28th Mch 1813
Your note from Laurel, my most punctual sister, was every way acceptable. I suppose the great exertion you made to write it entirely exhausted your energies; for since, I have heard nothing from you, noting of the long, long journal I was to have had from each mail’s entry, of all your movements. To be sure, I am unreasonable to complain, as Laurel, from its local situation, the manners of the people, &c. affords one of the most interesting subjects, for a journalist in the world; and as no doubt you selected all the matter that cou’d interest me in your note from that city, nothing remains to be said of or from any other in the universe. Petersburgh and Tobalski not accepted. The very name it bears is sufficient to give it a passport to every classical or patriotic ear, as the refined and learned Petrarch has immortalized it, and every brave hero in these jarring times shou’d have it ever in his head, that he may wear it on his head. And why shou’d one of our redoubted generals conceive the weight of such an appendage more than his brows can bear. Cybele, you know, is represented crown’d with towers, which shews that all perspiring gentlemen of the red, who, like her, guard the interests, and prosperity of the world at large, and shou’d be towering in their splendid arms. [torn Page] for instance, I think nothing