A Mr. Hawkins of Frankford, near Philadelphia, has invented
a machine, which he calls a polygraph, and which carries two, three, or
four pens. That of two pens, with which I am now writing, is best;
and is so perfect that I have laid aside the copying-press, for a
twelvemonth past, and write always with the polygraph. I have directed
one to be made, of which I ask your acceptance. By what conveyance I
shall send it while Havre is blockaded, I do not yet know. I think you
will be pleased with it, and will use it habitually as I do; because it
requires only that degree of mechanical attention which I know you to
possess. I am glad to hear that M. Cabanis is engaged in writing on the
reformation of medicine. It needs the hand of a reformer, and cannot
be in better hands than his. Will you permit my respects to him and the
Abbe de la Roche to find a place here.
A word now on our political state. The two parties which prevailed with
so much violence when you were here, are almost wholly melted into
one. At the late Presidential election I have received one hundred and
sixty-two votes against fourteen only. Connecticut is still federal by a
small majority; and Delaware on a poise, as she has been since 1775, and
will be till Anglomany with her yields to Americanism. Connecticut will
be with us in a short time. Though the people in mass have joined us,
their leaders had committed themselves too far to retract.
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