for my 'Poeshie,' as their belief in my
dislike to the English,--in which I have the satisfaction to
coincide with them. I would rather, however, have a nod from an
American, than a snuff-box from an emperor."

* * * * *

LETTER 498. TO MR. ELLICE.

"Montenero, Leghorn, June 12. 1822.

"My dear Ellice,

"It is a long time since I have written to you, but I have not
forgotten your kindness, and I am now going to tax it--I hope not
too highly--but _don't_ be alarmed, it is _not_ a loan, but
_information_ which I am about to solicit. By your extensive
connections, no one can have better opportunities of hearing the
real state of _South_ America--I mean Bolivar's country. I have
many years had transatlantic projects of settlement, and what I
could wish from you would be some information of the best course to
pursue, and some letters of recommendation in case I should sail
for Angostura. I am told that land is very cheap there; but though
I have no great disposable funds to vest in such purchases, yet my
income, such as it is, would be sufficient in any country (except
England) for all the comforts of life, and for most of its
luxuries. The war there is now over, and as I do not go there to
_speculate_, but to settle, without any views but those of
independence and the enjoyment of the common civil rights, I should
presume such an arrival would not be unwelcome.

"All I request of you is, not to _dis_courage nor _en_courage, but
to give me such a statement as you think prudent and proper. I do
not address my other friends upon this subject, who would only
throw obstacles in my way, and bore me to return to England; which
I never will do, unless compelled by some insuperable cause. I have
a quantity of furniture, books, &c. &c. &c. which I could easily
ship from Leghorn; but I wish to 'look before I leap' over the
Atlantic. Is it true that for a few thousand dollars a large tract
of land may be obtained? I speak of _South_ America, recollect. I
have read some publications on the subject, but they seemed violent
and vulgar party productions. Please to address your answer[81] to
me at this place, and believe me ever and truly yours," &c.

[Footnote 81: The answer which Mr. Ellice returned was, as might be
expected, strong