PARIS, February 7, 1788.
DEAR SIR,--It is rendering mutual service to men of virtue and
understanding to make them acquainted with one another. I need no other
apology for presenting to your notice the bearer hereof, Mr. Barlow. I
know you were among the first who read the Visions of Columbus, while
yet in manuscript; and think the sentiments I heard you express of that
poem will induce you to be pleased with the acquaintance of their
author. He comes to pass a few days only at London, merely to know
something of it. As I have little acquaintance there, I cannot do
better for him than to ask you to be so good as to make him known to
such persons, as his turn and his time might render desirable to him.
I thank you for the volume you were so kind as to send me some time
ago. Everything you write is precious, and this volume is on the most
precious of all our concerns. We may well admit morality to be the
child of the understanding rather than of the senses, when we observe
that it becomes dearer to us as the latter weaken, and as the former
grows stronger by time and experience, till the hour arrives in which
all other objects lose all their value. That that hour may be distant
with you, my friend, and that the intermediate space may be filled with
health and happiness, is the sincere prayer of him who is, with
sentiments of great respect and friendship, dear Sir, your most
obedient humble servant.