200 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



already find this in an eminent degree in Mr. Williams, a 

 most excellent man, formerly our consul here. I begin to 

 look out for letters from America, and you must not be 

 negligent in writing. Tell me everything ; how do the 

 sweet babies ? kiss them for me, and tell them there are no 

 such lovely ones in England 



TO PROFESSOR J. DAT. 



LONDON, July 9, 1805. 



THE death of Mr. Heart is a striking instance 



of the vanity of human hopes. God grant that the de 

 stroying angel may not be suffered to enter the houses of 

 any of my friends ! Present me affectionately to our good 

 friends, Mr. and Mrs. Davis. I am glad to hear even of a 

 little amelioration in his health, and hope that his journey 

 has proved useful to him, never forget him in your let 

 ters. That the State and College still keep on in the good 

 old way gives me great pleasure, as you say the March 

 Devil has kept far to leeward. I hope he will be joined 

 with the political devils, and that all will drift away, I care 

 not whither. 



As to myself you will learn how I am spending my time 

 from my letter to Dr. Dwight. In my domestic situation I 

 am very fortunate ; my good landlady treats me with the 

 kindness of a mother ; but there are hours which neither 

 study, business, nor amusement can occupy, and then I 

 very much want a friend intra mcenia et parietes. This is 

 the only serious drawback on my enjoyment. I have seen 

 a considerable number of the distinguished literati, politi 

 cians, and philosophers of this country. I have heard Pitt, 

 Fox, Sheridan, and Windham in the House of Commons. 

 I have conversed with Sir Joseph Banks, Sir Charles Blag- 

 den, Dr. Tooke, Major Rennel, Mr. Watt, &c. ; have been 

 in company with Cavendish, Wollaston, Lord Macartney, 

 &c. ; have attended a meeting of the Royal Society, and 

 seen their Majesties and the Royal family. My own coun- 



