New Haven Mch. 4^th '62

 

Dear Father—

                        Yours of the 3^rd inst. containing $5.00, was received this morning. Thank you very much for your promptness in general, and this time in particular. Your gentle reproof for my remissness in writing home, I bow to, as just and deserved. The innuendo that I only waited till I got out of money, I am inclined to think lightly of, ascribing it not so much to any sober conviction on your part of anything of the kind, as to your partiality for making points. I will write more regularly in future.

 

I believe I am keeping my own, in my studies, have been regular, / with the exception of about a week's absence, on account of a severe sore-throat with indications of diphtheria; have been excused from making up the lessons, am quite well & happy now, and hope for no more interruptions. I saw an account of the ordination at Hebron, in the Bulletin. You must have enjoyed visiting your old parish, though the parishioners must have changed greatly. No doubt you had little difficulty in seeing cause for your gray hairs, when you remembered how long it is since you were settled there. I believe that was your first settlement?

 

            What a terrible flood they have had in California! I have seen it stated some where, that a third of the personal property in the state has been destroyed. I wondered if the Mary Tiffany mentioned in the papers, as having taken a husband, was my old schoolmate. I think she will make Mr. Etting / a good wife. It certainly must have been gratifying to see such immediate fruit of your preaching. I believe it was a similar sermon which induced Cha^s Dyer to join the church. I hope—but Judge not, and ye shall not be judged. It seems to me that your parish is a peculiar one in many respects. there are very few young people, who are generally the subjects of revivals. Formerly your work was with them, and now they are gone out into the world, many of whom look back upon your ministration with great joy. It looks as if God had purposed, that in your last years, you should comfort and prepare the aged, and middle-aged for eternity. I should think the work of raising the fallen, helping the weak, and inspiring piety in those already on the good way, would be especially pleasant to the pastor. I pray that you may not be discouraged, as I think you have no / reason to be.

 

How long the days are getting! I am writing without a light, and it is nearly six o'clock P.M. But it comes suppertime about as soon as usual, and I must close. I should like to read Frank's letter, if it will not be too much trouble to send it. Please give much love to Mother, Sallie & Theo. and believe me

 

Your aff. son

Charlie—

 

All well at Mrs. Oak's—called there a few evenings since.

                                                                                    C.

 

[upside down]

 

Charles

Mar 4. 1862

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