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 consider him as one who puts on a defensive armour against hasty and determined severity, but he feels also the hazard, lest they should suppose he looks upon himself to be guarded by his friends and so secure in the defence, that he may defy the fair judgement of legal criticism: it will probably be said, 'he has brought with him his testimonials to the bar of the public;' and he must admit the truth of the remark: but he begs leave to observe in reply, that, of those who bear testimonials of any kind, the greater number feel apprehension, and not security; they are indeed so far from the enjoyment of victory or the exultation of triumph, that, with all they can do for themselves, with all their friends have done for them, they are, like him, in dread of examination and in fear of disappointment.

Muston, Leicestershire, September, 1807.