After these letters had been read, the meeting was closed. The austrian, english, swedish, and other ambassadors, were present, in a box appropriated to their use. The venerable appearance and military dress of my lord Cornwallis delighted the parisians; and my national vanity was not a little gratified, by the favourable comparison which the people around me drew between his lordship and the other foreign ministers. “_Oui, oui, ce grand est milord Cornvalis. Il a bonne mine. Il a l’air militaire. Il a servi, n’est il pas vrai, monsieur? C’est un galant homme, regardez ce petit à côtè, quelle différence! quelle mauvaise tournure, &c[24]._” I believe, indeed, that, on every account, we have reason to be satisfied with the choice which our government has made of the noble marquis. While in exteriors he satisfies the curiosity of the french, and the pride of the english, he gives, by the respectability of his character, the dignity of his deportment, and the known moderation of his principles, the surest pledge of the pacific intentions of the sovereign, whom he so worthily represents. Before I conclude this long account, I must mention, with regret, that the persons in the gallery where I sat, spoke with the most sovereign contempt of the legislative body. “Ils font bien[25],” said one man, alluding to the boots, which constitute part of their dress; “de porter des bottes. C’est un habit de voyage—ils ne resteront pas ici long temps.”—“_Nous les payons 10,000 francs_[26],” said another, “_pour ne faire rien, je suis étonné que Bonaparte ne se débarasse pas de ces gens là._”—“_Je crois bien_,” cried a third, addressing himself to me, “_que monsieur votre ambassadeur a un revenu à lui plus grand, que celui de tous ces gaillards ensemble. Sans leur traitement de législateur ils mouraient de faim[27]._” It is contrary to my plan to enter on any political subjects, or the strange levity of these remarks would lead to some very serious reflections. I only give you this _chit chat_ of the _peuple souverain_[28], as characteristic of the french, and of the present order of public affairs. I am, &c. LETTER VI. The abbé Sicard, and the institution in behalf of the deaf and dumb.—His favourite pupil, Massieu.—Examination of a young woman, who had become deaf at six years old.—Reflections on the establishment. Paris, december the 1st, 1801 (10 frimaire.) MY DEAR SIR, I had this morning so high a mental treat, that I cannot help communicating to you the particulars without delay, in the hope of being able, while my mind is strongly impressed with the subject, to convey to you some faint idea of the pleasure which I received.