Chas—

 

New Haven June 24^th 1860—

 

My Dear Father:

                        Had you waited two days longer I could have answered you that I was not below average—for Wednesday noon I shall not be—But as it is, the report which the Faculty were kind enough to send you is true. I feel as bad about it as you do, but for different reasons. I don't know what the Faculty wrote you, but I do know that if I had had no interruptions, either by going home, or, what has troubled me very much more, by sickness, I should not be below average even the little that I am. I don't know as they told you that I was, notwithstanding everything, well up in Latin & Greek, but that is a fact. I am below in Euclid & Greek Prose. In the former I have three lessons to make up, which will bring me well above, and then I have three weeks to raise my stand. The tutor in Greek Prose just told me that if I recited two or three times as I had done lately I should be / far above. You feel bad for the disgrace you think I have incurred, and because you think my stand denotes criminal neglect on my part. I feel bad, because by unavoidable hindrances I have been unable to attend to my studies as I wish to, as I am doing now, and as I intend to do. I am very sorry the Faculty wrote you, for my stand is improving very fast, and when I come home will be all you can ask.

 

            You think that I always wish to excuse myself—but really I do not think there is any cause for alarm on your part. However, you do not believe it, and I can only ask you to wait, even till the end of this term and see if you are not satisfied. The first two terms I was in "the better half of the class"—and with my health, (which a room less damp than mine would improve) I mean to be there in 1863. I am very sorry that you feel so badly—another letter shall not trouble you. I will write at the end of the week and let you know how I stand—

Affectionately your son C.

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