xxiv LIFE OF WILSON. 
health is a consideration sufficient to make a young man prefer the labors of 
the field : for health is certainly the first enjoyment of human life. But per- 
haps weaving holds out advantages that farming does not. Then blend the 
two together ; weave in the depth of winter, and work out the rest of the 
year. We will have it in our power, before next winter, to have a shop, looms, 
&c., provided. Consider all I have said, and if I have a wrong view of the 
subject, form your own plans, and write me without delay." 
To Mr. William Duncan. 
" Gray's Ferry, December 23d, 1802. 
" The two Mr. Purdies popped into my school, this afternoon, as unexpected 
as they were welcome, with news from the promised land. I shall detain them 
with me all night, on purpose to have an opportunity of writing you a few lines. 
I am glad you are all well. I hope that this is the last devilish slough of de- 
spond which you will have to struggle in for some time. I will do all that I 
said to you, in my last, by the middle of March ; so let care and sorrow be 
forgotten ; and industry, hope, good humor and economy, be your bosom 
friends. ***** 
" I succeed tolerably well ; and seem to gain in the esteem of the people 
about. I am glad of it, because I hope it will put it in n)y power to clear the 
road a little before you, and banish despondence from the heart of my dearest 
friend. Be assured that I will ever as cheerfully contribute to your relief in 
difficulties, as I will rejoice with you in prosperity. But we have nothing to 
fear. One hundred bushels of wheat, to be sure, is no great marketing ; but 
has it not been expended in the support of a mother, and infant brothers and 
sisters, thrown upon your bounty in a foreign country ? Robert Burns, when 
the mice nibbled away his corn, said : 
" ' I'll get a blessin wi' the lave, 
And never miss 't.' 
" Where he expected one, you may a thousand. Robin, by his own confession, 
ploughed up his mice out of ha' and home. You have built for your little 
wanderers a cozie Held, where none dare molest them. There is more true 
greatness in the affectionate exertions which you have made for their subsist- 
ence and support, than the bloody catalogue of heroes can boast of. Your own 
heart will speak peace and satisfaction to you, to the last moment of your life, 
for every anxiety you have felt on their account. Colonel Sullivan talks with 
pride and afi'ection of you. 
" I wish Alexander had written me a few lines of the old German text. I 
laugh every time I look at his last letter : it's a perfect antidote against the 
spleen. Well, Alexander, which is the best fun, handling the shuttle, or the 
axe ? When John M. comes down, write me largely. And, dear sister, let me 
hear from you also. * * * * 
" I would beg leave to suggest to you the propriety of teaching the children 
to behave with good manners, and dutiful respect, to yourself, each other, and 
everybody. 
