Extracts from the journal of Miss Francis, kept when she first met Mr. Child.
December 2, 1824. Mr. Child dined with us at Watertown. lie possesses the rich fund of an intelligent traveller without the slightest tinge of a traveller's vanity. Spoke of the tardy improvement of the useful arts in Spain and Italy. They still use the plough described by Virgil .January 26, 1825. Saw Mr. Child at Mr. Curtis's. He is the most gallant man that has lived since the sixteenth century and needs nothing but helmet, shield, and chain armor to make him a complete knight of chivalry.
May 3, 1825. One among the many delightful evenings spent with Mr. Child. I do not know which to admire most, the vigor of his understanding or the ready sparkle of his wit. Talked of the political position of England. Laughed as he mentioned the tremendous squirearchy of America.