Mr. Tyler came from Boston last evening; was pretty busy in the forenoon; I went and
paid a visit to Mr. Apthorp, next door neighbour to my uncle: he came from Boston
this morning and is going back this afternoon: he is a man of Sense, and much reading,
but he has a certain wildness in his eyes, which indicates something extraordinary,
in his character, which I am told is really the case. He has an extravagant fondness
for England, and for everything that is English: he talks sensibly upon diverse subjects,
but as I had heard his Character before I saw him, I purposely spoke in the highest
terms, of the french Nation and their Country: he never said he was of a different
opinion, but he observed that though the beauties of England were not of the same
kind, they were very great, and like a true Englishman contrasted, french politeness
and outward accomplishments, to English dignity and Sincerity. I did not think it
was necessary to contest any point, and therefore humoured him in his Admiration for
Britain; in which, however I am very far from joining with him. After dinner I went
down with Mr. Tyler, and drank
{ 332 } tea with my uncle Quincy,
1 and from his house saw the tender, which came lately from Hallifax, to carry back
Mr. Nash, and his new bride.
I intended to go as far as Milton this evening, but it was so late when we return'd
from my uncle's, that I could not. As we were walking home, I had with Mr. Tyler some
very curious conversation, on a subject as curious. We smoked a sociable pipe in the
Evening at his office: and there continued it. He was somewhat in a prophetic mood,
but I imagine, he will never have occasion to say
Cet oracle, est plus sûr que celui de Chalcas
[Calchas].
2