

CORRESPONDENCE. 331 



very distinguished gentleman, lately the Dutch Minister 

 at the Congress of Panama, now returning to that part of 

 the country, did me the honor of a visit with his amiable 

 daughter. I also called upon them, and both acquaintances 

 left me the regret of their sudden departure, as they are to 

 sail by the next packet. I found Miss Verveer a most 

 agreeable young lady, and what won my heart, a most de- 

 cided Connecticut patriot, as she has been educated in New 

 Haven, and is returning to your so justly beloved city. I 

 would feel a great pleasure to think I may somewhat con- 

 tribute to the welcome to which her accomplishments and 

 American feelings justly entitle her, and I thought the ob- 

 ject would be in some measure attained by giving her the 

 pleasant charge of a letter to you. My dear sir, remem- 

 ber me affectionately to your family and friends, and accept 

 the affection and regards of 



Your most sincere friend, 



LAFAYETTE. 



Professor Silliman, although opposed to the last 

 war with Great Britain, which he deemed to be un- 

 necessary, felt a warm interest in the achievements 

 of our navy in that contest. The following letter is 

 from the commander of the Constitution, and relates 

 to the action which resulted in the capture of the 

 British ship Guerriere. 



FROM COMMODORE ISAAC HULL. 



NAVY YARD, CHARLESTOWN, 

 October 29, 1821. 



DEAR SIR, I some days since had the pleasure to 

 receive your letter of the 15th instant, but my time has 

 been so constantly taken up on duty since, that I could not 

 give you the information you asked for ; nor can I now, in 

 writing, in a way that you would be likely to understand 

 it. I have therefore endeavored to show you the manner 



