at beginning of Blackstone. I now read a proposition or paragraph
and reason upon it; try to get at the principle involved, in my own
language; view it in every light till I think I understand it; then
write it down in my commonplace book. My progress is, in consequence,
very slow, as it takes on an average half an hour to each page.
Attended meeting of cadets' committee on ways and means; all my
propositions accepted. I spent my last ten cents for crackers to-day.
Ten pages of Blackstone."

The next day he writes: "My mind was so occupied with obtaining
money due to-morrow that I could not study. Five pages of Blackstone.
Nothing whatever to eat. I am very tired and hungry to-night. Onward."

[Illustration: ELLSWORTH IN 1860, WHEN HE WAS CAPTAIN OF THE CHICAGO
COMPANY.

From a photograph loaned by Mr. H.H. Miller of Chicago, a member of
the Chicago company, and taken July 2, 1860, by Colonel E.L. Brand of
Chicago, a member of Ellsworth's Chicago company, and afterwards
in command of it. In the State House at Springfield, Illinois, is
a portrait group of the members of the Ellsworth company, with a
reproduction of this portrait of Ellsworth in the centre.]

In these circumstances of hunger and toil, he took charge of the
company of cadets, which was falling to pieces from neglect. There was
no sign in his bearing of the poverty and famine which were consuming
him. He told them roundly that if they elected him their captain they
did so with their eyes open; that he should enforce the strictest
discipline, and make their company second to none in the United
States. His laws were Draconic in their severity. He forbade his