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Dear Mother Boston Dec 25th 1838

I suppose you wonder why you have not heard from here before, but we have all been so (unclear) we could not well write. I will write some of my news without any order because I am in a (unclear) hurry. I have now attended school 1 quarter and 3 weeks over. A am now No 9 as to rank in my class. We had a week vacation at Thanksgiving and have 1 day [today] for Christmas. Tell Charles that his cousin David Alonzo is sentenced to 5 years in the state prison for stealing &c. He has appealed to the Supreme Court but Uncle Joseph thinks the sentence will be confirmed. Almeda rec'd a letter from Uncle J yesterday. Aunt Esther is at Barnard Vt with Sam'l Comant. We have been through Worcesters Geography 1 half times $100 pages in Emersons Show past Arith besides going through Colburns 1st lessons, 35 pages in French Grammar. I have of late excelled all but one (the head of the class) in Writing Compositions, & equalled him. We two, are chief of 49 in Writing Comp. I desire to hear all about all your school, farm, cattle, crops, work, studies, - New neighbors, prosperity, and peace; and everything else. Joseph M. Brother & Sister, I want to know about your condition, state, employments, studies, amusements, recreations, business, cares, troubles, and perplexities, &c &c so write me a long, concise & full letter. Isaac write me a letter in Langue Latin with Translation and I will th try to answer it in Tongue Francois; it may be a useful exercise to both. Lucy & Eliah, if you will write me I'll try to return the favour. How many cattle have you sold? What kind of weather do you have? Last time I wrote you one of my titles will now write another, J. Metcalf,, Member of the English Classical School of Boston which suits ye best? Good bye, M,E,C,S,B Jan 4th. 1839, I wish you all a happy new year! Here is some news which I forgot to mention: as, Mrs. Thacker has a daughter about 5 or 6 weeks old named Rebecca- James, think there will be chances for me to go into a Wholesale Store in the spring and get about $50. first year $100. 2nd $150. 3d year $200. 4th year &c. My board would probably cost $130 per year at least* What is your opine as to what's best to do? Joseph I see so many advantages in a good situation but that it is my private opinion that I had better stay. I think he would find friends and perhaps be favoured more than some boys would. He is a very good boy in behavior. I think him to set in his own way about some things I not willing enough to take