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                                                                                                                                             Mond. eve. Dec 30

Dear Mother I commenced my school a week ago, the former teacher went in with me the first half a day, and took charge of the school, that I might more readily learn her plan, and the classification: this was very kind in her, and in some respects, a great assistance to me, though it may have been some disadvantage in regard to government. I have 15 girls between the ages of 7 and 16, and 21 boys from 8 to 13; quite a formidable school I assure you, requires more labour, and produces greater fatigue, than any school I was ever in, my daily duties are, 1st call to order at 9 o clock, 2 read over the names of scholars to ascertain who are absent or tardy: 3 prayers: 4th each scholar reads a verse in the testaments: 5th first diversion of reading: 6th second do. each of which spell from their readings lesson: 7th first division in grammar recite and passe:- 8th second division ditto. 9th recess. 10th third division recite Colburn 11the second division in Coblear: 12the 1st divisions in Smith's Arithmetic. 13th second in Smith's; that finishes the forenoon, which last till half past 12: the afternoon is occupied in Geography which all studys and spelling, and the first class in Colburn: attend to writing twice a week Wednes, and Sat. I have given you an almost tedious account of my labours, but all this is just nothing at all, compared to the rest, &c. The management and government. Much is expected of teachers her and I have an usually difficult place to fill, for the former teacher has the reputation of being one of the very best there, was loved by all the scholars and you know the very same teacher would not meet with half so good acceptance under such circumstances, I am only to fill her place till spring (one term) and there is no kind of probability that I can establish a character for any thing more than a very ordinary teacher. The situation I have here is, all things considered, as good as I have any reason to expect, and would be desirable, if I could only succeed in pleasing the committee, the teachers here are thought enough of, and sufficiently noticed, their pay gives them a good living, & the social and literary as well as religious privileges', make it a desirable situation. I feel as if my character and fortune success depended much upon my being considered a good teacher by the committee whole