“I now proceed to develope my plan for assisting in the acquirement of book-learning all those against whom the Borough-mongers have, in a great degree, closed the door to such learning, and whom they have the insolence to denominate the ‘Lower Orders.’ To effect this object it is my intention to publish, at a very cheap rate (though the word _cheap_ may shake the nerves of Sidmouth and Canning to jelly)--at a very cheap rate it is my intention to publish--First, ‘An English Grammar for the use of apprentices, plough-boys, soldiers, and sailors.’ Second, ‘A History of the Laws and Constitution of England,’ for the use of the same description of persons. Third, ‘A History of the Church and of Religion in England, in which will be seen the origin of the present _claims_ of the clergy, and in which their _duties_ will also be shown,’ for the use of the same description of persons. Fourth, ‘A view of the present state of the Income, Debt, and Expenses of the Kingdom; its Population and Paupers; its causes of Embarrassment and Misery, and the means of Restoration to ease and happiness,’ for the use of the same description of persons.” The plan was not carried out in its entirety; although much of the material was furnished, in one form or other, in the pages of the _Register_ during the ensuing years of its course. The idea, at any rate, was pursued in the numerous essays on history and political economy presented to his readers from time to time. As for the Grammar, that was put in hand at once, and was published in London in December, 1818. The success of the “English Grammar” was what might have been expected. Ten thousand copies were sold in a few weeks; a third edition being called for before the end of February. And it holds its own to this day--not as a class-book, for which it is unfit from its verbosity and its odd mixture of politics and humour; but for the purpose of self-education, for which it is of unrivalled value. The Grammar had been preceded, in London, by “A Year’s Residence in America,” which purported to give current information as to the condition and prospects of the country, besides a journal of his own proceedings. Mr. Cobbett’s hands were, therefore, full of work as ever; and his mind full as ever of thoughts concerning his own country. He tells Major Cartwright (who had written to inform Cobbett that he might safely return home) that he has begun several works, which, if he does not finish them now, he is sure he never shall. A little later, he writes to Henry Hunt, that he shall move the moment he thinks that he can do more good that way than by remaining; feeling quite certain as to the final issue of the great cause.