The life of John Sterling was published in the following year; and
Carlyle then began that long spell of work--the "History of Frederick
the Great"--which extended over thirteen years, the last, and perhaps
the greatest, monument of his genius.
In 1856, when we may suppose his mind to be full of the details of
battles, and overflowing with military tactics, he received from Sir
W. Napier his "History of the Administration of Scinde," and wrote the
following letter to the author:--
"THOMAS CARLYLE TO SIR WILLIAM NAPIER.
"Chelsea, May 12, 1856.
"DEAR SIR,
"I have read with attention, and with many feelings and reflections,
your record of Sir C. Napier's Administration of Scinde. You must
permit me to thank you, in the name of Britain at large, for writing
such a book; and in my own poor name to acknowledge the great
compliment and kindness implied in sending me a copy for myself.
"It is a book which every living Englishman would be the better
for reading--for studying diligently till he saw into it, till he
recognised and believed the high and tragic phenomenon set forth
there! A book which may be called 'profitable' in the old Scripture
sense; profitable for reproof, for correction and admonition, for
great sorrow, yet for 'building up in righteousness' too--in heroic,
manful endeavour to do well, and not ill, in one's time and place.
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