XXX LIFE OF WILSON. 



of the people about. I am glad of it, because I hope it will 

 put it in my power to clear the road a little before you, and ba- 

 nish despondence from the heart of my dearest friend. Be as- 

 sured that I will ever as cheerfully contribute to your relief in 

 difficulties, as I will rejoice with you in prosperity. But we 

 have nothing to fear. One hundred bushels of wheat, to be 

 sure, is no great marketing; but has it not been expended in 

 the support of a mother, and infant brothers and sisters, thrown 

 upon your bounty in a foreign country? Robert Burns, when 

 the mice nibbled away his corn, said: 



" I'll get a blessin wi j the lave, 



And never miss *t." 



" Where he expected one, you may a thousand. Robin, by 

 his own confession, ploughed up his mice out of ha? and 

 hame. You have built for your little wanderers a cozie bield, 

 where none dare molest them. There is more true greatness 

 in the affectionate exertions which you have made for their 

 subsistence and support, than the bloody catalogue of heroes 

 can boast of. Your own heart will speak peace and satisfaction 

 to you, to the last moment of your life, for every anxiety you 

 have felt on their account. Colonel Sullivan talks with pride 

 and affection of you. 



" I wish Alexander had written me a few lines of the old 

 German text. I laugh every time I look at his last letter: its 

 a perfect antidote against the spleen. Well, Alexander, which 

 is the best fun, handling the shuttle, or the ax? When John 

 M. comes down, write me largely. And, dear sister, let me 

 hear from you also. * * 



" I would beg leave to suggest to you the propriety of teach- 

 ing the children to behave with good manners, and dutiful re- 

 spect, to yourself, each other, and every body. 



" You must excuse me for any thing I may have said amiss, 

 or any thing I may have omitted to mention. I am, with sin- 

 cere attachment, your affectionate friend." 



The foregoing letters place the character of Wilson in the 



