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Northfield Mass. Feb. 6th 1848 Dear Brother On returning last eve to Northfield, after my peregrinations of the week through forest, fields, and many snows, I found among others, an exceeding letter from thee, with the excellent and much contents of which, my mind for the evening and night being filled, thereto, after the accustomed services of the day & sanctuary, hidden by string most readily and naturally recur. The probability now being that the ensuing week, like its immediate predecessor, will by me spent away from my habitual place of abode, and under such circumstances as to put all thoughts of correspondence at considerable distance from my mind; therefore being seated take I pen in hand. Very many matters in thy Epistle are every way worthy of minute attention, and careful, thoughtful reply. Whether I shall have time, opportunity, or ability to give such as they deserve is at best doubtful. Firstly, however, let me introduce here that which in glancing at your letter comes first to mind. Did you ever read a Tragedy in five acts, called "Julius Caesar" written long time ago by one William Shakespeare, King of English? If so, do you remember the remarks put in the mouth of the Hero of the Tragedy respecting a certain Caius Cassius? The book which contains it may be known in Northfield, but at any rate I do not See it; as for quoting from Memory; I might about as well depend upon memory for a Table of Logarithms as for the words of any Author, Ancient or Modern. However, in the expression to which I allude, Julius would beware of that "lean Cassius" as a man who "thinks too much." Now the thought has struck me that if ever a man was formidable on that score, your self might well be dreaded. Whether or not you are "lean as Cassius", not having seen