I am particular fond of the poetry. I read three books of the "Paradise Lost" to Mr. Box, but he not hear me no more--he pronounce me perfect. After one such compliment, it would be almost the same as ask you for another, if I shall make apology in case I have not find the correct ideotism of your language in this letter; so I shall not make none at all,--only throw myself at your mercy, like a great critic. But never mind,--we shall see. If you take this letter as it ought, I shall not promise if I would not write you one other some time. I conclude by presenting at you my compliments very respectful. I am sorry for your gout and crutchedness, and hope you shall miss them in the spring. I have the honour of subscribe myself, Sir, Your very humble and Much obedient servant, LOUIS LE CHEMINANT. P.S.--Ha, ha!--It is very droll!--I tell my valet, we go at Leicestershire for the hunting fox.--Very well.--So soon as I finish this letter, he come and demand what I shall leave behind in orders for some presents, to give what people will come at my lodgments for Christmas _Boxes_. * * * * * RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS. * * * * * ANTIQUITY OF THE ALDERMAN. Alderman is derived from the Saxon word _ealderman_, that is a senior or _alderman_, which by degrees came to stand for persons of great distinction, because such were chosen to discharge the highest offices, being those whose long experience rendered them most capable, and whose birth and fortunes made them most conspicuous; and as they were generally entrusted with the government of the counties, instead of saying the governor, it was said the _ealderman_ of such a county. While the heptarchy lasted, these offices were only during the king's pleasure; at last they became during life. After the Danes were settled in England, the title of _ealderman_ was changed into that of _earl_, and the Normans introduced that of _count_, which, though different in its original signification, meant, however, the same dignity. There were several sorts of _ealdermen_; some were properly only governors of a province or county, others were owners of their province, holding it as a fee of the crown. These ealdermen, or earls, were honoured with titles of _reguli subreguli_, _principes_, _patricii_, and some times _rex_. Those who were only governors, had the title of ealderman of such a county, or sometimes in Latin by the term _consul_. The first administered justice in their own name, and appropriated to their own use all the revenues and profits of their respective counties. The last administered justice in the king's name and had only part of the profits assigned them. A third sort of ealdermen were those, who upon account of their high birth, bore the title, without any authority, out of which rank the governors were generally chosen. There were also inferior ealdermen in cities or