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1797.

Ar the Commencement of 1797, Joseph Aged 13. was admitted, one year in advance, to Harvard University. Upon which occasion the father's letters are again introduced.

'Portsmouth, Aug. 10th, 1797.

'MY DEAR SON, -I hope by this time you begin to feel yourself a little familiarized to college and its customs, and that many of the things about which you were anxious cease to be subjects of anxiety. I left you rather abruptly, and I suppose, to you, unexpectedly, but I feared you would be more affected by a formal parting than by finding me gone without it.

'You are now placed in a situation, my son, in which you must exercise care for yourself and the things you have with you, without depending upon others. You have hitherto boarded in a family where you have had kind female care; you must now take that care yourself. Keep every thing in order; your clothes in their place, your books in their place, and be not in so much of a hurry as to leave them in confusion and disorder. Lock your trunk and your study, when you go out. Make a little paper book and put down all your expenses. the expenses of the room, such as candles, etc. I suppose it will be customary to have some wine in your room, to offer to strangers. I hope it is not the custom to offer

You must bear half

scholars or classmates wine when they call; but when a gentleman or friend from out of town calls, it will be necessary. You appear to have a prudent, worthy, and manly chum; who will, I hope, not impose upon your youth, but guide and direct you; cherish confidence in him if you find him deserving, and avoid the beginning of any prejudice or dissension. I would not have you mean, nor profuse; but entirely just in your part of the expenses.

Do not be imposed upon. Carry little money about with you. Always remember to wash in the morning, oftener if need be. Comb your hair every day. Endeavor to keep your clothes neat and tidy. When your clothes are returned from the wash, put them smoothly in your trunk and make a memorandum of them.

With respect to study, you will in the first place make yourself a thorough master of your recitations, and of the lessons assigned you. The time that you do not want for your recitations, this year, devote to Hebrew and French. Mr. Pearson is a good man, notwithstanding the prejudices against him, and will be glad to see you often, and to give you any assistance you may want. Do not be absent from prayers or recitations for trifling causes. Never join in any disorders that idle youths may commence. Study to deserve the esteem and respect of the deserving part of college. Never be out late at night, and spend not much time in playing on the flute. Do not play in study-hours, and play-hours will be better used in exercise, vigorous exercise, walking and playing ball. Call frequently upon the Professors, and go very often to see your dear mother's friend, Mrs. Dana.

'Remember the advantages of the Sabbath when properly used. If your eyes do not fail, it will be a good habit to read the Bible in Greek, especially the New Testament, on the Sabbath.

This advice seems almost superfluous, as I suppose the boy never had more than five dollars at one time.

LETTERS WHILE IN COLLEGE.

89

'I have been thus particular because you have never been so alone, and I think my counsels may be of service to you. I place confidence in you, my son, and hope as you have begun you will go on to perfection, and not disappoint the hopes and expectations of your friends.

'I have received the letter you wrote the day I left you. I do not recollect any thing to add, except to repeat the advice, and beg you to be a man. Command your feelings and don't cry at corrections that may be suggested to you at recitations, nor act as though unwilling to receive advice.'

It must be recollected that the boy is only thirteen years old, when his father advises him not to cry at being corrected. The quick sensibility that in boyhood showed itself in involuntary tears was never wholly conquered; when not exhibited by tears, it often subjected him to unkind remarks from older and more self-possessed characters.

A week only passed, and the counsels and advice were reiterated.

August 30th, 1797.

'MY DEAR SON,-I received your letter by Monday's mail with a great deal of pleasure, and hope before this you have received one from me that was written immediately after my return home, containing a great variety of directions upon matters that to you may appear small, but their influence is great; and you must be willing to have line upon line and precept upon precept; receive them with the docility of a dutiful child from an affectionate and solicitous parent. You have no one to take care of you but yourself. Let me have confidence in you, that you will keep yourself out of danger and temptation, and your study and appendages free from confusion. Keep your person and clothes in order and clean; put every

thing in its place and have a place for every thing. I am sorry you had to lay out so much for books; for I hoped the money I left with you would do something towards defraying necessary bills that might arise. However, you are not to be stingy of necessary expenses, though your father is a poor man. Pay your full share; only be careful of your money and keep an exact account.

'Do not forget regular, manly exercise. I am glad to find you are attempting both Hebrew and French. You will overtake your class in a very little time, for you learn languages easily. If you do not get some knowledge of Hebrew now, it is not probable you will ever attain it; and if your heart should be devoted to the profession, which, though not highly esteemed by men, is yet the most benevolent and honorable, you may find it of great advantage to

you.

'I am glad to hear that you are pleased with your chum. I believe him to be a deserving young fellow; but you must not have too sudden or unbounded confidence in any one. Form rules and principles for yourself that may be supported by reason and revelation, and do not depart from them through fear of ridicule nor hope of obtaining favor from any one. Keep yourself pure. Treat all your fellowstudents with respect and friendship, but do not feel as if your happiness depended upon the favor of any one, nor your misery upon any thing but the reproaches of conscience. Always treat the government with respect and attention. Never imbibe prejudices against any of them, nor join in any cabals against them. Never be an informer, but be equally careful not to be a supporter or encourager of any designs against the governors or governed. 'Take care of yourself, my dear son, and be a good

boy.'

'September 10th, 1797.

'MY DEAR SON,-The receipt of your letter by Monday's post gave us all pleasure, as it indicated your greater ease

TO HIS SON WHILE IN COLLEGE.

91

and enjoyment in your present situation. You are, I am sensible, the youngest boy in your class, but you must remember that you have enjoyed great advantages, and that wisdom is not measured by years, but by the opportunities we have had of acquiring it; yet the recollection of your youth should make you modest and willing to bear the repetition of my advice: yet I hope it will be needless; as you will form yourself to careful habits, and will sometimes refresh your memory by perusing the letters I have sent

you.

I am sorry you find it difficult to pursue the study of both Hebrew and French, and conclude you intend to relinquish one of them. To direct your determination, let me suggest to you that this will probably be the only time you will have to acquire any knowledge of Hebrew, which is of some importance if you should choose one of the professions for life; you may have another opportunity to get a knowledge of French; besides, they are steady lads who apply themselves to Hebrew, and I did wish you to associate and assimilate with such. Take these things into consideration, my son, and then judge which language to relinquish if you relinquish either.

'If you knew how much we feel interested in you and your welfare, you would never be at a loss as to what to write to us. The most trifling circumstances, such as going to bed, and getting up in the morning, washing hands, combing hair, and brushing clothes, derive an importance from their relation to those we love. You say little in your letters about your chum. I hope you live together in harmony and love, in mutual confidence and friendship, and that you are guardians and helpmeets to each other in your collegiate connection.

How do you succeed in getting up for prayers? If possible, avoid being frequently upon the monitor's bill. Cherish a respect for the authorities of college, whatever you may hear said about them by idle or dissipated youth.

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