30 John Bachman. 



him, during the heated term, to seek a more bracing 

 climate. 



The following letter from a young friend, Mr. 

 Charles A. D., gives us a glimpse into the child- 

 hood's home of the pastor of St. John's. 



TROY, June 1st, 1815. 



MY DEAR JOHN : I was on a ride to Cambridge a 

 few days ago. When I reached the forks of the 

 road (say at Wallbridge's), I could not for the life 

 of me resist the temptation to turn to the left ; I 

 jogged on slowly, keeping a bright look out for 

 another left-handed turn. I soon discovered it, and 

 had not proceeded far before I saw upon a tree 

 " John Bachman " incised into the bark ; convinced 

 that I was, at any rate, where you once had been, I 

 rode on. In a few minutes I had dismounted at 

 your door. A young man met me at the gate, whom 

 I recognized immediately as your brother. Your 

 father was not at home ; he had gone to Lansing- 

 burg. I remembered that I had passed an old 

 gentleman on the road, and had noticed a likeness 

 in him to the picture of your father hanging in 

 your room (in Charleston). I wish that I had 

 stopped and spoken to him. 



Your mother received me. As soon as I had 

 said " I am Mr. Davis, from Charleston, a friend and 

 neighbor of your son," I was made to feel almost as 

 much at home as if I had been the Rev. Mr. Bach- 

 man himself. 



Your good mother could not keep back a tear, 

 when she spoke of your separation from them, and, 

 I confess, I felt moved. They had many questions 

 to ask, and I many stories to tell. They pressed 

 me heartily to remain ; but I was compelled to go 

 on ; promised, however, another visit soon. I rode 



