Letters From An American Farmer

James opens the first letter to Mr. F.B. by questioning the idea that, “because I received you with hospitality and kindness, you should imagine me capable of writing with propriety and perspicuity” (9). James downplays his own warmth and generosity, remarking that he “gave [F.B.] nothing more than what common hospitality dictated” and argues that the “knowledge I acquired from your conversation has amply repaid me” (9).

Throughout much of the letter, James continues to downplay his suitability to meet Mr. F.B.’s request that he write him letters detailing his life as an American farmer. He claims that “the task requires […] a variety of talents which I do not possess” (9) and expresses surprise that “in the course of your American travels you should not have found out persons more enlightened and better educated” (9-10) with whom to exchange letters.

James’s wife mirrors his skepticism, laughing and asking James, “would’st thee pretend to send epistles to a great European man” (10) who “knows most of our famous lawyers and cunning folks; who hath conversed with many king’s men, governors, and counsellors” (10-11). She argues that Mr. F.B. surely “means to jeer thee!”, and insists that James “read this letter over again, paragraph by paragraph” (11) in search of signs of mockery.