Kuschenberger.l X.JA. [Nov. 6, 



His early education was directed by his father. After his 

 death, 1828, it was managed by his brothers James and William. 



The intention was that he should be a civil engineer. He 

 started as an assistant to a party making the survey of the route 

 for the Boston and Providence Railroad. When and how long 

 he was so employed is uncertain. His experience, however, was 

 not satisfactory. In a letter, dated New York, May fi, 1 833, and 

 addressed to his brother William, at Williamsburg, Ya., he says: 

 "Henr}' asks what are my plans, and broaches the idea of my 

 again embarking for a time in engineering. For me at least — 

 for me alone — I fear there is little prospect of success, at any 

 rate in connection with those with whom I have been previously 

 engaged. I do not know how it might be elsewhere. 



" In a letter to Henry, some time since, I stated, as I have be- 

 fore done to you, that my favorite desire always has been, and I 

 thought always would be, to follow, if possible, in your career, 

 to become an instructor; and as preparatory to some higher 

 station, I thought I should like to have charge of a school, 

 either of my own or become teacher in some flourishing estab- 

 lishment of the kind. Such an occupation I think would be a 

 useful schooling for myself, for I conceive that at no time could 

 I learn so fast as when teaching, for then I should be making 

 practical application of what I would be m}- self acquiring, and 

 while occupied I would have also a portion of time altogether 

 apart to myself to devote in mj r own way to my own improve- 

 ment. ****** 



" Your advice about nvy studies I think correct. I was doubt- 

 ful whether it would be prudent to occupy myself with mathe- 

 matics until I could be under your direction. I will therefore 

 refrain for the present and continue with botany, geology and 

 mineralogy." 



These few sentences distinctly imply the character of his men- 

 tal tone at that period, as well as the scope of his 3 r oung 

 ambition, and at the same time suggest that his conduct was 

 swayed and moulded by the opinions and example of his brother 

 William. 



The project of becoming a civil engineer was abandoned. 

 Probably in the autumn of 1 833 he determined to stwty medi- 

 cine. He became a pupil of Dr. Kobert Hare, Professor of 



