BakerOliver18240128_001

Philips' Academy Andover Jan 28 1824
My dear brother, I received your letter glad to hear from your
prosperity, but was struck with the solemn inteligence of so many
deaths in Templeton. By the goodness of my maker I am and have
been in the enjoyment of health since I came from home and have
prosecuted my studies with much pleasure and success, If I continue
to go on I shall get about through with the languages requisite for
entering College this year, but I shall stay here another year on account
of my debts. I refused to tell you or any other friend at Templeton how
much I owed because I knew it would give you pain but if it will
satisfy your desires I will tell you. I owe 57 dollars and 45 cents which
is the same sum I owed when I was at home. A week ago last
[missing text] an examination attended by Mr Adams Mr
Farrar and the other trustees the knowledge of which had me with attended
many fearful anticipation for three months, they questioned me for
a half an hour nearly, but I was fortunate after all and was excepted
upon the Philips foundation, and they agree to pay from last sept-
ember at 2 dollars per week, my board wood and lights during good behaviour. I board at
Mr. Fosters yet. I am strongly knit to my companions am in a good
class we have a society called the 'literary Brothers formed for the
purpose of speaking writing and debating which affords a pleasant
relaxation from one our daily tasks we meet this evening (every wednesday)
and my part is this evening to debate, and the subjects is this. "Does the
history of Dr. Franklin produce more good or injury among mankind"