From this same gentleman is the following letter, dated October 21, 1814:—­

MY DEAR FRIEND,—­My heart is so full that I do not know how to utter its emotions.  Thanks, all thanks to Heaven and our glorious heroes!  My satisfaction is full; it is perfect.  It partakes of the character of the victory and wants nothing to make it complete.

I return your felicitations upon this happy and heart-cheering occasion, and hope it may serve to suppress every sigh and to enliven every hope that animates the bosoms of my friends at Bristol.  Give Mr. Allston a hearty squeeze of the hand for me in token of my gratification at this event and my remembrance of him.

I enter into your feelings; I enjoy your triumph as much as if I was with you.  May it do you good and lengthen your lives.  Really I think it is much more worth my regard to live now than ever it was before.  This gives a tone to one’s nerves, a zest to one’s appetite, and a reality to existence that pervades all nature and exhibits its effects in every word and action.

Among the heroes whose names shall be inscribed upon the broad base of American Independence and Glory, the names of the heroes of Lake Erie and Lake Champlain will be recognized as brilliant and every way worthy; and it will hereafter be said that the example and exertions of New York have saved the nation....  What becomes of Massachusetts now and its sage politicians?  Oh! shut the picture; I cannot bear the contrast.  Like a dead carcass she hangs upon the living spirit which animates the heart, and she impedes its motions.  Her consequence is gone, and I am sorry for it, because I have been accustomed to admire the noble spirit she once displayed, and the virtues which adorned her brighter days....

We sail on Sunday or Monday.  I have received the box.  Everything is right.  Heaven bless you.

Going back a few days in point of time, the following letter was written to his parents:—­

BRISTOL, October 11, 1814.

Your letters to the 31st of August have been received, and I have again to express to you my thanks for the sacrifices you are making for me.  One day I hope it will be in my power to repay you for the many acts of indulgence to me....

Your last letters mention nothing about my going to France.  I perceive you have got my letters requesting leave, but you are altogether silent on the subject.  Everything is in favor of my going, my improvement, my expenses, and, last though not least, the state of my feelings.  I shall be ruined in my feelings if I stay longer in England.  I cannot endure the continued and daily insults to my feelings as an American.  But on this head I promised not to write anything more; still allow me to say but a few words—­On second thoughts, however, I will refer you entirely to Dr. Romeyn.  If it is possible, as you value my comfort, see him as speedily as possible.  He will give you my sentiments exactly, and I fully trust that, after you have heard him converse for a short time, you will completely liberate me from the imputation of error....