{210} This is our _beau ideal_ of penmanship. Its prevailing character
is _picturesque_. This appearance is given by terminating every letter
abruptly, without _tapering_, and by using no perfect angles, and none
at all which are not spherical. Great uniformity is preserved in the
whole air of the MS.--with great variety in the constituent parts.
Every character has the clearness and blackness of a bold wood-cut,
and appears to be _placed upon the paper_ with singular precision. The
long letters do not rise or fall in an undue degree above the line.
From this specimen of his hand writing, we should suppose Mr. Kennedy
to have the eye of a painter, more especially in regard to the
picturesque--to have refined tastes generally--to be exquisitely alive
to the proprieties of life--to possess energy, decision, and great
talent--to have a penchant also for the _bizarre_. The paper is very
fine, clear and white, with gilt edges--the seal neat and much in
keeping with the MS. Just sufficient wax, and no more than sufficient,
is used for the impression, which is nearly square, with a lion's head
in full _alto relievo_, surrounded by the motto "_il parle par tout_."