Princess Anne Dec 14, 1814
I was disappointed in not hearing from you by yesterdays mail: nor can I account for your silence. It is rather an up hill business when either conversation, or writing, is all on one side, however, as in duty bound, I shall continue to advise you of all the nothings remarkable that occur in your absence. I think this is the third or fourth letter I have written you since your departure.
I receiv’d by the present mail, a letter from Eliza, wherein she mentions having seen Mr. Jeffrey, that he enquired a great deal concerning yourself. Her opinion of him is that he is very agreeable and conversable, but that folks generally call him proud, and rude &c., although she and the family thought him affable for so great a man. I suppose he may have a little of the English hauteur to those he has nothing to say to, and a little also of the Scotch assurance. You know our excellent friend Campbell had a little of both to strangers, but instead of growing more proud and impudent, on acquaintance, he lost it all to his friends who knew him best, or rather it was lost amongst a thousand better qualities. I wish I cou’d have seen this Hercules in literature. To know and converse with a man who is really and thoroughly informed is a treat