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Dear Joseph I don't think I am very apt to worry about my children but I must think about 'em and why shant I not? I am thinking much about E. of late you'll say perhaps E. is doing well enough - true his preliminary compensation is enough perhaps - But can any amount of paltry pay whatever be a sufficient equivalent for the loss of luck of intellectual and physical strength.

 He has just no time for reading and study his mind

grows perhaps but it is all in one direction all in the channel of Mr. B's business they are shrewd and cunning & he has had everything to make him completely absorb'd in it and to foster his love of approbation which is his weak side he is the hero of his own story & in short has too much vanity & egotism it is not strange at all considering how he has been circumstanced _ But wouldn't it be better for him to have 100$ less wages and have 1/2 or 1/5 of his time or his evenings perhaps) and improve it carefully in obtaining knowledge of various kinds (especially self knowledge) such as is necessary to make any character complete - you will say he is getting a good knowledge of business and good wages - but what good will that do him when his health is gone E is quick and bright, he has a good mind and if improve as it yet might he would make a whinny? & substantial character - But his health that is the one consideration in the case that ought to be attended to now you may take all this tirade for just what it is worth but don't show it to E. it may hurt his feelings - it means simply that I think he had better not stay at Mr. B, any longer than this year and nor any longer if his health is not better than it was when he was home. You know Lucy kept about and wouldn't have it that she was not well with her complaint you fasten'd up on her for life probably as his will soon be if he don't take care there is the more danger because it is hereditary.