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Bowd. Coll. July 18th, 1847 Dear Mother, You can hardly imagine how much I was gratified at receiving yesterday a letter from Milo, I had almost begun to doubt the existence of any such place, or at least of any people dwelling there. I had been in Brunswick six full weeks, and had heard never a word from there, although I had written two or three times I believe. However, perhaps I was glad enough at receiving the letter at last to make up for some of the waiting. However if it is to be so long before I receive answers to letters, I think I do well to write pretty soon after receiving one. As for my health, about which you always appear to feel so much anxiety, I have the pleasure of informing you that I never enjoyed better in my life. I am perfectly well, stout, rugged, and healthy, eat like an ox, and sleep accordingly; can tire out my fellows at most any thing, and not worry me; swim three hours per diem, (if I choose), and feel all the better for it. On the whole, I study some, read more, and get along very comfortably, except when some unlucky circumstance slightly reminds me of pecuniary affairs; but even that, for one as good natured & careless as I am, never lasts a great while. Did I understand you that you hoped I would have one severe fit of sickness just to teach me to take care of my health?! I am careful.