XXX 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
be had, and lime and stones are also attainable by dint of industry. 
These observations are made not from any doubts of your doing 
every thing in your power to make your mother as comfortable as 
possible, and as your means will enable you, but from a solicitude 
for a sister’s health, who has sustained more distress than usual, 
I know the rude appearance of the country, and the want of many 
usual conveniences, will for some time affect her spirits; let it be 
your pleasure and study to banish these melancholy moments from 
her as much as possible. Whatever inconveniences they may for 
a while experience, it was well they left this devoted city. The 
fever, that yellow genius of destruction, has sent many poor mor- 
tals to their long homes since you departed ; and the gentleman 
who officiates as steward to the Hospital informed me yesterday 
evening that it rages worse this week than at any former period 
this season, though the physicians have ceased reporting. Every 
kind of business has been at a stand these three months, but the 
business of death. 
You intimate your design of coming down next spring. Alex- 
ander seems to have the same intention. How this will be done, 
consistent with providing for the family, is not so clear to me. Let 
me give my counsel on the subject. You will see by your father’s 
letters that he cannot be expected before next July, or August per- 
haps, a time when you must of necessity be at home. Your coming 
down, considering loss of time and expenses, and calculating what 
you might do on the farm, or at the loom, or at other jobs, would 
not clear you more than twenty dollars difference, unless you in- 
tended to remain here five or six months, in which time much 
might be done by you and Alexander on the place. I am sorry he 
has been so soon discouraged with farming. Were my strength but 
equal to my spirit, I would abandon my school for ever for such 
an employment. Habit will reconcile him to all difficulties. It is 
more healthy, more independent and agreeable than to be cooped 
up in a subterraneous dungeon, surrounded by gloomy damps, and 
