benign influence this fortunate circumstance is likely to exercise on
all our important interests.

"I see but little probability of effecting the object of my special
mission, but the utmost credit is to be attached to the sincerity of the
smiles of the king and queen, and of all the royal family."

"In a late conversation with his majesty, he inquired in the kindest
manner after the health of the Great Sachem [this is the title of
the head of the Leaplow government], and observed that our growth and
prosperity put all other nations to shame; and that we might, on all
occasions, depend on his most profound respect and perpetual friendship.
In short, sir, all nations, far and near, desire our alliance, are
anxious to open new sources of commerce, and entertain for us the
profoundest respect, and the most inviolable esteem. You can tell the
Great Sachem that this feeling is surprisingly augmented under his
administration, and that it has at least quadrupled during my mission.
If Leaphigh would only respect its treaties, Leapthrough would cease
taking our seamen, Leapup have greater deference for the usages of good
society, and the king of Leapover would seize no more of our ships to
supply his mistress with pocket-money, our foreign relations might be
considered to be without spot. As it is, sir, they are far better off
than I could have expected, or indeed had ever hoped to see them; and
of one thing you may be diplomatically certain, that we are universally
respected, and that the Leaplow name is never mentioned without all in
company rising and waving their caudae."

"(Signed.) JUDAS PEOPLE'S FRIEND."

"Hon.---------, etc."

"P. S. (Private.)"

"Dear Sir:--If you publish this dispatch, omit the part where the
difficulties are repeated, I beg you will see that my name is put in
with those of the other patriots, against the periodical rotation of
the little wheel, as I shall certainly be obliged to return home soon,
having consumed all my means. Indeed, the expense of maintaining a tail,
of which our people have no notion, is so very great, that I think none
of our missions should exceed a week in duration.

"I would especially advise that the message should dilate on the subject
of the high standing of the Leaplow character in foreign nations; for,
to be frank with you, facts require that this statement should be made
as often as possible."

When this letter was read, the conversation reverted to religion. T