politics as he does upon his traffic in clocks, rather
as profitable to himself than beneficial to others. Self
is predominant with him. He overrates the importance of
his office, as he will find when he arrives in London;
but what is still worse, he overrates the importance of
the opinions of others regarding the States.

"He has been reading that foolish book of Cooper's
'Gleanings in Europe,' and intends to shew fight, he
says. He called my attention, yesterday, to this absurd
passage, which he maintains is the most manly and sensible
thing that Cooper ever wrote: 'This indifference to the
feelings of others, is a dark spot on the national manners
of England. The only way to put it down, is to become
belligerent yourself, by introducing Pauperism, Radicalism,
Ireland, the Indies, or some other sore point. Like all
who make butts of others, they do not manifest the proper
forbearance when the tables are turned. Of this, I have
had abundance of proof in my own experience. Sometimes
their remarks are absolutely rude, and personally offensive,
as a disregard of one's national character, is a disrespect
to his principles; but as personal quarrels on such
grounds are to be avoided, I have uniformly retorted in
kind, if there was the smallest opening for such
retaliation."

"Now, every gentleman in the States repudiates such
sentiments as these. My object in mentioning the subject
to you, is to request the favour of you, to persuade Sam
not to be too sensitive on these topics; not to take