Note 19 — LETTER X. To R. Cooper, Esq., Cooperstown.

I can give no better illustration of the state of dependence to which men are reduced in America, by this spirit of meddling, than by the following anecdote. A friend was about to build a new town house, and letting me know the situation, he asked my advice as to the mode of construction. The inconveniences of an ordinary American town house were pointed out to him,—its unfitness for the general state of society, the climate, the other domestic arrangements, and its ugliness. All were admitted, and the plan proposed in place of the old style of building was liked, but still my friend hesitated about adopting it. “It will be a genteeler and a better looking house than the other.” “Agreed.” “It will be really more convenient.” “I think so, too.” “It will be cheaper.” “Of that there is no question.” “Then why not adopt it?” “To own the truth, I dare not build differently from my neighbours!”