Transcription
Hadley 11th—December 1787
My Son—
Having an opportunity of sending a letter by — Col-Lyman– would inform you we are all well, have heard nothing from you since Gen’l-Porter’s return Mr. Paul Wright sat out this morning for Bolton but as he was going in the Pedling way– did not suppose he would get down so soon as Col-Lyman but defined him to call on you. If you have any thing to send you may have opportunity by him perhaps Saturday or the beginning of the next week.
I would recommend to you, to be particular in learning to write, these long evenings, – Much time may be lost in foolish Company – If you intend to make a scholar, you must be a careful improver of time — you must consider you are arriving to a state of manhood, and are now establishing your Character as a scholar– be not trifoling and Vane in your behavior associate yourself with the Virtuous and Wise — and you will guard against any indecent or profane Language — and always, remember you have business to transact between God and your own soul, every Day read your Bible — and learn to be a sober virtuous youth —
I expect, (if it comes snow) to be at Cambridge the second or third day of January, if there is no — sleighing shall send you a horse — We have had no snow yet — there have been several Deaths in Town since you went down – particularly a Daughter of Dea Smith, perhaps, 20 years old was buried last Sunday —
I am your affectionate Father– Cha- Phelps [Charles Phelps Jr.]
7.
My Father
Dec. 11. 1787
Moses Porter Phelps
Student
Cambridge
Honored by Col- Lyman
From my father dated
Dec 11th 1787
C. Phelps Dec 11 1787