1824-33 BIRMINGHAM ABANDONED 41 



might tend to. It would be at least ten years 

 (and perhaps rather improbable in so short a 

 time) ere I could calculate on sitting down and 

 paying my own expenses as a surgeon and 

 apothecary in Birmingham ; and a year or two 

 longer before prudence would permit marriage — 

 should everything go on well ! ! So that, my 

 dear Sir, I request you to suspend any exertions 

 or trouble you may have in hand at present on my 

 account. It is indeed solely for such trouble as 

 yourself, and in a minor degree one or two in this 

 town, have been put to, that I have reason to 

 feel regret ; for my own little share I have 

 nothing to fret about ; it has given me a little 

 more insight into and mixture with the world ; 

 more established me in my future views, and 

 made me better value the opportunity of labour- 

 ing with yourself. 



' I trust, under these circumstances, you will 

 exonerate me from the charge of fickleness. The 

 first prospect being so good, I spared no pains to 

 give myself a chance, or at least to know the 

 chances ; and if they are too strong against me, it 

 surely is best to withdraw timely, and not sacrifice 

 too much time or money. I wish I knew the feel- 

 ings of the College on the step I have taken, but 

 I cannot imagine it to be calculated to give much 

 offence. However, my mind is made up to try 

 any chance rather than sit down with the dreary 

 prospect of ten long years' fag and saving of 



