Although sixty years have passed, I think now, as I thought then, that
it was the most impressive performance I ever witnessed. . . ."

In a letter dated December 24, 1828, addressed to his sister
Harriet--the first that has come to our hands from Mount Pleasant--he
gives some account of his manner of life at school, and various
experiences:


DEAR SISTER:

. . . . I have to rise in the morning at half-past five o'clock, and
after various little duties, such as fixing of room, washing, etc.,
which occupies about an hour, we proceed to breakfast, from thence to
chapel, after which we have about ten minutes to prepare for school.
Then we attend school from eight to twelve. An hour at noon is allowed
for diversions of various sorts. Then dinner. After that school from
half-past one to half-past four. At night we have about an hour and a
half; then tea. After tea we have about ten minutes; then we are
called to our rooms till nine.

Now I will tell you how I occupy my spare time in reading, writing, and
playing the flute. We are forming a band here. I shall play either
the flute or hautboy. I enjoy myself _pretty_ well. In Latin I am
studying Sallust. As to ease, all I have to do is study straight
ahead. It comes _pretty_ easy. My Greek is rather hard. I am as yet
studying the grammar and Jacob's Greek Reader. In elocution, we read
and speak alternately every other day.

. . . . I find it hard to keep as a Christian ought to. To be sure, I