to relieve a second and a third; and thus a dozen
families might be set on the independent footing of their
own industry in the course of a dozen years by the help of
fifty dollars, and the owner lose nothing but the interest.
Some judgment would be necessary in these operations, as
well as care and attention in finding out the proper
objects. How many of these are to be found in prisons,
thrown in and confined for years, for small debts which
their industry and their liberty would enable them to
discharge in a short time! Imprisonment for debt still
exists as a stain upon our country, as most others. France,
indeed, has set us the example of abolishing it, but I am
apprehensive she will relapse from this, as I see she is
inclined to do from many other good things which she began
in her magnanimous struggle for the renovation of society.

"_Thirdly._ With your benevolence, your character and
connections, you may put in motion a much greater fund of
charity than you will yourself possess. It is by searching
out the objects of distress or misfortune, and recommending
them to their wealthy neighbors in such a manner as to
excite their attention. I have often remarked to you (I
forget whether you agree with me in it or not) that there is
more goodness at the bottom of the human heart than the
world will generally allow. Men are as often hindered from
doing a generous thing by an _indolence_ either of thought
or action as by a selfish principle. If they knew what the
action was, when and where it was to be done and how to do
it, their obstacles would be overcome. In this manner one
may bring the resources of others into contribution, and
with such a grace as to obtain the thanks both of the givers
and receivers.

"_Fourthly._ The _example_ of one beneficent person, like
yourself, in a neighborhood or a town would go a great way.
It would doubtless be imitated by others, extend far, and
benefit thousands whom you might never hear of.

"I certainly hope to escape from this place and return to
your beloved arms. No man has stronger inducements to wish
to live than I have. I have no quarrel with the world: it
has used me as well as could be expected. I have valuable
friends in every country where I have put my foot, not
except