Your kind letter of the 24th Ult. [Ultimo] arrived here yesterday. It was very kind in your sending me that money. I gave it to Mr. Smith , he seemed very much pleased and said that it was a very liberal subscription. I told him that $1 ¹/₂ was for the Paper.

The examination is just over. It continued three days there there were not many people the first day [added: on account of the weather] but the [added: third] day the house was crowded. I missed but one question the whole time, and I do not think that I should have missed that one had I not been so much frightened. Mr Walkers family came every day. Cousin Sam said that he intended to write to you immediately after it was over. So I expect that you will receive his letter before you do mine. The Rev [Reverend] Mr Wheat of Nashville was here: and read out the Composition.

Father you requested me in your last letter not to write so many letters. I will discontinue all my letters to every person with the exception of our family. I was very much distressed when I read that part of your letter. I did not think that I had ever written any thing that I would not be willing for any person

to read. I am very glad that you have told not to write. I will do any thing that I think would please you and Mama I know the reason that you did not speak of it when you were here. You did not like to speak of any thing that you thought would give me pain.

I do not think that I can graduate this Summer. I wish that you would write to Mr. Smith about it. O [Oh]! I should like to graduate so much. I study as hard as it is possible for any one to study. Next session I will try and get the Premium in dilligence [diligence], but I should like for that to remain a secret. I have not time to write a longer letter.

Give my love to Aunt P. [Patsey] & Aunt N [Narcissa] , and all my relations kiss my Sister and brothers and Mama.

I remain your ever affectionate Daughter

M. J. [Mary Jane] Chester

Col Robt [Colonel Robert] J Chester

[added: P. S. [Post Script] I forgot to tell you that I wrote to Grand Mother the other. do you see any impropriety it [it].]

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mathematical figures

3rd Feby [February] 1841

post mark for February 3

18]

Col [Colonel] Robert J Chester Jackson Tennessee