120 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



wherever you go. On this point you cannot fail to improve, 

 and I am sure you have too much good sense to reject the 

 instruction. I cannot be understood by you to exalt good 

 manners and a knowledge of the world beyond their real 

 value ; for without good sense, good 'principles, useful em 

 ployment, and intellectual improvement, they are the mere 

 tinsel gilding on a wooden ball. I am happy to hear that 

 you intend to return as soon as January. I hope you will 

 make New Haven the scene of your professional studies. 

 You will find your friends Button and Whittlesey are 

 here, and I shall be happy to have you an inmate of our 

 society. I have lately received a letter from your classmate 

 ChifFelle. Poor fellow ! his spirits are much depressed by 

 the conflict between his religious feelings and principles 

 and the habits of Carolina, to which he seems to submit 

 with the utmost reluctance. 



