s studies more diligently than ever. He felt that he had
secured the true salvation, and was safe now in whatever he undertook.
He was very careful in the observance of all his religious exercises,
and so far as I can ascertain, never neglected any of them. Thus happily
launched, Hiram continued at school till he was nearly seventeen. He
had, for the last two years, been sent to Newton Institute, one of the
best institutions in the State, where his advantages would be superior
to those of the academy in his native town. There he learned the higher
branches of mathematics, and studied with care mercantile and
descriptive geography with reference to the different products of the
earth. During this time his proficiency was excellent, and his conduct
always most exemplary.

At length his course was completed, and Mrs. Meeker felt that her
cousin, the wholesale dry-goods jobber in New-York, would be proud of
such an acquisition in his establishment. He had been duly apprised that
the boy was named for him, and really appeared to manifest, by his
inquiries, a good deal of interest in Hiram. Although they generally met
once or twice a year, Mrs. Meeker did not apprise her cousin of her
plans, preferring to wait till her son should have finished his
academical course before making them known. Her first idea was to send
him to New-York with a letter, in which she would fully explain her
hopes and wishes. On second thought, she concluded to write first, and
await her cousin's reply. It will be seen, from the perusal of it, she
took the proper course.

Here it is:

'_New-York, May 15th, 18--._

'DEAR COUSIN: Your letter of May 12th is before me. I am glad to
hear you are all well at Hampton. We are much obliged for your kind
invitation for the summer. I think you may count confidently on a
visit from my wife and myself some time during the season, and I
have no doubt one of the girls will come with us. I know _I_ shall
enjoy it for one, and I am sure we all shall.

'As to my namesake, I am glad to hear so good an account of him.
Now, cousin, I really take an interest in the lad, and beg you will
not make any wry faces over an honest expression of my opinion. If
you want the boy to make a first-rate merchant, and SUCCEED, don't
send him to me at present. Of course, I will receive him, if you
insist upon it. But, in my opinion, i