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agreeable to nature. Of the characters, particularly of Engelmann, Mad. Craynoff and Emilie, I desired to have a more particular intimate knowledge: that of Mimi Berghens is more perfectly drawn and in was more satisfactory, more perfect, and sketched in few words. This is a character which ones feels to be natural, and just an important point which I did not strike me so forcibly of the others, some parts of that of Sidner excepted. From the agitation which the proposed family visit to the cascades near Balde excited and the mystery attending this agitation, the idea I had formed of Emilies character led me to expected even a greater cause for them, than that her father had there felt the commencement of his last illness: this seems to be struck me as being rather a trait of a sensible, but not than of a great mind. The affectionate conduct of James, and the story of Gremler, I found affecting. "Je trouve "quelquefois, que l'indulgence et la charité sont les premiers et les plus sacrés "de mes devoirs". This beneficent sentiment is well and very forcibly introduced. The whole story of Gremler will by some be considered an apology for suicide, and be condemned accordingly; but although the policy of society, and religion may place suicide in a heinous light, yet the first and most predominant feeling for the unhappy victim, will, must, and ought to be compassion
Of the style, I am unable almost for from my ignorance of the language to form an opinion; I should myself have liked it better had it been more simple; although speaking generally, for in many instances, as in that of Sydners description of his feelings on his first visit to the cascades, for instance, the elevation of style seemed highly appropriate. With respect to the end proposed, the dangers of imagination are exemplified with much force, but its application would have been more general had Sidner been a more ordinary character: itn the last case, however, there would have been more to fear from the dangers of imitation
After finishing the book, I must acknowledge, that the impression of it did not remain long on my mind, and this I attribute to its being containing more filled with sentiment than incident, to the too sublimation of the style, joined to my ignorance of the French language, which did not permit me to seize many little shades of colouring, both in sentiment and character, which probably I should have done in English, and which add so much to the interest.
Upon the whole, benevolence, active charity, and the necessity of moderating our passions, in order to be happy, are inculcated throughout, and the author undoubtedly merits the praise acknow in my opinion, the praise of society for his work.
Excuse dear Sir, the freedom with which I have given you my sentiments; you will consider them to be of one little accustomed to this kind of reading and still less to giving his opinion; accept my thanks for the pleasure and instruction which I have receieved from your little book has furnished, and believe me to be with much esteem
Your obliged and very humble servant
Mattw. Flinders