God bless and prosper you in all your ways.
Your affectionate,
Father.
117. From a Son to his Father Offering to Leave College.
H—— College,
H——, February 2, 19—.
Dear Father:—
You had told me enough of your affairs during my visit at home to prepare me somewhat for the news contained in your last letter. I hope even yet that means may be found by which you can meet your obligations. I shall be proud if I can be of any service to you at this critical time, but whether I can or not, I shall not be satisfied unless I make the effort. I want your approval in what I propose. You have, with much sacrifice I know, given me a year and a half of college life. I can never tell how much it has meant to me. Whatever I may be able to do for you now will not repay the debt of gratitude I owe you. The semi-annual examinations are just over, so that now is a very convenient time to break off here. I want to go straight to work. With energy and perseverance I can find something to do. Please write me at once that you consent, and give me any advice that occurs to you. I would suggest that I go to Uncle Henry's in C——, and keep his books evenings for my board, as he proposed last fall. I know of nothing new in his circumstances that would have caused him to change his mind about wanting me. I have written to him, and I look for a reply to-morrow morning. If he is willing to take me, and you think well of the plan, there will be nothing to prevent my going at once. In a city like C——, there must be plenty of employment for a willing, active young man, of fair ability and education, and good principles. What I may be able to earn will perhaps help you a little in your present difficulty; please, dear father, accept this offer from
Your loving grateful son,
Alfred.