I said, "Mr. Law, would not a visit to England be agreeable? Would it not tend to lengthen your life?" "O, Sir, it would, but I could not now live in England; I must be active, and doing that which I deem for the good of mankind. My opinions would run counter to the powers which be." "But, Sir," rejoined I, "is it not our duty to be prudent and to seek the peace of the land we live in? Because in its peace we shall have peace." "Certainly! such is the duty of every good man. {481} Why should he sacrifice himself and family? Mr. A----, your envoy here, seems suspicious of you on account of your acquaintance with Mr. ----. I am sorry Mr. ---- should have given such toasts at the dinner on the 4th of July, in favour of the radicals. What have the radicals to do with America? These toasts will be sent home by A----. Envoys have nothing to do but to watch the conduct of British subjects and give reports. I am sorry that Mr. ----, who is a good, kind-hearted, polite man, should thus expose himself, and you, and other friends, to suspicion and misrepresentation." _19th._--I received the following letter from Mr. Law, addressed to me at Mr. ----'s. _Washington, 18th July, 1820._ Dear Sir, I enclose you a list of garden seeds; if you will make a statement of the probable amount, I will pay now, or answer your draft after the purchase. A pound or two of Swedish turnips and of Norfolk turnips may be added. I shall be happy to pay every attention to any of my countrymen coming here, and to give them any information in my power. I regret that I formed your acquaintance so late. My hay turns out better than I expected, and I hope to have four or five acres of turnips, as I am sowing between my rows of corn. Any farming information I shall be very thankful {482} for. I remain, with wishes for a safe and speedy voyage, Your most obedient servant, T. LAW. Pray write to me by what vessel you send the seeds. The following letter from Edward Meacher, gardener to Mr. Law, is a specimen of the easy freedom and familiarity of Yankee labourers. It is addressed To Thomas Law, Esq. _July, 1820._ Sir, Considering my ill behaviour towards you the other day, I consider myself culpable; therefore to prevent such like trouble in future to you, I shall declare upon oath against spirituous liquors, such as brandy, rum, gin, and whiskey, _except three drams in the course of each day_, as long as I live with you. Three drams a day will not injure my health or temper. Upon these conditions I expect not to displease you in future, which will be a cause, I hope, for you to encourage me in your employment.