New Haven Dec. 10^th 1860.

 

Dear Father:

                        A whole week has gone since I returned—and no letter home. I am afraid that if I do not write before Examination I shall not at all. So, as I go in tomorrow for the first time, I take a few moments before recitation to night, to perform this neglected duty. Everything goes on as usual and you would hardly know that Thanksgiving had just interrupted the old routine of College duties. The Catalogues are out at last. I enclose you one, by to night's mail—It seems that the Freshmen are ahead of us in members, but they will hardly be so when the next issue comes out. Our stands will / be given out early next term. I can not expect to be in the first half of the class, but possibly I may. I do not care to graduate. if I can find a good situation in some lawyer's office or something better, I shall jump at the chance, and save the expense, and time of a full college course. I do not wish to graduate with a law appointment, and I do not wish to study for a high stand. Perhaps I am wrong, but I much prefer other literary improvement to translating Horace & Demosthenes, and the former I can get much cheaper than here. I will talk it over with you when I come home, which will be a week from this afternoon. I shall spend the vacation in writing my debate, and although I do not expect a prize, I shall write my best. I have not had a letter from any one since I returned. /

 

We had quite a fall of snow a day or two since, but a heavy rain is carrying it off very fast. Have you any snow? I have not seen a Bulletin lately. Prof Loomis has arrived and taken his place in Chapel. I believe he has not begun his duties yet. He looks quite stern, and generally like a Prof. I do not think of any other news. Have not seen Mrs. Oaks lately. Should be glad to hear from you or any of the family. I suppose the girls will be going down to N.Y. soon. I must bring some beans back with me. I am quite well—Love to the folks & yourself from

Your aff son Cha^s

 

[overleaf]

 

Cha^s

Ansd Dec 12/60

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