LIFE OF WILSON. xx i x 



brother and me; and has the means in his power to assist us 

 and I know he will. In the mean time, if you and William 

 unite in the undertaking, I promise you as far as I am concern- 

 ed, to make it the best plan you could pursue. 



" Accustom yourself, as much as you can, to working out. 

 Don't despise flagging down trees. It is hard work, no doubt; 

 but taken moderately, it strengthens the whole sinews; and is 

 a manly and independent employment. An old weaver is a 

 poor, emaciated, helpless being, shivering over rotten yarn, 

 and groaning over his empty flour barrel. An old farmer sits 

 in his arm chair before his jolly fire, while his joists are crowd- 

 ed with hung beef and gammons, and the bounties of Heaven 

 are pouring into his barns. Even the article of health is a con- 

 sideration sufficient to make a young man prefer the labours of 

 the field: for health is certainly the first enjoyment of human 

 life. But perhaps weaving holds out advantages that farming 

 does not. Then blend the two together; weave in the depth 

 of winter, and work out the rest of the year. We will have 

 it in our power, before next winter, to have a shop, looms, &c. 

 provided. Consider all I have said, and if I have a wrong 

 view of the subject, form your own plans, and write me with- 

 out delay." 



TO MR. WM. DUNCAN. 



Gray's Ferry, December 23, 1802. 



" The two Mr. Purdies popped into my school, this after- 

 noon, as unexpected as they were welcome, with news from 

 the promised land. I shall detain them with me all night, on 

 purpose to have an opportunity of writing you a few lines. I 

 am glad you are all well. I hope that this is the last devilish 

 slough of despond which you will have to struggle in for some 

 time. I will do all that I said to you, in my last, by the mid- 

 dle of March; so let care and sorrow be forgotten; and indus- 

 try, hope, good-humour and economy, be your bosom friends. 

 ****** 



" I succeed tolerably well; and seem to gain in the esteem 



