University of Virginia Library

LETTER XXXV.

On looking over my letters from home I perceive that
your last is dated on the 30th of November. As the several
mails afford you three distinct channels for writing every
week, I cannot but feel somewhat neglected by you. You
complain of the want of a theme; cannot you (to say nothing
of family affairs and neighbourhood incidents) give me your
opinion of some interesting character whom you have met
with in history, or of the historian himself, or any other author
whom you may have read. Nay, a translation from the
Latin and French, alternately, would be acceptable.

I must request you to hear Tudor a lesson in the Greek
grammar every day, and not to permit him to say it until he
can repeat it perfectly. I would have you read Horace
(with Francis' translation) three times a week. With Russell's
Modern Europe there will be no propriety in mingling
ancient history. After you have finished it, you may refresh
yourself in ancient history with Rollin, which Tom Murray

will lend you, or which you can have sent down from Roanoke.
In reading Russell, I advise you to make a small chronological
table of the most remarkable contemporary events
and celebrated men. This will prevent the confusion of
mind which skipping from subject to subject, is otherwise
almost sure to occasion. You will find Le Sage's Atlas of
great benefit, also. In French, I recommend to you Voltaire's
History of Russia, if (as I believe) you have not read it.

My best love to your sister and cousin, and to Tudor. Do
not fail to present me, in the most friendly terms, to Doctor
and Mrs. R., and Tom, and to our good neighbour Mr. Dillon,
also. When you see Mr. Woodson, make my respects
to him, and tell him that my shooting days are, I fear, over.
Farewell, my dear Theodore,