January 1831
January 1, 1831.--I cannot say the world opens pleasantly with me this new year. I will strike the balance. There are many things for which I have reason to be thankful. First.--Cadell's plans seem to have succeeded, and he augurs well as to the next two years, reckoning 30,000 on the stuff now on hand, and 20,000 on the insurance money, and 10,000 to be borrowed somehow. This will bring us wonderfully home. Second.--Cadell is of opinion if I meddle in politics, and I am strongly tempted to do so, I shall break the milk-pail, and threatens me with the fate of Basil Hall, who, as he says, destroyed his reputation by writing impolitic politics. Well, it would be my risk, and if I can do some good, which I rather think I can, is it right or manly to keep myself back? Third.--I feel myself
- Writer
