Mrs. Mary Southgate.
Medford, August 11, 1797.
Dear Parents:
It is a long time since I received a letter from home, and I have
neglected my duty in not writing to you oftener. I shall send you with
this some of my Pieces, and you will see if you think I have improved
any: the Epitaph on the Hon. Thomas Russell was the first one that I
wrote. My brother Boyd never came to see me when he was up, only called
and delivered me the letter. I have never heard any thing since from
Boston, nor seen any of my acquaintance from there. I have not been to
Boston since Election. I expected to have gone to Commencement, but I
did not. I fear that the time allotted for my stay here will be too
short for me to go so far as I wish, for I shall have to go much farther
in Arithmetic than I had an idea of, then go over it again in a large
book of my own writing; for my Instructor does not wish to give me a
superficial knowledge only. He says if I am very diligent; he thinks
that 9 months from the time I came will _do_, if I can’t stay longer; I
should feel happy, and very grateful, if you thought proper to let me
tarry that time. I have Cyphered now farther than Isabella did, for I
have been thro’ Practice, the Rule of Three and Interest and two or
three rules that I never did before.
I would thank you to write me word if you are willing for me to stay so
long. With wishing you health and all the happiness which you are
capable of enjoying, permit me to subscribe myself