XXXIV 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
particular disadvantages, I would recommend you to persevere 
where you are. I would wish you and William to give your joint 
labours to putting the place in as good order as possible. A farm 
of such land, in good cultivation, is highly valuable ; it will repay 
all the labour bestowed upon it a hundred fold; and contains within 
it all the powers of plenty and independence. These it only re- 
quires industry to bring forth, and a small stock of money to begin 
with. The money I doubt not of being able to procure, next sum- 
mer, for a year or two, on interest, independent of two hundred dol- 
lars of my own, which I hope to possess on or before the middle 
of March next. C. S. is very much attached to both your brother 
and me ; and has the means in his power to assist us — and I know 
he will. In the mean time, if you and William unite in the under- 
taking, I promise you, as far as I am concerned, to make it the 
best plan you could pursue. 
“ Accustom yourself, as much as you can, to working out. 
Don’t despise hagging down trees. It is hard work, no doubt ; but 
taken moderately, it strengthens the whole sinews; and is a manly 
and independent employment. An old weaver is a poor, emacia- 
ted, helpless being, shivering over rotten yarn, and groaning over 
his empty flour barrel. An old farmer sits in his arm chair before 
his jolly fire, while his joists are crowded with hung beef and gam- 
mons, and the bounties of Heaven are pouring into his barns. Even 
the article of health is a consideration sufficient to make a young 
man prefer the labours of the field ; for health is certainly the first 
enjoyment of human life. But perhaps weaving holds out advan- 
tages 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,” 
