with him was a loved life-work. He had been left an orphan at an early
age, and had, by his own exertions, obtained the education which enabled
him to occupy a position of influence and respectability, consequently,
he was all the better able to sympathize and assist studious pupils who
laboured against many discouragements to obtain an education. Instead of
regarding the pupils under his charge as only objects for correction and
reproof, he treated them as reasonable beings, and laboured diligently
to develop their better natures, as well as their intellectual powers.
When I entered the school-room, and Mr. Oswald made some enquiries
regarding my studies, and other matters, I looked in his clear honest,
but withal searching eyes, and felt certain I had found a friend in my
teacher. My ideas at the time, of my new home as well as my school, will
I presume be best expressed by transcribing the copy of a letter,
written to Charley Gray about this time. I lately found it among, some
old papers. It reads thus:


Fulton, Oct. 25th, 18--

Dear Charley,

As I cannot possibly see you, I will do the next best by writing to you
in answer to your kind and very welcome letter, which came to hand two
days since. I have so much to tell you that I hardly know where to
begin; but if I intend to finish I must make a beginning in some way.
I will first endeavour to tell you something about my home. You know I
feared Uncle Nathan might be like Farmer Judson; but never were two more
unlike; he never scolds or frets, and, although he is not a great
talker, somehow or other when he does talk I always like to listen to
what he says. I am sure you would like Uncle Nathan, and if you could