FL14376077

[MS 583]

Old College Homerton March 1 1819

My Dear Friend
I have no doubt but you are very angry with me
for my negligence and suppose I have forgotten you entirely, but
I do assure you that however appearances may be against me (and
I acknowledge they are) there is still some excuse for my fault.
I received your very short note dated June 1, 1818, I think on the
29th of the same month; but did not return to London until Sept
following, from which time to my entering Homerton I was
much harrassed in settling my little affairs, - On my admission
Oct 9 I was set to read with those who had made much more pro-
gress in Latin than myself; so that they could do with ease in
a few hours, what employed my the whole day, but having at
length overcome this difficulty, I hope you will pardon me, on my
promising to behave better in future, - I have been in this place
nearly 5 months and find myself truly comfortable, there are here at
present 18 students, of whom I am the 15th having 3 juniors, - our whole
attention the first 2 years is directed to classical study; since I entered
I have been ready Caesars Commentaries, & Virgils Aenead; the first book of
which I have just finished; - I have begun privately to study He
brew, with the tracts of Dr Burgess who is I think your Patron.
I hope to make some proficiency in it by the time I see you
which Mr Hancox gives me reason to expect will be in the course
of the summer, - we hope to see my Uncle home by Midsummer
as the last time we heard from him he said he should sail
from Port Jackson, Jany 1819 early, and with him William and