
          [art?] of simplisifying. I say this of myself in order
 to tell you what you are not. You and I are precisely
 at diagonals in all our qualification.
 You will shine preeminently as a professor in
 some of the learned institutions. But I should
 tremble for you in any other employment.
 Just look about and ask, what has brought
 you into public notice. Your personal presence
 is not commanding—Your language
 and manner are not prepossessing—Your
 literature has not a classical polish. Then
 what has raised you above every individual
 of your years in North America? It is
 your discriminating powers, your indefatigable
 research, [crossed out: and your] set off to the best
 advantage by that modest confidence
 for which you are distinguished. How many
 are ruined by this destructive maxim, “I
 "am [crossed out: great] [added: so successful] in all that I have undertaken,
 "I can of course succeed equally well in 
 "every undertaking.” Now I tell you, and
 do you hear me, To the end of your life
 pursue the same course which has [crossed out: brought?]
 brought you your present elevated
 station.


 My Rensselaer County book is printed by Mr.
 [Stephen] Van Rensselaer. I will send it to you soon. I have
 postponed my Troy lectures until the 11th of Feb. on
 account of my hoarseness. I received an application
 from West Point to give a short course on
 Botany. I have agreed to lecture there from the middle
 of April to the 1st of June for $300. I hope
 you will be there a week with me, after I get acquainted
 with the stiffness of the military walk
 so as to be able to tell you which foot to move
 first after you land.


 Your friend, 
 Amos Eaton


 [Turn over outside]

        