Life of Count Rumford. 345 



her keenness of discernment, and her frankness in ex- 

 pressing the results of it. 



"LONDON, 24th October, 1798. 

 Brompton Raw. 



" MY DEAR MRS. BALDWIN, Though I was very sorry 

 and much disappointed at not hearing from you sooner, yet your 

 letter, when it did arrive, gave me much pleasure. I am even 

 disposed to make every apology for your long silence you could 

 wish. Indeed, I think the situation in which you are, and the 

 variety of domestic affairs which you have to take up your time 

 and attention, is a sufficient excuse for not writing sooner. 

 I am glad, however, to hear that your health is good, as like- 

 wise the health of that said friend of yours, who is very 

 naughty to be absent so much, and leave all the cares of the 

 family to you. Oh ! those gentlemen of business seem odd 

 things to us who have no further ideas of riches and honor and 

 glory than a decent comfortable living and a good reputation. 



" But I should not venture to write in this manner to you 

 did I not perfectly remember that we used to be just of the 

 same opinion upon these subjects. I do not know what you 

 have done, but I have not yet found reason to alter my opinion ; 

 and, to let you into a secret, I have since learned to know more 

 about the consequences of living with a man of business. I 

 have found a very good father, but who is likewise prodigiously 

 occupied in public affairs. Had I acquired his fortune and half 

 his renown (for between you and me, let me tell .you that 

 neither Colonel Baldwin nor my father is an enemy to a little 

 well-deserved renown), I should think myself happy, and should 

 go and settle down in some little corner of the world, and 

 endeavor to enjoy the fruits of my labor. 



" Believe me your most affectionate and sincere friend, 



"S. RUMFORD. 



" MRS. BALDWIN, care of LOAMMI BALDWIN, Esq." 



The revival and circulation in America of the report 

 that Count Rumford, supposed to have finally left the 

 service of Bavaria, intended to return to his native 



