16

at last we found a farm for sale, which tho not all we
desired, had beauties & advantages enough to induce Mr. S. to
purchase it -- Many an interesting ride & walk did it afford
us -- he went out almost every day to see the progress of
the workmen who were busied in raising our little Cottage &
clearing the ground. -- In May my dear Sister [?]
came on, in order to be with me during my confinement.
I enjoyed myself very much while she was here; my friends
were very attentive, the season was delightful & our
market supplied an abundance of fine vegetables
& strawberries -- I was in good spirits & felt all the
animation of affection & hope, at the anticipated event.

Every thing seemed to combine to give pleasure
to this period; but the most interesting circumstance
was the arrival of Baron Humboldt, from his travels
in South America -- He came to see us the morning
after his arrival, being introduced by a mutual acquaintance.
Never have I seen a human being, who so instantane-
ously prepossessed every beholder in his behalf -- He is
of the middle size, a face which if [?]ed would be
called plain, but which when he spoke was lighted up
with the glow of benevolence, & the intelligence of genius
& so intimately were these blended, not only in his face
but his character, that one knew not whether most to
admire or love him. He was communicative in [?]
not from vanity, but from benevolence--He knew how
natural curiosity was & he took a delight in gratifying
his listeners with the most copious & interesting details
Of himself he seldom or ever spoke, but only of such
objects & circumstances he supposed would be inter-
esting. His discourse flowed like a torrent, his
countenance was so expressive & his gestures so