Leonard Richardson 1853

Andover Jan 8th /52

My Own dear Parents,

The epistle from home reached me safely Saturday afternoon Dec 27th, And I can assure you was read in earnest. My feelings while reading fairly choked me, and started the moisture from the eye. It was indeed a long week, but I knew about the time you went to Boston, and did not much expect one before.

This will leave me in good health and spirits We are now prospering finely, having become used to our home. We have to keep good hours - viz - from 1/2 past four in the morning till most any time in the evening. Breakfast at 6, (study from 3/4 to 1 hour) before) to got which we have to go 1/4 of a mile, then come back and study until prayers (1/2 past 8) then till noon, (one hours nooning) then till, 2 or 3, (recite) ^then till supper, after which we take exercise, or (sometimes, in the morning, after breakfast.) Then we study till bed time, have prayers, and retire. Rest assured I have enough to do, and no time to do it in, or rather it seems so. Find I can learn about twice as long a lesson, and make full as many mistakes as when I first begun, but am,

not discouraged. "Nothing like getting used to it" I find. Dear Mother do not fear about my keeping warm, we don't stop to think about that. As for clothing, I have a great plenty, to much, or more than I need of some things. Scarcely any of the student have more than a suit and a half, that is, on the sabbath a clean dicky extra neckcerchief, and perhaps also extra pants or coat. So you see natures wants are all supplied. We have got used to the straw bed, should not know but that it was a feather bed. As for board we have plenty. Much better than expected, meat once a day. Pies and cake two or three times a week.

This afternoon school did not keep, on account of the funeral of Prof Stewart, who ^died sunday night at 12 o'clock. Thus a great man has been taken away to be here no more. After a short illness of about ten days he departed this life, at the age of 72 years, but he has left behind him a example which will never fade. He possessed uncomon talents, and his writings are read the world over. Prof. Park preach the sermon and it was indeed a sermon, worth hearing. twas grand and eloquent. His text was taken from 1st Sam'l 2nd chapt a part of the 30th verse--"For them that honors me, I will honor" After touching upon his various traits of character and of the good he has done in the world, he brought to view eternity. O that all might take heed, and think of these things carefully. But how did you spend New Years? I enjoyed the

day very much. Was enabled to form some resolutions for the future, and hope to keep them. The New Year brings with it many solemn thoughts_ One looks back upon it. with a mixture of pleasure and regret when we have done all that is required of us and served God as we shall wish we had, when our last year comes then, tis with pleasure we review the past. But I feel as though I have left undone many things which ought to be done. and have done many things which I ought not-- therefore I have reason to regret. Yes, I have not done my duty. I have not spoken to those in my midst about their souls salvation and invited them to come to Jesus. My brothers and sisters I have not talked to enough. I do hope that the present year I shall be more faithful. How happy should we be if all of us loved the lord with our whole hearts: then should we love to think of our eternal interests, we should rejoice in the thought that every year brings us nearer home. Then should we love to spend our sabbath in the sanctuary and sabbath school, and we should be by these means that be prepared for heaven. Unless we are converted or born of the spirit we cannot see the kingdom of Heaven. We shall regret when our last year does come, that we are not prepared. Who would not become a christian? Who loses anything by giving himself to God? Is it not rather Gain-- "for what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and

loose his own soul; think of these things. We love to be together here in this short life, I never have seen or felt it so forcibly as I have since I left home. But what will be our condition, if eternally separated? It is my prayer ever, that we may all be of that number, whom the saviour shall own and bless. I'm looking atover the year which has just past, [?] have, we can see abudant reason to be thankful. Our lives have been spared. None of us have gone to the grave. Our health has been good. We have food to eat, raimen to put on and thousands of privileges, which many of our fellow men do not enjoy. Seed time and harvst have not failed, but we have been prospered. All of these blessins we owe to God. Should we not thank Him? I join with me in praising and blessing the Lord.

Your Obt Son Leonard

P.S. I forgot one thing which I would like a small piece of tallow to put on my boots, also that little hand saw if it will go in the trunk, for we have to saw wood, and we don't like to borrow all the time. Charley ^will send for an axe. I send for clothes 4 dickeys, 1 boson, 3 shirts, 2 kerchiefs (hand & neck) towel and bed clothes. Direct trunk to "Latin Commons." Also if it is not to cold put in a apple or two. Dear Lydia please write plainer next time for when we get a letter we are in a hurry. receive a kiss for yourself and Herbert. tell Charley I should like to see him, hear him recite his lesson. Love to all, (Please excuse writing) L.

Andover Feb 11th 1952

My Dear Parents,

Your letter reached me in good season, and like all your communications received a hearty welcome. I was quite surprised to see the well known hand of my mother, but that only served to make the letter more valuable. The more I think of you my dear parents, the more I value my home. Have thought about coming home but have come to the conclusion that I cannot. It would so break in upon my studies and put me farther back than I know now. Then the expense would be considerable also. The few remaining weeks will soon fly away, each one brings me nearer tho end. Entered the class week ago monday. Am get some ways behind, but gaining gradually. There is another young man who entered the class a fortnight before I did, with whom I study. We find it profitable to get together; they push us pretty hard and we have to bend