xxvi LIFE OF WILSON. 



of you. In the month of March next I shall, if well, be able 

 to command two hundred dollars cash once more. Nothing 

 stands between me and this but health, and that I hope will con- 

 tinue at least till then. You may then direct as to the disposal 

 of this money I shall freely and cheerfully yield the whole to 

 your management. Another quarter will enable me to settle 

 John M.'s account, about the time it will be due; and, instead 

 of wandering in search of employment five or six hundred 

 miles for a few dollars, I would beg of you both to unite in put- 

 ting the place and house in as good order as possible. But Al- 

 exander can get nothing but wheat and butter for this flagging 

 and slashing! Never mind, my dear namesake, put up awhile 

 with the rough fare and rough clothing of the country. Let us 

 only get the place in good order and you shall be no loser by 

 it. Next summer I will assuredly come up along with your fa- 

 ther and George, if he comes as I expect he will, and every 

 thing shall flourish. 



"My dear friend and nephew, I wish you could find a lei- 

 sure hour in the evening to give the children, particularly Mary, 

 some instruction in reading, and Alexander in writing and ac- 

 counts. Don't be discouraged though they make but slow pro- 

 gress in both, but persevere a little every evening. I think you 

 can hardly employ an hour at night to better purpose. And 

 make James read every convenient opportunity. If I live to 

 come up beside you, I shall take that burden off your shoulders. 

 Be the constant friend and counsellor of your little colony, to 

 assist them in their difficulties, encourage them in their despon- 

 dencies, to make them as happy as circumstances will enable 

 you. A mother, brothers and sisters, in a foreign country,, look-, 

 ing up to you as their best friend and supporter, places you in 

 a dignified point of view. The future remembrance of your 

 kind duty to them now, will, in the hour of your own distress, 

 be as a healing angel of peace to your mind. Do every thing 

 possible to make your house comfortable fortify the garrison 

 in every point stop every crevice that may let in that chilling 

 devil, the roaring blustering northwest heap up fires big 



