James Burrill 1819

Sir,

I have been induced by the reputation which your Academy has so deservidly [deservedly] acquired to place under your tuition my son James. He goes [down?] with the children of my friend [Mr.?] [?oppin?] who has promised to write for him a line of introduction. You know well all the feelings & anxieties of a father & can judge therefore how important I consider the measure I have taken. My son has been cheifly [chiefly] at home, He was one quarter with [Mr Kenyan] at [Mendon?] but the rest of the time has been at different schools here. He has under various masters made [some?] progress in his studies & is now in the [fourth?] Book of Virgil. He has never been taught with that accuracy that he ought to have been & I am afraid has been rather hurried forward

before he was well grounded in the grammar. For fear of discouragement I should be unwilling he should be placed back in his studies but I [notwithstanding?] recommend that he should be required to review his grammar. I am informed that your scholars read Cicero's orations before Virgil if so perhaps you may put him upon Cicero, or if you prefer it, upon Justin or Eutropius or such other Books as ought to be studied previous to Cicero. He has never studied Greek but I refer it to your better judgment whether he ought not to begin it. In some european seminaries the Boys learn Greek before Latin which in my opinion is the better way. This plan has not I believe been yet adopted in America. His age is ten, His genius good, He learns easily, is like other boys fonder of play than study, has a good temper

is kind & affectionate, is sensible to praise & excited to exertion by [commendation?] [crossed out] encouragement.

Such Books as he has not may I presume be obtained at Andover & I ask the favour of you to obtain them all expenses shall be reimbursed immediately on my being informed of them by you. [Mr?] [ ?oppin?] thinks that James can be boarded where his Boys board as to which I ask your friendly assistance. If that house is full can you take him at yours, if not will you find him a place.

I confide my only son to your care & can give you no stronger proof of my high opinion of your talents & moral character

Copy to Mr Adams Andover, when James went to his School last of May 1819

Andover June 6th 1819

Dear Father

As aunt told me to write soon I will now take this opportunity. I am in good health I hope you enjoy the same. We have had very hot weather indeed. I like andover very well here is a large Chapel, Schoolhouse & the Theological Institution These buildings are handsome & make a fine figure. Give my love to all the family I forgot to mention that, I board at Mr J Locke. I spent some of the money for a quire of paper and a bunch of quils [quills] will you send me some more. Answer this letter as soon as you recieve [receive] it I wish you would. We have prayers in the morning and one at night Excuse the writing

Your duteful [dutiful] [s?] JA Burrill

P S Come up here soon