{210} This is our _beau ideal_ of penmanship. Its prevailing character is _picturesque_. This appearance is given by terminating every letter abruptly, without _tapering_, and by using no perfect angles, and none at all which are not spherical. Great uniformity is preserved in the whole air of the MS.--with great variety in the constituent parts. Every character has the clearness and blackness of a bold wood-cut, and appears to be _placed upon the paper_ with singular precision. The long letters do not rise or fall in an undue degree above the line. From this specimen of his hand writing, we should suppose Mr. Kennedy to have the eye of a painter, more especially in regard to the picturesque--to have refined tastes generally--to be exquisitely alive to the proprieties of life--to possess energy, decision, and great talent--to have a penchant also for the _bizarre_. The paper is very fine, clear and white, with gilt edges--the seal neat and much in keeping with the MS. Just sufficient wax, and no more than sufficient, is used for the impression, which is nearly square, with a lion's head in full _alto relievo_, surrounded by the motto "_il parle par tout_." LETTER XIV. _Philadelphia_, ----. _Dear Sir_,--Enclosed is your letter of the -- ult. addressed to Dr. Robert M. Bird, Philadelphia. From the contents of the note it is evidently not intended for myself. There is, I believe, a Dr. Robert Bird, who resides somewhere in the Northern Liberties--also several Robert Birds in different parts of the city. Very respectfully, your obedient, humble servant, [Illustration: Robt. M. Bird] JOSEPH O. MILLER, ESQ. Dr. Bird's chirography is by no means bad--still it cannot be called good. It is very legible and has force. There is some degree of nervousness about it. It bears a slight resemblance to the writing of Miss Leslie, especially in the curling of the final letters--but is more open, and occupies more space. The characters have the air of not being able to keep pace with the thought, and an uneasy want of finish seems to have been the consequence. A restless and vivid imagination might be deduced from this MS. It has no little of the _picturesque_ also. The paper good--_wafered and sealed_. LETTER XV. _Oak Hill_, ----. _Dear Sir_,--I have received your polite letter of the ----, and will have no objection to aid you in your enterprise by such information as I can afford. There are many others, however, who would be much better able to assist you in this matter than myself. When I get a little leisure you shall hear from me again. I am, Dear Sir, with respect, your obedient, [Illustration: J Marshall] JOSEPH P. MILLER, ESQ.