Anna Seward

This is one of my objections in general to the publication of letters; if they are honest, and open, and faithful, the peculiar interest they excite is in the mind of the person to whom they are written; hints and details are nothing to the world, which is only looking for fine sentences and polished periods. Cowper's letters are all ease and kindness, and feeling and affection — they were written for his correspondents. What Miss Seward's are I need not say, except that good taste revolts at them, and truth and candour abhor them; they were written for the public.