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Perhaps I may do some good morally even as an Engineer. I am pretty strict about the characters & behavior of my men. I had a young man in the Party, Richard H. Sylvester* of Charlestown, N.H. a Yale College Student: its long vacation time there now two months, though as I since learn he had been suspended or something for some scrape. Of one of the first families in N.H. Father Cheif Clerk of a Department at Wash. lately removed, connected with the Woodbury's, Jarvis' and first families in the state; a very pleasant and gentlemanly young fellow, I liked him much. Well, Monday last, to begin with he got pretty wet wading Sugar River a few: in the P.M. it rained so we did not go out. I was busy repairing an Instrument. To my extreme surprise, for he was highly recommended to me, Young Sylvester came in to the Tea Table essentially Drunk.

The next morning, I called upon him, talked to him the best I knew , "like a father", and discharged him. I did it kindly, but I have not the slightest doubt that the leaving the Engineering Party in disgrace affected him more than it would to be expelled from College two or three times. I really do not believe he will ever drink again.

I have had a letter from him since. One of the humblest best letters I ever saw. It may save him. I know he thought very highly of me.

                       Sincerely & Affectionately
                                        I.S. Metcalf

[*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_H._Sylvester_(writer)]