To Susan H. Hardy

                                                           July 24, 1866

So you (like the Samaritan) relieve me from the misery, and help me to get good education, therefore I will call you my neighbor. Nay, I will call you my mother whom God gives me. I pray to Him for you day and night that He may bless your family bounti- fully. He knows our hearts and desires. If we ask Him faithfully, He will answer us with best thing. . . . O, be cheerful to help me (a poor boy, like a wingless bird). Our Father which art in Heaven will rejoice your charitable deed, and will reward to you with the best thing. . . . I am very glad I got through arithmetic in this term. I will take algebra and grammar in the next term. My eyes are not very well, but I expect they shall be strong if I stop my study little while and take much exercise in this vacation. This afternoon I must go to the exhibition of the Academy, therefore I have not much time to write many things to you. Please give my love to Mr. Hardy and tell him be very careful for this hot season.