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to tell you, that I took a Trip to Portsmouth in a few days after my return from the north, & had a very pleasing Interview with our young soldier, whom, I persuade myself, we shall one day see among the most amiable & splendid characters of our military World. –

Apropos of amiable & splendid Characters I shall ever reckon a certain Muse, that I will not name, in that Number; & I must tell you, that the person, whom you supposed likely to speak ill of Her to Eliza, has indeed talked of Her, but in a very different Style; & even won the good opinion of the artless Eliza by the Warmth of her unexpected Encomium – How powerful are those Talents which oblige even a malignant Ennemy [sic] to flourish in your Praise!

Last night brought me your long-expected Elegy, for which I grew so impatient, that I began to execrate the tardy devils of the Press;