23

Chapel Hill January 27th 1822

D Sir

I received by the last mail your letter containing
thirty five dollars, to defray the expences of the present session
The only return I can at present make for ^your beberal & voluntary
assistance in forwarding me in my education, is my sincerest and
warmest thanks & the assurence of my profiting by the advantages
which I enjoy at your hands, as far as my capacity, will permit.

I am aware sir that my situation requires my utmost & unremitted
exertion, my talents are but moderate, tho time is not far when
I shall have to engage in the busy scenes of life, with no assistince but
the education I am here to recive. My parents are ^in distressed circum=
stances without a prospect of alleviating their condition, to me they must
look for support when decrepitude & age shall come upon them.
Under these considerations I can rightly appreciate the importance
of my time at college & the advantages which are offered.

You request to know whether a farther continuance of your favor
will be necessary to aid me in my progress through college
In answer to this, I would remark that my father declares his
inability to render me further assistance than board & cloathing.

But as my feelings revolt at the idea of imposing on the generosity
which you have ever evinced towards me, (& which will never be recoll=
-ected but ^with the warmest emotions of gratitude) I had concluded with your
approbation, to omit the studies of junior class & to join the senior
irregular next session. I have been persuaded to pursue this course