This, I Believe, Is Only A _Pretence_, However, And That In Their _Hearts_ They Are Fond Of England, And Justly Proud Of The Relationship And Likeness.

Certainly the New Englanders are conceited and _bumptious_, and in this also they keep up their British characteristics.

They want to lose their State distinctions (which their patriot Washington was so anxious to guard), and become _one_ great nation, centralizing everything, which, indeed, seems the rage everywhere. The Democrats are more conservative and _really_ liberal, and I trust Cleveland will get elected as President, for there are many independent Republicans (_Bolters_, they call them,) who will vote for him, knowing that Blaine would be a disgrace to their country; he is a plausible rogue, and respectable people of all opinions almost acknowledge it. Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop called (I have a nice sitting-room now), and we are to drive there and lunch with them to-morrow. Mrs. Lowell also called, and gave us the _Republican_ view of things, being a strong Anti-Democrat; told us that the Southerners, by arguments of personal _fear_, made the negroes vote against the Republicans, who they would otherwise support, according to her story. So much, if true, for the freedom of American voters! Speaking of sea sickness when crossing the Atlantic, she said that like (someone else) she thought she should die the first day, and was afraid she should_n't_ the second day. Mr. Baillie Hamilton spoke to us at luncheon to-day; he has invented a new kind of organ, and is perfecting it here, and hopes to make it a good commercial business in New York, and then go home and marry Lady Evelyn Campbell. We liked him very much, and wish him all success. Mr. Perkins called, and we all went to the Archaeological Museum, which is an entertainment I am unworthy of, as I don't understand Art, china, or lace, or embroidery, or statuary, and only know what I _like_; but Mr. Perkins wasted a great deal of valuable information upon me. After this, we all walked to the common with Mr. Hamilton; he told us that he had worked for months in a factory at Worcester, near this, in his _shirt sleeves_, no man knowing him, and he thinks highly of the American workmen in these parts. They are kind and noble under their too independent and rough exterior, and that is my own impression; but still I detest the system which has taught them that respect and politeness are servile and unmanly, and that domestic service is a disgrace. I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of 15th October this morning, and am so glad you can use your hand more. I don't think _any_ of your letters are missing, but, _without conceit_, mine are of more value, as those to you are my only journal, and I should forget so many things if I had not these letters to refer to on returning home. Now I must finish this.

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