e
ready to enter on the public stage, with superior advantages. I have
proposed to you to carry on the study of the law, with that of politics
and history. Every political measure will, for ever, have an intimate
connection with the laws of the land; and he who knows nothing of these,
will always be perplexed, and often foiled by adversaries having
the advantage of that knowledge over him. Besides, it is a source of
infinite comfort to reflect, that under every change of fortune, we
have a resource in ourselves, from which we may be able to derive an
honorable subsistence. I would, therefore, propose not only the study,
but the practice of the law for some time, to possess yourself of the
habit of public speaking. With respect to modern languages, French, as
I have before observed, is indispensable. Next to this, the Spanish
is most important to an American. Our connection with Spain is already
important, and will become daily more so. Besides this, the ancient part
of American history is written chiefly in Spanish. To a person who would
make a point of reading and speaking French and Spanish, I should
doubt the utility of learning Italian. These three languages, being all
degeneracies from the Latin, resemble one another so much, that I doubt
the probability of keeping in the head a distinct knowledge of them
all. I suppose that he who learns them all, will speak a compound of the
three, and neither perfectly. The journey which I propose to you,
need not be expensive, and would be very useful. With your talents
and industry, with science, and that steadfast honesty which eternally
pursues right, regardless of consequences, you may promise yourself
every thing--but health, without which there is no happiness. An
attention to health, then, should take place of every other object. The
time necessary to secure this by active exercises, should be devoted
to it, in preference to every other pursuit. I know the difficulty with
which a studious man tears himself from his studies, at any given moment
of the day. But his happiness, and that of his family, depend on it.
The most uninformed mind with a healthy body, is happier than the wisest
valetudinarian. I need not tell you, that if I can be useful to you in
any part of this, or any other plan you shall adopt, you will make me
happy by commanding my services.

Will you be so good, Sir, as to return my most respectful thanks for the
diploma with which I am honored by the societ