ANDREW JACKSON, and other individuals in America, to all
our diplomatists and consuls in Europe and elsewhere. Thus,
reader, you will perceive that 1 had some foundation for the
hope that I should acquire friends in the great city.
In May 1827, I reached that emporium of the productions
of all climes and nations. After gazing a day on all that I
saw of wonderful and interesting, I devoted the rest to visiting.
Guided by a map, 1 proceeded along the crowded streets, and
endeavoured to find my way through the vast labyrinth. From
one great man's door to another I went; but judge of my surprise,
reader, when, after wandering the greater part of three
successive days, early and late, and at all hours, I had not found
a single individual at home!
Wearied and disappointed, I thought my only chance of getting
my letters delivered was to consign them to the post, and
accordingly I handed them all over to its care, excepting one,
which was addressed to " J . G. CHILDREN, Esq. British Museum."
Thither I now betook myself, and was delighted to meet
with that kind and generous person, whose friendship I have enjoyed
ever since. He it was who pointed out to me the great
error I had committed in having put my letters into the postoffice,
and the evil arising from this step is perhaps still hanging
over me, for it has probably deprived me of the acquaintance of
half of the persons to whom they were addressed, In the course
of a week, about half a dozen of the gentlemen who had read my
letters, left their cards at my rooms. By degrees I became acquainted
with a few of them, and my good friend of the Museum
introduced me to others. I renewed my acquaintance with the
benevolent Lord STANLEY, and became known to other noble-
I found a fine museum belonging to the most interesting and
amiable family of the CALVERTS, in whose society my evenings
were chiefly spent.
On my second visit to Manchester I obtained upwards of
twenty subscribers in one week, and became acquainted with
persons whose friendship has never failed. Of them I may particularly
mention the DYERS, the KENNEDYS, the DARBISHIRES,
and the SOWLERS.
Having once more reached the hospitable home of the RATHBONES
at Liverpool, 1 felt my heart expand within me, and I
poured forth my thanks to my Maker for the many favours which
I had in so short a period received. I read to my friends the
names of more than seventy subscribers to my " Birds of America."
My journey was continued through Chester, Birmingham,
and Oxford, and I passed in view of the regal and magnificent
Castle of Windsor. The impression made on my mind the day
I reached the veiy heart of London I am unable to describe.
Suffice it, kind reader, to tell you that many were the alternations
of hope and fear as I traversed the vast metropolis. I cannot
give you an adequate idea of my horror or of my admiration,
when on the one side I saw pallid poverty groping in filth
and rags, and turning away almost in despair, beheld the huge
masses of the noblest monument ever raised to St Paul, which
reminded me of the power and grandeur of man ;—and along
with the thronging crowds I moved, like them intent on making
my way through the world.
Eighty-two letters of introduction were contained in my
budget. Besides these I was the bearer of general letters from
HENRY CLAY, Speaker of the House of Congress, General