serted, seems to have been a believer in the existence of the Welsh Indians. But even at present the subject remains involved in great uncertainty. Southey, whether from a belief that Madoc was the first discoverer of America, or from an opinion of Waller, that poets best excel in fiction, has written a fine Epic Poem, entitled MADOC, with these preparatory lines Come, listen to a Tale of times of old! How MADOC, from the shores of Britain spread And planted in its fanes triumphantly The cross of Christ-come listen to my lay! MRS. BARBAULD, however, in an exquisitely beautiful poem, entitled, 1811, retains the commonly received opinion in favour of Columbus-witness these concluding lines And see-to other climes the Genius soars, Ardent the Genius fans the noble strife, Dr. Morgan Jones had held out to MR. RICHARDS the discovery of the Welsh Indians, and Mr. M. J. Rhees had expatiated on the plenitude of religious freedom enjoyed in the United States of America, whilst a third correspondent, a YOUNG FRIEND, to whom Mr. Richards had given letters of introduction, entices him to come over by a flattering picture of the country in general, including a description of a very pleasing interview with the immortal Washington-on which latter account the epistle shall be inserted, nor unentertaining is the short prefatory account of the voyage across the wide Atlantic. VERY DEAR SIR, New York, June 25, 1793. It is with much pleasure I acquaint you of my safe arrival in this happy country, for such I find it to be in every respect. We left Gravesend, April 13th, and arrived off THIS CITY, May 30th, at one o'clock in the morning. We went on shore after breakfast, and were received with great cordiality and friendship by the different persons to whom we had letters. passage was not long, but very rough and disagreeable I bore it remarkably well for a young sailor. We saw nothing worthy particular notice Our during our voyage, except some large islands of ice as we approached the banks of Newfoundland; one about four times as large as the ship, another half a mile long in front, and two hundred feet high, and a third at least a mile square, high as Dover Cliffs! We passed within a league of two sides of it, and saw it very distinctly indeed. Having taken a shop, and put things in a train for landing our goods, we set off for PHILADELPHIA, where we arrived (after travelling through an extreme pleasant country), and waited on Dr. Rogers. Doctor Rogers is a most entertaining and agreeable man, and received your letter with much pleasure. We were with him great part of the time we remained in the City, and were introduced by him to GENERAL WASHINGTON. The General " was not at home when we called, but while we were talking with his private secretary in the hall, HE came in, and spoke to Dr. Rogers with the greatest ease and familiarity: he immediately asked us up into the drawing-room, where was Lady Washington, and his two Nieces. When we were seated, the General called for wine and cake, of which we partook-he drinking our "health, and wishing us success in all our undertakings!" The General asked us a number of questions, respecting the situation of things in Europe, to all which we answered, you may be sure, in our best manner. It is his general custom to say little, but on this occasion we understood he was more than usually talkative: he made but one remark, which under the circumstances in which it was delivered, has a peculiar energy-that "We had chosen a HAPPY COUNTRY, and ONE LARGE enough!". After sitting about half an hour, we retired, highly gratified with having conversed with the first character of THE AGE. Dr. Foster, the first Baptist minister of this City, is a judicious sensible preacher, and is well attended. Their method of carrying on divine service is this: the Doctor begins with Prayer, then they Sing, then the Sermon, after the sermon a Prayer, after prayer a Collection is made from pew to pew (the custom here with every denomination), when they Sing, and are dismissed. THIS CITY is very pleasant-surrounded with water, and so near the sea, we have fine cool breezes even in the hottest weather. The thermometer was up here last week to ninety, but notwithstanding, it was more bearable than weather less hot in London. You cannot walk more than half an hour from the heart of the City to be as much in the country as you can wish. Long Island on one side, and the Jersey Coast on the other, afford the most delightful views. To ride twelve miles on Long Island, is to ride in a Garden; cherry-trees and peaches line the road as you pass! On our arrival at New York we had letters to two or three merchants, which we found serviceable. We were able, in consequence, to procure one of the best stands for trade in the place, and have every hope of doing well. If you should make up your mind to come hither next year, you would never regret it, and would be received with great kindness. I should be particularly interested in your welfare, and endeavour to repay that mark of kindness 1 received in London, which I cannot easily forget. I have written in much haste, and am almost ashamed to send this scrawl, but I know you'll excuse me if I promise to take more pains another time. I hope you will write me upon receiving this, and believe me to be, With much sincerity, Your obliged friend, W. A. Rev. W. Richards, Lynn. An anecdote of WASHINGTON shall be here recorded, it was communicated to me by the late Thomas Mullett, Esq., who was soon after the American war at Mount Vernon, the seat of General Washington. Besides other flattering marks of attention, WASHINGTON, when alone with him in his Library, asked him if he had seen any individual in that country who was competent to the task of writing a HISTORY of the late unhappy contest? Mr. M. replied, with his usual presence of mind, "I know of one, and one only, competent to the task."-The General eagerly asked, "Who, sir, can that individual be?"-Mr. M. remarked, |