as
strong contrast as possible with all the French acclamations,
inconstancy, frivolity, desertion, treachery, insult, toward their
prostrate idol of an Emperor. I felt while I read, and I feel while
I reflect, how much of the difference between Napoleon and
Washington must be ascribed to the different times, nations,
circumstances in which they were placed. But independent of all
these, the comparison ably and clearly drawn would lie between the
individual characters--between moral and religious power and
influence, and intellectual powers even supported by military glory
and political despotism. The comparison would ultimately lie
between success and merit, and between their transient and durable
effects--their worldly and never-dying consequences.

Forgive me, my dear Mrs. Ticknor, for my having been actually run
away with thus, and forgetting what I was going to say when I
began. I was going to say that I wish Mr. Ticknor would draw the
comparison between these two heroes of false and true
glory--between real patriotism, true and great to the last, and
ambition using patriotism as a mask, and having it struck from his
hand powerless at the last. There is no one more able, better
fitted to draw this than your husband. Channing has said well of
the character of Napoleon as far as he went. But Mr. Ticknor, I
conceive, has wider views, more means of information, and a less
rhetorical style than Channing: and Sparks, having been the
biographer of Washington, might be considered as a party too much
concerned to be quite impartial. I am ashamed to have written so
much that must seem common-place to him. But I will not tear the
pages, as I am tempted to do, because there is a possibility that
when you read them to him it might turn his mind to the
subject--and no matter for the rest.

* * * * *

I do not know whether I was most interested, dear Mrs. Ticknor, in
your picture of your domestic life and happy house and home, or by
the view you gave me of your public festivity and celebration of
your American day of days--your national festival in honor of your
Declaration of Independence.

It was never, I suppose, more joyously, innocently and
advantageously held than on the day you describe so delightfully