The following refers to a serious accident which occurred to him at
Cambridge, by a fall from his horse.]

Feb. 16. 1841.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

The good accounts which we receive from time to time of your progress towards perfect recovery from your late severe accident embolden me to congratulate you in my own name, and the whole of my family.

* * * * *

It remains now for us to join heartily, as we all do, in expressing a wish that, being convalescent, you would not be tempted to over-exert yourself.  I need scarcely add, that we all unite with you and your sons, with Susan, and your other relations, and all your friends, in fervent thanks to Almighty God for His goodness in preserving you.

As a brother I feel deeply; and regarding your life as most valuable to the community, I the more rejoice in the prospect of your life being prolonged.

Believe me, my dear Brother,
Most affectionately yours,
WM. WORDSWORTH.[182]

[182] Memoirs, ii. 382-3.

124. Episcopal Church of America:  Emerson and Carlyle.

TO PROFESSOR REED.

Rydal Mount, Ambleside, Aug. 16. 1841.

MY DEAR MR. REED,

I have lately had the pleasure of seeing, both in London and at my own house, the Bishop of New Jersey.  He is a man of no ordinary powers of mind and attainments, of warm feelings and sincere piety.  Indeed, I never saw a person of your country, which is remarkable for cordiality, whose manner was so thoroughly cordial.  He had been greatly delighted with his reception in England, and what he had seen of it both in Art and Nature.  By the by, I heard him preach an excellent sermon in London.  I believe this privilege is of modern date.  The Bishop has furnished me with his funeral sermon upon Bishop White, to assist me in fulfilling a request which you first made to me, viz. that I would add a Sonnet to my Ecclesiastical Series, upon the union of the two Episcopal churches of England and America.[183] I will endeavour to do so, when I have more leisure than at present, this being the season when our beautiful region attracts many strangers, who take up much of my time.

Do you know Miss Peabody of Boston?  She has just sent me, with the highest eulogy, certain essays of Mr. Emerson.  Our Mr. Carlyle and he appear to be what the French used to call esprits forts, though the French idols showed their spirit after a somewhat different fashion.  Our two present Philosophes, who have taken a language which they suppose to be English for their vehicle, are verily ‘par nobile fratrum,’ and it is a pity that the weakness of our age has not left them exclusively to this appropriate reward—­mutual admiration.  Where is the thing which now passes for philosophy at Boston to stop?

Ever faithfully yours,
WM. WORDSWORTH.[184]

[183] Dr. Seabury was consecrated bishop (of Connecticut) by Scottish bishops at Aberdeen, on 14th November 1784.  Dr. White and Dr. Provoost were consecrated bishops (of New York and Pennsylvania) at Lambeth, 4th February 1787.