.MTIxNQ.OTQ1MDY

there is a compact made now, and I feel rather sad about it, fear his happiness will not be increased by it, indeed I do'nt think she herself expects it yet I suppose it is, all things considered, best.

Joseph has probably written you about this 'settlement'  I hope that is for the best, but do'nt know.  You say you shall be through before 'commencement' how is it.  It seems to me I should rather stay, if it is going to make any difference either in name or reality better consider and not take any step  that you will be in any danger of regretting in future;  Can you have a diploma and be a complete and regular graduate if you leave sooner?  As to your plans for the future, I do'nt altogether like Engineering; if you had taken that course four years ago, it might do better, but now, it is in the first place too difficult to obtain a good situation, 2)  too arduous for you, for though you have a perfectly sound constitution it is not an iron one.  3), it seems to me it would furnish comparatively little opportunity to be useful, and would lead to an unsettled, wandering mode of life very unpleasant and prejudicial to you ;  had you not best make up your mind to press straight forward, into the ministry, come right here where you already have some friends, would soon have more; where if Lucy settles, she would probably live, and could board you;  where you have already two brothers and a sister stationed. 

You might be considerably above the medium for natural abilities, and especially in respect to early advantages, which makes a vast difference in people; you could support yourself without being absent more than many are, and when you get through, would undoubtedly find an open door to usefulness, respectability and a comfortable support; this is universally the case even with those least endowed, and least favored either by nature or education. I would much rather you would go the west, and spend your days in endeavoring to stem the encroachments of property than to be an engineer. I think you ought at once to decide upon your course, else you will be in danger of spending some of the most precious of your time in useless efforts, because without certain aim. Have you ever read Longfellow's "Hyperion" ; what is the meaning of the title? I do not greatly admire the book. the style is [pretty?] I want very much to get those works of Prescott's mean to get Joseph to take them our of the library for me if they are there which I doubt however. I heard the Bell Ringers last Mond. eve, was very much delighted their dexterity and quickness in handling the bells is surprising. [up the left side] Mother said we must all change you to take care of your health and stand straighter you have grown round shouldered, with in two years and you must make an effort now to exert yourself. Eliab has done much for himself in this respect