How little can we venture to exult in any intellectual powers or literary attainments, when we consider the condition of poor Collins. I knew him a few years ago full of hopes and full of projects, versed in many languages, high in fancy, and strong in ​retention. This busy and forcible mind is now under the government of those who lately would not have been able to comprehend the least and most narrow of its designs.

⁠March 8th, 1754.