Oliver Baker 1822 (1826-1834)

and I am to contend that is does more injury, I tell you these things because I think they will be pleasing. Be assured my dear brother that I have feelings of sympathy towards you in view of the subject expressed by your left handed poetry and I have confidence yet to think you will be familiar with Phillips Academy if you live and desire it Vacation commences in one fortnight from today but the frequent snows and unsteady weather will prevent me from going to Templeton and I think I shall go to Newburyport and spend a day or two with my roommate who came from there, I was yesterday inoculated with the kine Pock, the small pox is in Chelmsford and in one of the other towns round here and I have feared it will be in Andover, I received a letter the other day from E. Denison Asa Turner's room mate Newhaven and he (Asa) was well, You made mention concerning the character of that part of town which I think [missing text] advise you show yourself a companion of such as will have a tendency to make you beter rather than worse and be sure to use every man well, I feel myself unable to advise you while it is in your remembrance that my example was so far from what it should be when I lived at home. But my brother let us take the bible for our guide, While I consider the various scenes of my past life the dangers that have past passed by me the countless blessings that have been showered down upon me continually and that I am a stranger to sicknessand adversity. I acknowledge I am lost in wonder and astonishment in view of

myself, that I still live is a miracle and that I am so ungrateful is unaccountable. Permit me to indulge myself in melancholy, for a moment. Where is our Edward? He used to be associated with us, his prospects the Saturday afternoon before he died were far more flatering than mine are, but his once fair cheek is covered with moule and his hand that I have often squeezed with affection is now the food for worms. But does he stil live? Yes! and perhaps knowing to the conduct of his friends I would to God that his prudence and innocence were posessed by me, The reason I make mention of him is I have lately how many thoughts intruding upon my mind concerning him, Let us consider it is impossible for God to do any unrightenousness, He guides the arrows of death as he pleases, and he cuts down the youth and the aged man, and we must all become victims to the king of terrors Remember me as your most affectionate and grateful brother, May I be remembered by my venerable parents brothers and sisters and former associates, Adieu! Oliver Baker N.B. I don't like to have the neighbors see my letters I wish you to let no one see this, read it to the whom you please except concerning my debts and the manner of my support

Mr. Otis Baker Templeton (Mass.)

O.B.

Andover August 17th 1824 My brother you will probably be surprised to see this letter instead of me for I have given you to expect I should come this vacation, I have been anxious to come and am almost homesick at the thought of Templeton, but my health has been such as had made me unable to pursue my studies with so much benefit as during other terms in the year, though there has been nothing for the matter than want of exercise and depression of mind occasioned by the heat, but I have an opportunity of spending a part [missing text] time at Mr Clements and can board my self the remainder in the college building with little expence and have very great desire to review my studies this vacation, and as study is the business of my life I feel that I must make a sacrifice of natural affections if it interferes in the pursuit, but I can tell you I have as much expectation that I shall come home at Thanksgiving if I live as that I shall ever come and see you. But I have an ardent desire to hear of your welfare and prosperity. As I have spent my life with you there can be no other person in the world that can stand in your place in my affections. Your good fortune is mine, and if my self were meet with adversity I should scracely be more afflicted than to know that my friend

and relations at home were in distress I received Hannah's letter and was glad to hear that my friends were then well. But she said nothing about the farm at home and I hope you will be able from your circulmstances now to write a good letter and mention in one word concerning the of your debts I have but little more to write, the most that I can say with regard the changes in my condition is I shall probably change my place of residence tomorrow from Mr Fosters to Mr Clements ^{(my instructors)} where I expect to board if [prosperd?] as long as I stay in Andover, I have no idea at present of teaching school this winter I wont say one word more than I have ever said to urge you if possible to come to Andover if Calvin should come to live. I have found more pleasure in the study of latin and Greek than I could have expected and I assure you that when you shall have read Virgil you will be compelled to say that Paradise Lost is far inferior and further you need not labor under the disadvantages that have attended me. I can help you perhaps to a place wherr you can pay your board. Excuse the hurryed close, Your affectionate brother Oliver Baker P.S. My love and good will to all