LETTERS. 300 



Mr Catton has expressed his great satisfaction at my 

 progress ; and he has offered to supply me with a private 

 tutor for the four months of the vacation, free of any 

 expense. This will cost the College twelve or fifteen 

 guineas at least. My last term bill amounts only to 

 £4, 5s. 3d. after my exhibitions are deducted. 



I had engaged to talie charge of a few classical pupils 

 for a clergyman in Warwickshire, during one month of 

 the vacation, for which I was to receive, besides my 

 board, &c. &c., ten guineas ; but INIr Catton says this is 

 a piece of extreme folly, as it will consume time, and do 

 me no good. He told me, therefore, positively, that he 

 would not give me an exeat, without which no man can 

 leave his College for a night. 



I cannot, therefore, at all events, visit Nottingham with 

 my aunt, nor meet her there. 



I could now, if I choose, leave St John's College, and 

 go to another, with great Cclat ; but it would be an un- 

 advisable step. I believe, however, it will be impossible 

 for them to elect me fellow at St John's, as my county 

 is under particular restrictions. They can give me a 

 fellowship of smaller value, but I had rather get one at 

 another College : at all events, the smaller Colleges will 

 be glad to elect me from St John's. 



* * * * 



With regard to cash, I manage pretty well, though 

 my fund is at present at its lowest ebb. My bills, how- 

 ever, are paid ; and I have no occasion for money, ex- 

 cept as a private convenience. The question therefore 

 is, whether it will be more inconvenient to you than 

 convenient to me, for you to replenish my purse. De- 

 cide impartially. I have not drawn upon my mother 

 since Christmas, except for the expense of my journey 

 up from Nottingham to Cambridge ; nor do I mean to 

 do it till next Christmas, when, as I have ordered a suit 

 of clothes, I shall have a good many calls for money. 

 Let me have a long letter from you soon. 



