, (which I am
bound to add, is very doubtful, notwithstanding the minuteness with
which it is detailed), it is deeply to be regretted that he was not
addressed in that frank manner which could alone elicit his real
sentiments; for I know of no man so competent to offer an opinion on
these subjects as himself.

To govern England successfully, it is necessary to know the temper of
Englishmen. Obvious as this appears to be, the frequent relinquishment
of government measures, by the dominant party, shows that their own
statesmen are sometimes deficient in this knowledge.

Mr. Slick says, that if Sir James Graham had consulted him, _he_ could
have shown him how to carry the educational clauses of his favourite
bill This, perhaps, is rather an instance of Mr. Slick's vanity, than a
proof of his sagacity. But if this species of information is not easy of
attainment here, even by natives, how difficult must it be to govern a
people three thousand miles off, who differ most materially in thought,
word, and deed, from their official rulers.

Mr. Slick, when we had not met during the day, generally visited me at
night, about the time I usually returned from a dinner-party, and amused
me by a recital of his adventures.

"Squire," said he, "I have had a most curious capur to-day, and one that
will interest you, I guess. Jist as I was a settin' down to breakfast
this mornin', and was a turnin' of an egg inside out into a wine-glass,
to salt, pepper and batter it for Red-lane Alley, I received a note from
a Mister Pen, saying the Right Honourable Mr. Tact would be glad, if it
was convenient, if I would call down to his office, to Downin' Street,
to-day, at four o'clock. Thinks says I to myself, 'What's to pay now? Is
it the Boundary Line, or Creole Case, or Colonial Trade, or the Burnin'
of the Caroline, or Right o' Sarch? or what national subject is on the
carpet to-day? Howsundever,' sais I, 'let the charge be what it will,
slugs, rifle-bullets, or powder, go I must, that's a fact.' So I tips
him a shot right off; here's the draft, Sir; it's in reg'lar state
lingo.

"Sir,

"I have the high honour to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of this present first of June instant and
note its contents. The conference (subject unknown),
proffered by the Right Honourable Mr. Tact, I accede
to hereby protesting and resarving all rights of
conformation and reniggin' of our Extraordinary
Embassador, now absent