The United States is a theatre on which are met all nations of Europe, each at present attached to the customs they have left there, and agreeing {28} only in the support of religious and political liberty: time alone can wear down their heterogeneous habits into a national character, which many other causes, besides those now enumerated, may at present unite to oppose: the effect is an evident want of energy, of heart and soul in every thing animating to other nations. I am just returned from witnessing the celebration of the anniversary of their Liberty,--such a festival might well be expected to call forth every spark of enthusiasm; but, even then, not an eye either of spectators or actors glistened with joy or animation, the latter seemed walking to a funeral; the others contemplating the melancholy ceremony! Nothing could dispel the illusion but the gay clothes of the female spectators, to which their countenances in general bore a strong contrast. Notwithstanding these unfavourable impressions however, one could not but at intervals feel gratified;--it was the assembly of a people to commemorate the epoch of their liberty, and _we wished_ to discover an elevation of character deserving of the blessing, and to hail them as brothers. _July 6th._ Took leave of New York, of which city, perhaps I may have said more than necessary, so much having been published before. By steam boat and land carriage we were conveyed {29} to Bordentown, a beautiful elevated situation, commanding most extensive views, where Joseph Buonaparte at present resides.[8] He lives quietly and hospitably, and, by accommodating himself to the people, exists amongst them undisturbed:--on his arrival he received a mark of attention as uncommon as it was unexpected; a mob at Philadelphia collected to see and welcome him; a compliment he mistook, for not aware of their intention, and supposing it might be to seize and deliver him up, he was with difficulty at length prevailed upon to shew himself and receive their friendly greetings. He is fond of shooting and finds plenty of sport: in the widely spread low grounds covered with brush wood, the Wood-cock and Snipe abound; and the Partridge or Quail is plentiful in the high country. At a little distance from Bordentown, on the edge of a precipitous cliff, and surrounded by wood, forming a pleasing retreat, stands his house.[9]