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circumstances prevent my taking what, in other circumstances, my talents as a scholar and my rank among my fellows, would unquestionably entitle me to, the for? highest rank in my class, that is one of the Orations at Commencement; now I decide, as others for various and less reasons do, not having such part as my rank among my fellows would otherwise entitle me to, not to perform one of the inferior parts, merely to get excused, and take my degree in honorable silence, as the majority of every class usually do.

 I had just got so fa when I happened to think it was probably not my last letter, of Aug. 10th,that you were talking about, as you could not have received it then. I do not know what you will say to that I think that it was in that I wrote a long 'tirade,' as Lucy calls it. upon these subjects.
 However I guess I will finish this sheet and send it.
 As for my rank as a Scholar, it is, as I have said, circumstances only, enough of them to, ill preparation, late entering, and much absence, circumstances what have prevented me from taking the highest rank in my class. Still my rank is not low. It is not the highest, it is a second place; though I am considered as a fellow of some mind, and who can get his lessons or any thing else as well as others. Moreover, many is the hard lesson or hard problem that I have got out for the "rankers." some of them. I believe I am neither "Dull, Stupid, Boorish, or deficient in natural abilities," 'Lazy' I rather expect that I am