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The knowledge and the principles derived from these sources will teach them gentleness and modesty, and will make them unwilling to venture their hands too rashly upon the helm of State.
In reading the second Alcibiades of
Plato lately, I was struck with its beauty and truth, and also with its applicability to our own times and country.
In that admirable dialogue,
Socrates, by a masterly course of reasoning, shows the necessity of peculiar discipline and instruction to enable one to interfere wisely in the affairs of government.
But I wander widely from the object of my letter, which was to thank you for not yet forgetting me.
Believe me ever very sincerely yours,
dear, dear
Lieber,—My visit on the
North River was full of delightful adventure.
At
Mackenzie's I enjoyed myself very much; was most happy to know his wife, whom I think beautiful, graceful, and refined.
From there I went to
Hyde Park, the seat of some of the most agreeable families in our country,—the Hosacks, the Langdons, the Wilkeses, the Livingstons,—where I passed four days; on one day riding on horseback with one fair maiden, and on the next with another.
But my day at Cruger's Island was the most interesting. . . . On returning from the island, our little boat, containing Mr. and
Mrs. Harvey and
Miss Hosack, came near being sunk by the night steamboat, between nine and ten in the evening; all of which was a sort of
chasse-cafe; to the delicious feast of the day.
I am more and more desolate and alone.
I wish you and your dear wife lived here.
You would allow me to enter your house and be at home; to recline on the sofa, and play the part of a friend of the house.
I lead a joyless life, with very little sympathy.
Ever, dear
Lieber, thine,
C. S.
