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If I was disposed to fly off into long sentences and
words a foot and a half long, as Horace has it (vid. Ars Poet. line
97) I would probably, after your fashion, go into ecstacies on the
commencement of a new year—on turning over new leaves in the book
of life, and such novelties; but being content to plod on in the
old way, I shall try to write you a plain and brief epistle. Yours
of Christmas eve was duly received and as business should be attended
to first I will merely state that I have received four letters
containing X's—the first dated Nov.r 2—the 2nd Nov. 26—the 3rd
Dec 10—the 4th Dec.r 23—the last being the one to which you refer
in your letter. So it seems that all have come safely to hand.
I would simply mention here what I believe I mentioned in that
arithmetical letter to Ma that the 2nd paym.t for board is about
due and that if a couple of X's more are convenient I will once
more be solvent. I also request again a statement of my expenses
up to the present.
In the letter above referred to I think that I stated some
thing about my trip to Richmond and therefore nothing more need be
said perhaps but that I think (more than I thought before I went
down) that route home to be decidedly the most pleasant and shall
probably take it: but there's time enough for that yet. In your
party-experiences you should recollect that frocks are not exactly
a la mode. You say something of Howard's being made acquainted
with my poetic message. As my memory is rather treacherous I beg
that you will explain in your next for I do not understand the
allusion.
Your reminiscences are very vivid in reference to Christmas
and among your vagaries in connection therewith you have
struck on a moderately good sentiment about `rolling years'—
`memory'—`birghter wreaths' etc. which no doubt you recollect.
You seem to be getting on famously in Latin—my advice is
not to weary—but press on—the prize is on ahead way up the rough
sides of what is called the hill of Fame—and you can only reach
it by keeping a stiff upper lip, and `unterrified' heart (be a genuine
Democrat in that), and `going it boots'. 'Tis well said that
"faint heart ne'er won fair lady" which will apply to other cases
then that for which it was intended.
Papa did not mention aunt Ann Maria's death but I received
a few days since a letter from cousin Henrietta Lugenbeck
which contained the sad news. Death is never weary. I would like
to hear the particulars, in your answer to this.
Papa, in his last letter, refers to some queries which he
made in his letter before that. I have looked at that letter and
found no questions except in reference to some farm in this vicinity.
I have heard of none, but will keep a look out. If there are
any other questions-please let me know. Speaking of farms I am as
anxious as ever, indeed perhaps more so, that he would get one
and locate himself. The advantages of such a course have been often
stated and I think it should be done as soon as possible.
Time is slipping on and that not slowly and while we are thinking
and speaking of it days grow to months and months to years and no
progress is made and things are as they were. As to Lisbon I know
but little and can therefore say but little and that has been said
already. My preferences to a situation farther south ought deservedly
can do no harm I have stated them and see no reason yet to
change my opinions. If you intend to take a course at the University
I think you will be influenced by the same motives as myself—viz.
to be at a more convenient distance from this, and by
other considerations which I have mentioned before. I hope that
you do intend to study here. A good and thorough education is a
`magnum bonum' and you should get it at any risk but that of
health etc. Nature, thank Heaven, has given all four of us improvable
minds and Providence has given opportunities to improve them
and I see no reason that we should be left entirely behind in the
great battle of life. There is room enough for us and many more
and that high up and the best motto in the world is "Onward and
upward" as far as possible.
Though you are getting to be so well read in Latin I beg
leave to correct a slight error into which you have fallen `Et
cetera' means `and other things' and the expression you used in
your letter in connection with those soirees which you attended
about your laying yourself out on the "cakes and other et ceteras"
is perfectly murderous.
The Christmas Box will remain I suppose a non-entity. The
trouble of getting one up and of getting it safely here would
scarcely be repaid by the pleasure it would give (though it w.d
be great)—now that Christmas is gone. I will be happy to call
for all that would have been sent—next summer—(do you think, by
way of parenthesis, that you will be on a farm then?)
Give my love to all. And hoping for a speedy answer I
remain
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