My dear Brother,—I am ready at once to give you a decided opinion as to the course you should pursue, and I know it will be in accordance with your own judgment.
Remain in Cambridge a year and a half longer. Then go to Boston. Throw yourself into the arena of the strongest men in the State. Contend with strong men, the stronger the better, and rise above them all.
I have watched your progress with the anxiety and tender solicitude which an older brother must feel in a younger and only brother. This is one of the turning-points of your life.
I have not the slightest doubt, in one year from being admitted to the bar, you will be able to marry and have a home of your own.
Don’t trouble yourself about the cost. If things go right with me here, I have no doubt I shall be able to let you have, from July, ’50, to July, ’51, all you will require.
I write with the earnestness of deep conviction. I am proud of your talents, but you have a weight of character which gives to talent its force. Let me hear from you soon. I beg of you not to give way to despondency, and the least as to the bold course I have indicated.
You and I both do best by taking bold, self-relying courses. I never once failed in my life from the boldness of my course. You will not.
I feel I have come to Washington at the right time. The Coast Survey needs me to overhaul it. I feel that the army has a representative in me which it has not had in Washington in years. I know my position,—my strength,—and I swear by the Eternal, to use Jackson’s expression, I will put it forth.
In the following he gives his views on Coast Survey and other matters.
Washington, D.C., October 22, 1849.