not devoted any time to what is called the pleasurable
amusements of life. In my progress I have encounter-
ed many difficulties, and have subjected myself to
the most excessive labour, stimulated thereto by a
conviction, that success would generate pleasing
reflections. You too, my good sir, have pursued the
same track, perhaps in a greater degree, although you
had not so wide a field: but you exceed me by far,
since to charitable objects you have devoted your
whole time, while mine has been occupied by a
great variety of objects. I trust, however, most of
them have been useful to my fellow citizens.

I had resisted the solicitations of the editor of the
European Magazine, to set forth my portrait, and to
permit him to introduce my biography into his work
for more than twenty years, promising at the same
time, that at a future period (meaning at the close of
life) I would comply with his request. I have now
redeemed the pledge, and the biography now sent
you, will be found in the Magazine for March, April,
May, and June, in the present year. Probably the
three first numbers may have found their way to the
United States before this reaches you, the fourth is
not yet published.

Nothing, in my opinion, will cure the excessive
evils arising from the immoderate use of ardent
spirits in your country, (which is even worse than
here,) than the universal diffusion of properly organi-
zed Savings Banks in each of the states, sanctioned
by legislative regulations. They are calculated
beyond all other institutions, to give provident habits
to the labouring people. Provident habits never fail
to generate industry, and to promote moral and reli-
gious feelings. In my treatise on Indigence, you
will perceive that I call it to be a god-like work. All
the regulations and restraints of the legislature, and
all the efforts of the clergy, will, without this great
auxiliary, be of little avail.

Our free schools go on prosperously: but until they