To Thelwall, in November, 1796, he sent the following description of himself: "...

my face, unless when animated by immediate eloquence, expresses great sloth, and great, indeed almost idiotic good-nature.

'Tis a mere carcass of a face; fat, flabby, and expressive chiefly of inexpression.

Yet I am told that my eyes, eyebrows, and forehead are physiognomically good; but of this the deponent knoweth not.

As to my shape, 'tis a good shape enough if measured, but my gait is awkward, and the walk of the whole man indicates _indolence capable of energies_....