Monday July 21st 1862.
Dear Father:
Yours was received Sat. It is exceedingly painful to me, that you see in me nothing but a reprobate; but if what I wrote you had not the effect intended and desired, I must postpone my case and appeal to the Future. And now, once more and finally, I will say what I could not to your face, that I have maintained in College a strictly moral course. Ask for yourself, any man in college, teacher or taught—or any one who knows. If this does not satisfy you—no, if this does not modify the feeling which you would / otherwise feel at my dismissal for a surplus of four marks—then I despair. In regard to your consulting with the Faculty, it will do no good, at least this term. Our Valedictorian, who is quite intimate with him, has been to the President, as have Prof. Thacher and several of the most influential men in my class and '62, but the answer is that nothing can be done at present. If you could see the Pres. in vacation or at the beginning of next term, I have not the slightest doubt that I could get back in three or four weeks after the opening of the term. So that, on the whole, I see no necessity for your presence here on my account. I will settle my bills and come home the last of the week. Of course no inquiries will be made about me till the / close of vacation, and by that time I may be back. Look on the bright side, Father, and all may be well yet. It may be the best possible thing for me. If it teaches me regularity, it certainly will. I hope you will take my advice, and not attempt to do any thing with the Faculty this term, as it may injure our cause for the future, since if they should commit themselves now, they will be less likely to revoke their decision hereafter. I enclose my bills—and with much love I am
Your aff. son
Chas—
I can't get my washing bill till tomorrow. It will probably be, as usual, about $6.00—
[overleaf]
Chas
July 21/62