LETTER?. 277 



of strict etiquette might with moral propriety be dis- 

 pensed with. 



SuiFer me therefore to tell you, that I am quietly and 

 comfortably settled at St John's ; silently conforming 

 myself to the habits of College life, and pursuing my 

 studies with such moderation as I think necessary for my 

 health. I feel very much at home, and tolerably happy ; 

 although the peculiar advantages of University educa- 

 tion will in a great measure be lost to me, since there is 

 not one of the lecturers whom I am able to hear. 



My literary ambition is, I think, now fast subsiding, 

 and a better emulation springing up in its room. I con- 

 ceive that, considering the disadvantages under which I 

 labour, very little can be expected from me in the Senate 

 House. I shall not, however, remit my exertions, but 

 shall at least strive to acquit myself with credit, though 

 I cannot hope for the more splendid honours. 



With regard to my College expenses, I have the plea- 

 sure to inform you, that my situation is so favourable 

 that I shall be obliged, in strict rectitude, to waive the 

 offers of many of my friends. I shall not even need 

 the sum Mr Simeon mentioned after the first year ; and 

 it is not impossible that I may be able to live without 

 any assistance at all. I confess I feel pleasure in the 

 thought of this, not through any vain pride of indepen- 

 dence, but because T shall then give a more unbiassed 

 testimony to the truth, than if I were supposed to be 

 bound to it by any ties of obligation or gratitude. I 

 shall always feel as much indebted for intended as for 

 actually afforded assistance ; and though I should never 

 think a sense of thankfulness an optpressive burthen, yet 

 I shall be happy to evince it, when, in the eyes of the 

 world, the obligation to it has been discharged. 



I hope you will ere long relieve me from the painful 

 thought that I lie under your displeasure ; and believe me. 

 Dear Sir, 

 Most sincerely and affectionately yours, 



H. K. White. 



