Went this morning to the Baptist meeting, in hopes of hearing Mr.
Stillman, but was disappointed. He was there, but another gentleman
preached. His action was violent to a degree bordering on fury; his
gestures unnatural and distorted. Not the least idea of grace in his
motions, or elegance in his style. His voice was vociferous and
boisterous, and his composition almost wholly destitute of ingenuity. I
wonder extremely at the fondness of our people for scholars educated at
the southward, and for southern preachers. There is no one thing in
which we excel them more than in our University, our scholars and
preachers. Particular gentlemen here, who have improved upon their
education by travel, shine; but in general, old Massachusetts outshines
her younger sisters. Still in several particulars they have more wit
than we. They have societies, the Philosophical Society particularly,
which excites a scientific emulation, and propagates their fame. If ever
I get through this scene of politics and war, I will spend the remainder
of my days in endeavoring to instruct my countrymen in the art of making
the most of their abilities and virtues; an art which they have hitherto
too much neglected. A philosophical society shall be established at
Boston, if I have wit and address enough to accomplish it, sometime or
other. Pray set brother Cranch's philosophical head to plodding upon
this project. Many of his lucubrations would have been published and
preserved, for the benefit of mankind and for his honor, if such a club
had existed.
My countrymen want art and address. They want knowledge of the world.
They want the exterior and superficial accomplishment of gentlemen, upon
which the world has set so high a value. In solid abilities and real
virtues they vastly excel, in general, any people upon this continent.
Our New England people are awkward and bashful, yet they are pert,
ostentatious, and vain; a mixture which excites ridicule and gives
disgust. They have not the faculty of showing themselves to the best
advantage, nor the art of concealing this faculty; an art and faculty
which some people possess in the highest degree. Our deficiencies in
these respects are owing wholly to the little intercourse we have with
strangers, and to our inexperience in the world. These imperfections
must be remedied, for New England must produce the heroes, the
statesmen, the philosophers, or America will make no great figure for
some time.
Our army is rather sickly at New York, and we live in daily expectation
of hearing of some great event. May God Almighty grant it may be
prosperous for America. Hope is an anchor and a cordial. Disappointment,
however, will not disconcert us.
If you will come to Philadelphia in September, I will stay as long as
you please. I should be as proud and happy as a bridegroom.
Yours.