My
dear Father,
You have doubtedly heard of the distressing event which has taken place since
you last heard from me. Three weeks from to-day (which is the Sabbath) our dear
Uncle breathed his last at half past five in the morning. Death was a pleasure
to him, he anxiously expected it during his sickness, and no doubt he has quitted
this world of care for a more happy and glorious eternity. Aunt Willard, though
deprived of her best earthly friend is calm, and resigned. During his illness,
which continued the most severe for eight weeks, she was by his bed-side night
and day, taking only the little rest that was absolutely necessary. In consequence
of which her health is in a great degree impaired, and she is obliged to use
the utmost pains to preserve it. She is much better now, and we hope she will
soon be much more so. The last year has been almost a constant scene of sickness
and affliction: but as every year brings both good and evil as its accompaniments,
we must all expect to receive such a share of either as Providence sees fit
to assign us. The sun of prosperity now illuminates our paths, but we know now
how soon it may be exchanged for that of adversity. Seeing that it is not in
our power to escape misfortunes, we ought patiently to submit to them. With
the most unparalleled fortitude, and Christian resignation has Aunt Willard
submitted to a loss, which might have been considered by some as a stroke too
weighty for mortals to bear. But she has been the means of doing good to the
world, and feels it a duty to renew her exertions, which may in time prove to
her country, by the enlightenment of the “fair sex” that her life
has been gloriously devoted to their usefulness.
The examination is a gain approaching with great rapidity, the pleasure which
I anticipate after it is over, lessens the dread of its approach. My studies
for the last few months have been those principally relative to domestic concerns,
which I ought to consider as equally important as scientifical. I have been
assisting in giving music lessons for the last term, and as there may be some
of the young ladies who remain in the vacation, that wish to go on with their
music, I may be obliged to remain to give them lessons. I did not consult Aunt
Willard with respect to my going home, be cause I did not expect to go unless
some one came after me, as she told me when I went before that I must no expect
to go – But I though that no objection could arise if there was
