University of Virginia Library

The pleasing hope with which you inspired
me, when we parted last, of receiving a
visit from you in town, has been constantly
cherished. I have anticipated your arrival with
the utmost impatience; but have endeavoured,
notwithstanding, to beguile the slow-paced hours
by a useful and pleasing occupation; the revision
of my geographical studies.

My papa has kindly procured me Doctor
Morse's last, and much improved edition of Universal
Geography, which, with the assistance of
a pair of globes he possessed, has afforded me the
most delightful entertainment. When at school,
I thought this the most agreeable study allotted
me; never deeming it a task, but an amusement.

It affords me, as it must every true American,
the sincerest pleasure to be furnished with the
means of acquiring this favourite science, by my
own countryman; and the spirit of Columbian
independence exults in my bosom, at the idea of
being able to gain an accurate acquaintance with
my own and other countries, without recourse to
the labours of foreigners.

I think the present generation under special
obligations to the active industry of Dr. Morse,

in providing us with that necessary and rich fund
of information, which his Geography and Gazetteer
contain. From these sources we may derive
a sufficient knowledge of the world we inhabit,
without departing from our domestic
sphere.

Come, then, my dear Cleora, and without fatigue
or expense, we will make the tour of the
globe together. After investigating the local situation
of different and distant climes, we will
turn to the historic page, and examine the manners,
government, character, and improvements
of their inhabitants. We will traverse the frozen
wastes of the frigid zones, and the burning sands
of the equatorial region; then return and bless
the temperate and happy medium in which we
are placed; and, casting an eye around, exult in
our peculiar advantages of soil and situation,
peace and good government, virtue and religion.

The fine mornings of this season afford many
delightful hours, before the heat of the day relaxes
the mind and enervates the body. Come,
then, enjoy and improve these, in concert with
your faithful and affectionate friend,