m sensible will be
many as maturity of Judgment is wanting, and tho' I have been so
happy as to be favour'd with your instructions, you can't Sir,
expect a finish'd letter from one who has as yet practis'd but very
little this way, especially with persons of your nice discernment.

Sir, I have had the pleasure of hearing by the soldiers, which is
come home, that you are in health, tho' likely to be deserted by
all the men you carried down with you, which I am very sorry for,
as I think no man of any spirit would desert a cause in which, we
are all so deeply interested. I am sure was my Mammy willing I
think I should prefer being with you, to all the pleasures which
the company of my Relations Can afford me.

I am Sir with respect yr Sincere friend
& very H'ble St
ROB'T LATIMER

Decbr 20th 1775--

P. S. My Mammy and aunt Lamb presents Complimts. My Mammy would
have wrote, but being very busy, tho't my writing would be
sufficient--my respects to Capt Hull. Addressed to Capt. Hale.

Here is a second letter from the same ardent friend of Captain Hale. His
admiration for his former teacher is evident in every line.

NEW LONDON, March 5th 1776

DEAR SIR,

as my letter meet with such kind reception from you, I still
continue writing & hope that the desire I have of improving, added
to the pleasure, I take in hearing often from so good a friend,
will sufficiently excuse me for writing so often--I Recd your kind
letter Sr pr the post & cant deny but your approbation, of my
writing, gives me the greatest pleasure, & should be afraid of its
raisg my pride; did I not consider that your intention in praising
my poor performance, must be with a design, of raising in me an
ambition, to endeavour to deserve your praise--& I hope that
instructions convey'd in such an agreeable manner, will not, be
thrown away upon me--You write Sr that you have got another Fifer,
& a very good one too, as I hear. Which I am very Glad to hear,
tho' I sincerely wish I was in his Place--

Have not any News.

So will Conclude--I am Sr
with Respect Yr friend & S't,

ROBERT LATIMER

P. S. My Mammy & Aunt
Present Compts &c--

CAPT. HALE.

Only one thought dims the pleasure with which we read these two
letters,--the consciousness of the depth o