.MTc2.NDA5NTI

Marietta, Ohio, Step 3d 1850

My dear pupils I cannot let the opportunity pass by unimproved, which I now have of writing and sending to you a few words of affection and encouragement to remind you that I am interested in your welfare and shall ever be. I have been with you and labored with you too long not to feel attached to each one of you and anxious in regard to your future progress in knowledge and virtue. I can hardly be reconciled to leaving you in the manner in which I am compelled to do. Brother has probably informed you of the circumstances of the case and all the reasons of my remaining here. When I left Mt. Washington, I had not the least idea of stopping here longer than during our vacation, although my Brother here has been urging me for a long time to come and stay with him. I have raised all the objections I can but to no purpose - all seem determined that I shall remain here. It is really a beautiful place and the Academy a very handsome, finished, and convenient building and I presume I shall enjoy myself here much, but I had determined to stay with you until I should return to my own dear New England home and it is hard to give it up. If I had known when I left you that I should not return and had said a parting word to you all, had biddon you all good bye I should feel better, satisfied, but as it is I do not feel reconciled to it I thank you a thousand times for the affection, kind regard,