is a plain farmer, and was once, I understand a mechanic. Though he cannot boast of a liberal edu cation, yet nature has given him a mind, which, with early improvement, would have made him prominent in any sphere of life. It is vigorous and powerful in no ordinary degree, and the sophistry of art, and the dexterity of learning, are often foiled and defeated by the unaided and spontaneous efforts of native good sense. But he has that, my lord, which is of more sterling advantage, both to himself and his country-immoveable political and moral integrity. It is gratifying, in this age of corruption and voluptuousness, to contemplate men like Aristides, Fabricius, and Cato. They exhibit to us the true dignity of man, and hold out examples that we must feel delighted to imitate. They show us to what pitch of excellence man is capable of attaining, and rescue the exalted condition of human nature from that odium and disgrace which profligacy and corruption have heaped upon it. No spectacle can be more sublime or more elevating than he, who, in the hour of public danger and trial, and amidst the allurements and facinations of vice, stands like a rock in the ocean, placid and immoveable, and endures the dangers that surround, and braves the storms and tem pests that beat upon him with undeviating firmness, for the safety of his country, and the glory of his God! The mind rests upon such a character as the eye

upon a spot of fertility, amidst deserts of sand, and we rise from the blood stained page of history, and the corruptions of the living world, with a heart filled with love, admiration and reverence, by the contemplation of the few who have shed an imperishable lustre on the exalted character of man. Do not think me enthusiastic; it is the voice of nature and of truth, and fancy has nothing to do with the picture. But I must now drop the curtain, and finish my portraits of American characters. I should also be gratified, did not your request, (which I can never refuse,) interfere, by closing my epistolary labors; but, as you wish me to give you some sketches of the foreign ministers at this court, I must comply; and your goodness, I know, will readily induce you to pardon their imperfections and defects.

I believe you are not personally acquainted with Mr. Bagot, our minister at this court. He appears to be about 35 years of age. He is tall, elegant, and rather graceful in his person, with a countenance open and ingenuous, an English complexion, and eyes mild though dark. He has ingratiated himself with the Americans by the real or affected simplicity of his manners, and by assimilating himself to their usages and customs. He has thrown aside the reserve and hauteur of the English character, as not at all suited to the meridian of this country, and attends to all with equal courtesy and politeness. I can say nothing

of the powers of his mind, but they do not appear to be more than ordinary. It has always seemed to me very strange policy on the part of the British cabinet to send ministers to this country of inferior capacity and humble talent, while the Americans send to our court only their most prominent and leading men, who have distinguished themselves by their ability and their eloquence.

The French minister, Mr. Hyde de Neuville, is a "fat portly gentlemen," with a broad chest, big head, and short neck, which he seems almost incapable of turning ad libitum. He is full of Bourbon importance and French vivacity, has petite soupers, every Saturday evening during the winter, and spends his summer at the springs, or his country residence, in extolling the virtues of his beloved Louis le desire. I do not think that Mr. Neuville, though, an amiable and, I understand, a benevolent man, has that kind of talent which would qualify him for the station he holds, or that, in the event of any difficulty arising between this country and France, he could counteract the intrigues of diplomatic ingenuity, or benefit his nation, by inducing the American cabinet, though, I believe he is highly esteemed, to adopt any measure, not manifestly advantageous to the United States. He has been many years a resident of this country and was driven from France by the persecutions of Bonaparte. He

is said to have evinced for his countrymen much feeling and interest, and has given them, while strangers and unknown in a foreign land, all the aid he could afford. His acts of benevolence certainly redound to the credit of his heart, and I should be sorry to say any thing that would disparage the qualities of his head. He is too much occupied with his own or other peoples concerns to attend to the little or the complicated intrigues of courts, and though he represents, he is now the representative of a cypher.

Another personage, like the kings in Macbeth, starts up before you; and pray you will ask, what dark visaged hobling little old gentleman is he, you have now summoned to appear.

It is, my lord, no Corria de Serra, the

less a personage than the Abbe Portuguese ambassador The Abbe is a man of almost unlimited learning and insatiable curiosity, There is no science, and but few languages he has not some knowledge of, and such is still his unabating devotion to study, that he does not suffer a day to pass away, without adding something to his stock of information, and his general mass of facts. His knowledge of the geography, resources, and political condition of this country is said to be more extensive and accurate than that of any of its citizens, and such are his habits of observation that nothing important or interesting is suffered to pass unnoticed. He is a vigilant minister, a moral man, and I believe a republican at heart. He seems to admire the

liberal institutions of this country and the character of its people, by whom he has been received with great politeness, attention and respect; but he is still faithful to his sovereign and his country, for whose interest he makes every exertion in his power.

I will now close this letter, and with this letter my correspondence. I shall leave Washington to-morrow and till I reach C― you must not expect to hear from me again. Adieu.