I 2 2 INTR OD UCTION
the Goose-eye, with the Flat-cap, the Speckled Mountain chain, and other tall mountains which environ the great chain of the Umbagog lakes, and were both well pleased to terminate a hot and dusty journey of eleven days and return safe and sound, without being taken by the priva- teer "Jeff Davis," of which there seemed to be some danger. ... I met one object of interest in a scrofulous boy with a bloated thigh and a shortened and withered leg, keeping school for a living, if board and ^25. per annum may be deemed a living. He was extremely intelligent and manly, and very desirous of a college education. I advised him to go to Exeter, and promised to procure him some good advice about his leg. He seemed not discon- tented, however, and his case is a commentary on the major- ity of human ills, which are ill borne in proportion to their being imagined or invented. Very real is evil, as I be- lieve ; but selfishness duplicates it by tenfold, as I have opportunity day by day to observe.
I have recently made the acquaintance of Mr. Nichols, a young man studying medicine, a Swedenborgian, I heard him say — I did not ask him. He shows much taste and fondness both for books and engravings, sees the merit in good etchings, and is agreeable in his manners. He has a scholarly turn, and I think will easily master what he undertakes. Your friend Foote has occasionally dined with me, and has acquired my esteem. I suppose, how- ever, that I shall now see him no more, as he goes to preach in Portsmouth.
Massachusetts at this time resembles a great military camp, not only in the cities, but even in towns like Stow. Marlborough has sent three hundred men to the war, Natick as many, Lowell and Lawrence whole regiments, and other towns in proportion. Imvc thousand men leave
�� �
