wrote the letter to which the following is a reply.

His letter convinced me that my criticism was unnecessarily harsh.

Rochester, Oct. 13, 1871.

MY DEAR FATHER

Your letter of the 10 inst. is before me. I was surprised, and sorry, to find that I had in any way displeased you.

Father, I think you are rather severe, when you say, "You are so unmindful of what you are in Rochester for, as to join serenading parties." You must remember that it was on a Friday night. We have no lessons Saturday, hence, by going out serenading, I neglected no studies. Friday afternoon I studied my Latin and Greek for Monday, and it was easy to get algebra on Saturday; so you are convinced no studies were neglected. You speak as if I intended to make a habit of serenading. In that you are mistaken. There are five of us, who sing together about every week, on Friday evenings, and as our music is as well adapted to serenades as any thing else, we sung a few of them the other night.

Defence.

Noble resolution.

I think if you were here you would think I made "music a recreation." My practice on the organ is certainly a rest, after studying from half-past one to four without stopping. In the evening, I take your advice, and, when weary of study, I wake up the echoes of the piano.

Your wishes in regard to taking an organ will be heeded.

In the foregoing, please don't think me impudent or presumptuous; I have no such idea: I only want to explain things to you. that you may not think your son is spending his time in follies, rather than in study. I will try to do better in the future. I'm sorry that you have been obliged to say that you are "disappointed" in me. Rest assured that it will be my earnest endeavor, during the remainder of my life, so to conduct myself that you will never again be able to make such a statement.

This week has been very pleasant at the University. Every thing has passed off well. We have tough lessons in mathematics, but Latin and Greek are easy.

The Sophomores have tried several times to get the Freshmen into a fight, but we

have kept very cool. Yesterday a party of them stood at the gate and refused to let us pass, but we all went through after a good deal of pulling.

Prex was at the recitation in mathematics yesterday and to-day. He gave us quite a talk about the Chicago calamity, which was very instructive. He speaks to me occasionally.

At the next covenant meeting of the church, please ask for my letter to the First Baptist Church here; Dr. Robbins, pastor.

I am in Dr. Kendrick's class in S. S., and it is as good as a sermon to hear him. The first day I heard him was communion Sabbath, and then I made his acquaintance. The people appear very cordial, and I think it will make me a good church home.

My reading is confined to McKensie's "Life of Dickens," in which I am very much interested. With much love to you and mother, I remain, affectionately,

Your would be dutiful son

MY DEAR FATHER

WILLIE.

Rochester, Nov. 5, 1871.

I suppose by this time you have returned

from your north-western trip.

Seeks his letter to

join church in Rochester.

Reading.

At work in
Mission
Sunday
School.

Feels himself to be a stranger.

Prof. Gilmore asked me to come to the Bethlehem Mission last night, and I went. They have just organized a church with eighty members, and wanted me to play the organ (cabinet), so I consented. Service is held in the morning, and prayer-meeting in the evening.

This A. M. Dr. Anderson (Prex) preached the first sermon. His ideas were deep, and evidently the result of much study. The church was nearly full. This afternoon I went to the mission, and my boys were very good. Mr. Phillips, the Supt., put the singing in my charge; so you see I have all at once taken quite a responsibility upon me, and you may rest assured I will try to acquit myself in a manner that will be creditable to myself as well as to those who gave me the position. But I must go to supper, and thence to teachers' meeting and church.

I have just returned from church, and I don't know when I have been made to feel my situation here as a stranger as to-night. But two members spoke to me, and what they said seemed to be a concentration of an abridgement, so few and precise were their utterances.

If any young strangers come into your meetings, father, please speak to them. You have no idea how lonesome one feels, when neglected by those from whom he should most expect attention.

Please give much love to mother. Hoping you are both feeling the better for your trip, I am

Your affectionate son

MY DEAR FATHER

WILLIE.

Rochester, Nov. 21, 1871.

Yours of the 11th inst. was duly received, and would have been answered sooner, but I have been hard at work most of the time; the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.

I am having grand times at the East Ave. Church, and I have good news for you, viz.: Fassett told me yesterday he had found his Savior. You may imagine my feelings, when you know we are together most all the time. What a pleasant surprise it will be to his parents! At present there is a good deal of religious feeling among the students-"our class." especially.

Dr. Buckland preaches at the church, and a great many students attend. My class are

Grand

times at East Ave. Church.

Conver sions.