LIFE AND STUDY IN EUROPE 51 



If you do, I will help you to stay there six months or a year. 

 So don't be uneasy about money. "Write me a few lines often. 

 I will willingly pay the postage. We are all so glad to hear 

 from you that we have a little sort of Jubilee when we get a 

 letter from you. 



Mr. Johnson now had the happiness of feeling that 

 Ms prolonged expenditure of time and money on his 

 studies was fully approved by the two men whose 

 business judgment he most valued, his brother-in-law 

 and his father — who only a few weeks before had 

 reassured him on this point, saying: 



While you can improve your state of knowledge stay there, 

 for some time to come. I shall expect to furnish means as 

 you desired, if possible. If I can get along without lessening 

 the fountain, the stream flowing will be larger. I hope to do 

 so, for if the fountain head begins to lessen there may be 

 danger of its becoming dry. I must keep my expenses within 

 my income, but I mean to keep you supplied with the neces- 

 sary means. You are remembered by all in love. — 



In these days, when money can be so easily and 

 cheaply sent abroad, the following letter is worthy of 

 note as showing different conditions sixty years ago 

 and the fortunate relations which enabled Mr. Abner 

 A. Johnson to forward remittances to his son mthout 

 undue expense : 



Deer River, 31 Deer. 1853. 



Dear Son, — After waiting with painful anxiety more than 

 two months, yours dated 26th Novr. came to hand. . . . Could 

 you find time to write more letters they would be very grati- 

 fying to your friends. As to that you must be the judge. 

 Be sure not to overtax yourself physically or mentally. I 

 hope to live to see you, much improved in body and mind. 



