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7 taught to think for itself, to think its own thoughts, instead of the thoughts of other minds. the nobility of such a mind a true nobility greater than all riches, dress, manners every thing else but religion, that this world has.

 Eliab might have a good sound noble character & mind happy satisfying to himself to himself, useful honorable in the world. It would be worth $1000,00 to me if I had your sound well disciplined & regulated, patient Mind. Not that I mean to flatter you. At any rate, I do beseech of him not to read Bulwer, Disraeli & James. or Paul D'Kock, Sue. even Cooper & Marryatt. Much more the trash novels of the newspapers, magazines & pamphlets.
 There is so much better reading, that that is as interesting to a cultivated mind, refining and humanizing to the taste and character. I would not blame him for reading Shakespeare, only he cant appreciate it, or Scott, W. Irving or the poetry of Mrs. Hemans, Sigourney, and hundreds of others, to say nothing of those old Golden writers like Milton, Addison, Burke. etc. etc. 

By the way Joseph you ought to read Shakespeare, some of the Tragedies at least. I should think you might both of you get books such as you wished there. Lucy is I suppose almost in a state of intellectual starvation, now a days. find her a book occasionally if you can.

 I believe I have written considerable, if I have not said much. Excuse it. Also the omission of your 'infinities you see there is not room. I will think of them.
Where do you board? How do you like? etc. etc. Go & see Lucy Please write soon & particularly often & tell Eliab Excusez Moi   
                                                                                                                             Affectionately I.S.M. Brother.