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Joseph is getting along pretty well in his school I believe. He is a good teacher, I know. He has an Indian in his school. 40 or 50 scholars. Universalist people.

 I hardly know how I am prospering. I hear some complaints of my punishing, which I have found it impossible to do without entirely. People are very ready to blame a teacher as not being strict enough, but no one is willing to have their children punished. School averages 60 & upwards, all weathers. Writing school Sat. R. M.'s Flatter myself I am a pretty good "Writing Master," if this letter does belie it.
 My school is very tiresome. I am so exhausted & lazy that I do not make out to study much evenings. I sleep 8 to 10 hours too instead of 4 to 6 as I did in the fall. Very bad habits!

Mr. Parker's folks had a "donation party", on Thurs. 21. About 100 people there P.M. & evening. Presents amt. of 40, or 50 $.

I am anxious to hear from you. It is most two months. I show willing to pay postage once a month, at least. Eliab must write. I am ? to hear where you are & what you are doing. How does Eliab spend the winter? He must not forget his religion. Young Christians have especial need to watch. Eliab ought to be studying something.
Habits of idleness & inapplication of mind are easily formed, but thrown off with difficulty.   The state of religion is low here & seemingly everywhere about.   I hope you will write mesome good, long, oldfashioned letters, as you used to; have Eliab write, do him good. Ann too.  I wish you all a "happy

new year"!" This wish includes all friend & relatives, everybody I can remember, at least

               Your Affectionate and ever mindful son
                                                         Isaac S. Metcalf