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maintained with the various reservations and mortifications of poverty, with the care and exertions to obtain means to defray expenses, then, nothing but a deep seated and earnest desire to promote the Glory of God in the conversion of souls, can sustain and carry one forward in his course of toil and self-denial. May you consider it well and be guided aright in the path of duty. - I have taken up in writing to you rather more than your share of the paper therefore I will stop short now, and Dear brother Joseph begin a short epistle to you in which I will first give a few items of information about myself: first, I enjoy excellent health and good spirits, drink neither coffee or tea, and am pleasantly situated at my new boarding place, just across the street from Mr. P's church, & on Broadway. The family consists of Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester and seven children two of whom are at sea a gentleman and his wife just married - and four gentlemen boarders, making in all, a family of 16 persons. The three eldest sons, two of whom are twins, and all those between the ages of 21 and 23, follow the sea though one is at home now on account of poor health, was unfortunate and lost all his wages, was sick in a hospital &c. One son has lately been at home who goes second mate, after being common sailor for five years - he receives 25 per month now, and expects to be able to get a captain's birth soon. He says no one can expect to go as mater or mate till after going before the mast at least five years, but enough of sailor business, in which I conclude you do not take much interest now: I want you should write me one of your real particular letters, giving a faithful and detailed account of your situation, pursuits and especially the employment of your time out of school I hope you do not pay away your money and spend your time in that foolery which may be properly called acting out the boys - you perceive I am thinking of some scenes and incidents which I have witnessed in time past when you three boys have been together, at home, but I trust your minds are occupied with useful things now. There is very little of interest going on here now, Mr. Bradbourne

Written up right side: This is not such such a letter as I would gladly have written if I had had time to arrange my thoughts better but such as it is accept it and send an answer to your affectionate sister E. Ann

Up the other side: Boys I hope you maintain social prayer among yourselves.