Life of Coiint 'Rumford. 153 



stamping, excited the anxiety and dread of Gibbon lest 

 they might cause the vessel to founder. Pictet says 

 that Thompson informed him that Gibbon had con- 

 fessed his fright on this occasion in a letter to Lord 

 Sheffield, found in the published correspondence. Pic- 

 tet adds, on the same alleged authority, that Gibbon 

 signified to his Lordship the profound impression made 

 upon him by Thompson in their brief intercourse, 

 describing him by three epithets, as "the Soldier, the 

 Philosopher, and the Statesman, Thompson." It is to 

 be hoped, as a cover for Thompson's modesty, that, 

 happening to have the interesting volume at hand, he 

 playfully referred to it in conversation with his guest, 

 and left him to copy the reference instead of repeating 

 the compliment himself. But if so, Pictet must have 

 copied carelessly. As there is a vivacity in the letter 

 of Gibbon here quoted, I will transfer to my pages that 

 portion of it which has interest for us. It is dated 

 Dover, September 17, 1783. 



" Last night the wind was so high that the vessel could not 

 stir from the harbor ; this day it is brisk and fair. We are 

 flattered with the hope of making Calais Harbor by the same 

 tide in three hours and a half; but any delay will leave the 

 disagreeable option of a tottering boat or a tossing night. What 

 a cursed thing to live in an island ! this step is more awkward 

 than the whole journey. The triumvirate of this memorable 

 embarkation will consist of the grand Gibbon, Henry Laurens, 

 Esq., President of Congress, and Mr. Secretary, Colonel, Ad- 

 miral, Philosopher Thompson, attended by three horses, who 

 are not the most agreeable fellow-passengers. If we survive, I 

 will finish and seal my letter at Calais. Our salvation shall be 

 ascribed to the prayers of my lady and aunt, for I do belie ,e 

 they both pray 



" Boulogne, next day. Instead of Calais, the wind has 



