Your letter was received by the last mails. Is is needless to add the recitals of home were perused with interest. You intimated an apology for writing on fools cap paper, this was unnecessary, for I would that all the communications that I receive [were were] spread out on these lengthy sheets, containing every variety of news calculated to call up fond apreciation [appreciation], for it is nearly a luxury to [added: the] student's mind wearied down by clasic [classic] studies on metaphisical [metaphysical] sciences to have his attention diverted from these continuous themes, and indulge his thoughts in contemplating the happy scenes about his indeared [endeared] home. You perceive that I have followed your example in my selection of [unclear: lecter [lecture] ] pa paper, not that I have so much to write but for another reason that will manifest itself in the sequel, For, for the life of me I dont know what to write that would interest or amuse you. Shall I give you a history of my present condition, this you know, I am at Lagrange acting in the capacity of a student, with eight different studies to engage my attention weekly, besides numerous other subjects that are not less burdensome, hence it cannot be expected that all will receive their due shair [share] of attention, but I trust that I may be enabled so to dispose of them, at that critical time with the senior on which his destiny hangs, and [added: which] will soon be wafted to our presence by [added: on] time's rapid moving streams, as to reflect no discredit to myself of friends & kindred. I feel highly grateful to the author of my being for the remarkable health & strength he grants me to prosecute my labors I [gap]

[added: Both of you be sure to write soon R —]

Late last night, I spread a few unpremeditated thoughts on another page of this sheet. The blazing rays of the sun has lit up another day & with it aided by its cherful [cheerful] light I attempted to drag the slow length of my letter along — For several days the atmosphere has been chilled as in the depth of winter, the piercing winds of March has truly penetrated our system, the premature foliage of the vegatable [vegetable] kingdom is withered by the pinching cold.

Though heavy frost this morning has whitened our mountain tops. The resplendant [resplendent] sun has shone forth in all her grandieur [grandeur], as if, bespeaking her warmth wont no more be extinguished by the northern blast, the cherful birds have resumed their musical notes that have been hushed by the recent colds; as hailing the happy morn of spring. So the planter to his fields — The ladies to their gardens, and the student with renewed energy to his studies, so gone by —

Sister Susan my imagination was scarce suficiently [sufficiently] vivid to paint that beautiful & amicable creture [creature] seen in the person of your lovely babe. & more especially as you would not grant the privilege of contrast with the

You mentioned something about Mary & Julia . Tell pa: he has a son that has experienced the inconvenience & increased expense of changing shools [schools]. I love my church, It is my pleasure to see her institutions prosper, But consider either circumstances. With your permishion [permission] I will write to brother [unclear: Kent ] on the next page as he requested a corispondence [correspondence] of this sort. You can bet him [unclear: was ] that without showing him this my respects to inquiring friends [gap]

Bob