had as many sons as had the patriarch Jacob not one should ever
again go nigh a college. It is not a good calculation to educate
children for destruction. The boys' conduct has already brought a
disgrace upon our family which we can never outgrow. They
undoubtedly possess respectable talents and genius, but what are
talents worth when wholly employed in mischief?

I have expended almost two thousand dollars in educating the boys,
and now just at the close they are sent off in disgrace and infamy.
The money is nothing in comparison to the disgrace and ruin that
must succeed. Mary, think of these things often, and especially when
you feel inclined to be gay and airy. Let your brother's fate be a
striking lesson to you. For you may well suppose that you possess
something of the same disposition that he does, but I hope that you
will exercise more prudence than he has. You must now return home
with a fixed resolution to become a steady, sober, and industrious
girl. Give up literary pursuits and quietly and patiently follow
that calling which I am convinced is most proper for my children.

It does appear to me that if children would consider how much
anxiety their parents have for them they would conduct themselves
properly, if it was only to gratify their parents. But it is not so.
Many of them seem determined not only to wound the feelings of the
parents in the most cruel manner but also to ruin themselves.

Remember us respectfully to Dr. and Mrs. Willard, and I am your
affectionate father

MARTIN FIELD.