1823.

Your name having been laid before me among the candidates for
vacant Consulships in the United States of North America, chiefly on the
ground of your having served in the office of the Consul-General at Washing-
ton, without salary,* since the period of Mr. B....'s appointment to that

* Meaning public salary.