"SIR,--An universal reputation, and undisputed title to superiority, cannot but draw upon you the importunities of those who are ambitious of an acquaintance with men of genius. Ever since my first perusing the _Analysis of Beauty_, in which the author is no less to be admired than the artist, I have been on the watch for a favourable opportunity of contributing my share, though ever so small, to the thanks of the public. In that ingenious and elaborate composition you are allowed by all men of taste to have dispelled the mist and cleared the difficulties that had previously attended a problem in painting, of exquisite nicety and the greatest moment. The most eminent masters and most sagacious theorists had travelled in the dark, or wandered through mazes in a fruitless search after beauty. To you alone it was reserved to unravel her windings, reveal her charms to open view, and fix her hidden though genuine excellence. "At length, sir, the opportunity I had so long coveted seems to offer itself, of course. It is owing to the erection of an Imperial Academy at Augsburg, for the study and improvement of arts and letters. I am commissioned as a deputy from the whole body to interpret their sentiments, and to inform you how highly they value and respect your uncommon talents and capacity. Proud of the acquisition of one no less distinguished in the republic of letters than in the commonwealth of arts, they earnestly desire you would accept the diploma of counsellor and honorary member of their Academy. It is ready to be drawn up, and will not fail being despatched so soon as they are sure of your approbation; which, 'tis hoped, will not be refused by one who has deserved so well of all lovers of taste and genius. But before you take this step it is but natural you should ask in what consists the Academy of which you are solicited to become a member, and whose existence, probably enough, is not so much as suspected in England. To obviate so proper an inquiry, suffer me, sir, to acquaint you in a few words with its origin, constitution, and design.