
          I have therefore every reason to feel contented
 & thankful, which, in the main, I trust I do,
 tho' you will not be surprised to know that
 there [crossed out: I] are times when I miss the companionship
 of those I love, in the western world. The
 social system is so different here, as a
 whole, that I feel myself more at home than
 I did in America, & without comparing the
 advantages & disadvantges of the two, I am convinced
 that I, personally, am better fitted for a
 liegeman of the British Crown, than for one of
 Uncle Sam's Free & enlightened Citizens. I will
 allow you to pity the prejudices of my birth &
 education, in this matter, so that you love me
 none the less, which, indeed I little fear. And
 now for my mode of life. I spent the first
 month after my arrival (December) at the house
 of my excellent partner who lives at Blackheath
 about 6 miles from town-- going backwards &
 forwards [?] Railway. He is turned of 70 years
 old, but a man of wonderful vigour & activity,
 nevertheless-- tho' I hope to spare him, very much, as
 I become acquainted with the business & customers.
 At the beginning of the year I hired very comfortable
 & genteelly furnished Chambers in
 Keppel Street-- near Russell Square, which
 you may possibly remember. The situation
 is very airy, for London, & about 1/2 mile
 from my Counting-house. I generally ride
        