confined to the narrow limits of your own country; but, on the contrary, extends to the whole human race.  As an eloquent and powerful advocate you have pleaded the cause of humanity in espousing that of the poor Africans:  you viewed these provinces of North America in their true light, as the asylum of freedom; as the cradle of future nations, and the refuge of distressed Europeans.  Why then should I refrain from loving and respecting a man whose writings I so much admire?  These two sentiments are inseparable, at least in my breast.  I conceived your genius to be present at the head of my study:  under its invisible but powerful guidance, I prosecuted my small labours:  and now, permit me to sanctify them under the auspices of your name.  Let the sincerity of the motives which urge me, prevent you from thinking that this well meant address contains aught but the purest tribute of reverence and affection.  There is, no doubt, a secret communion among good men throughout the world; a mental affinity connecting them by a similitude of sentiments:  then, why, though an American, should not I be permitted to share in that extensive intellectual consanguinity?  Yes, I do:  and though the name of a man who possesses neither titles nor places, who never rose above the humble rank of a farmer, may appear insignificant; yet, as the sentiments I have expressed are also the echo of those of my countrymen; on their behalf, as well as on my own, give me leave to subscribe myself,

Sir,
Your very sincere admirer,
J. Hector st. John.  Carlisle in Pennsylvania.

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN FARMER

LETTER I

INTRODUCTION

Who would have thought that because I received you with hospitality and kindness, you should imagine me capable of writing with propriety and perspicuity?  Your gratitude misleads your judgment.  The knowledge which I acquired from your conversation has amply repaid me for your five weeks’ entertainment.  I gave you nothing more than what common hospitality dictated; but could any other guest have instructed me as you did?  You conducted me, on the map, from one European country to another; told me many extraordinary things of our famed mother-country, of which I knew very little; of its internal navigation, agriculture, arts, manufactures, and trade:  you guided me through an extensive maze, and I abundantly profited by the journey; the contrast therefore proves the debt of gratitude to be on my side.  The treatment you received at my house proceeded from the warmth of my heart, and from the corresponding sensibility of my wife; what you now desire must flow from a very limited power of mind:  the task requires recollection, and a variety of talents which I do not possess.  It is true I can describe our American modes of farming,