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. D wight. 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 infra moenia 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, Wollnston, Lord Macartney, 

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

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



