in.] COLLEGE COURSE, 1828-29. 41 



During the middle of the session Forbes resolved to 

 throw off the disguise he had so long worn, and to reveal 

 to Dr. Brewster whose was the real countenance concealed 

 under the mask of A. 



In the following letter he introduces himself to Dr. 

 Brewster in his own name : 



'December 1st, 1828. 



' SIR, Many causes may have combined to inform you 

 of my name and circumstances ; and if it has been so, 

 I need hardly apologize for the long anonymous character 

 which I have adopted. When I commenced my com- 

 munications to the Journal, and they experienced a recep- 

 tion so much warmer than I expected or deserved, I had 

 just completed my seventeenth year, and at present am 

 in my twentieth ; so that it can scarcely surprise you 

 that sooner than this I did not choose my name should 

 be brought before the public. So strong was my feeling, 

 that at this moment no one is acquainted with my 

 correspondence but yourself and one of my brothers. 

 My youth you must have well known by innumerable 

 marks of internal evidence in my compositions, and I 

 gladly seize this opportunity of thanking you in the 

 most heartfelt manner for your continued attention, and 

 the many marks of kindness you have shown me, not 

 the least so unqualified a recommendation as your last 

 contained. 



' With regard to the Royal Society, I should not wish to 

 be balloted for till the first February meeting, and till 

 my name is proposed I should prefer that my anony- 

 mous character should not be brought to light. I have 

 thought it fair, however, after such candid and gentle- 

 manly behaviour as I have experienced, that from you 

 my real name should no longer be concealed. 

 ' Very sincerely yours, 



'JAMES D. FORBES/ 



The elder of the two correspondents welcomed the, 

 revelation in the following terms: 



