XXVI 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
of you. In the month of March next I shall, if well, be able 
to command two hundred dollars cash once more. Nothina: 
O 
stands between me and this but health, and that I hope will con- 
tinue at least till then. You may then direct as to the disposal 
of this money — I shall freely and cheerfully yield the whole to 
your management. Another quarter will enable me to settle 
John M.’s account, about the time it will be due; and, instead 
of wandering in search of employment five or six hundred 
miles for a few dollars, I would beg of you both to unite in put- 
ting the place and house in as good order as possible. But Al- 
exander can get nothing but wheat and butter for this hogging 
and slashing! Never mind, my dear namesake, put up awhile 
with the rough fare and rough clothing of the country. Let us 
only get the place in good order and you shall be no loser by 
it. Next summer I will assuredly come up along with your fa- 
ther and George, if he comes as I expect he will, and every 
thing shall flourish. 
‘‘ My dear friend and nephew, I wish you could find a lei- 
sure hour in the evening to give the children, particularly Mary, 
some instruction in reading, and Alexander in writing and ac- 
counts. Don’t be discouraged though they make but slow pro- 
gress in both, but persevere a little every evening. I think you 
can hardly employ an hour at night to better purpose. And 
make James read every convenient opportunity. If I live to 
come up beside you, I shall take that burden off your shoulders. 
Be the constant friend and counsellor of your little colony, to 
assist them in their difficulties, encourage them in their despon- 
dencies, to make them as happy as circumstances will enable 
you. A mother, brothers and sisters, in a foreign country, look- 
ing up to you as their best friend and supporter, places you in 
a dignified point of view. The future remembrance of your 
kind duty to them now, will, in the hour of your own distress, 
be as a healing angel of peace to your mind. Do every thing 
possible to make your house comfortable — fortify the garrison 
in every point — stop every crevice that may let in that chilling 
devil, the roaring blustering northwest — heap up fires big 
