Eagle Harbor, N. Y., July 26, 1861
My Dear Children, Henry and Edson,
We have not forgotten you, dear boys; but we often think of you,
and pray that blessing of God may be with you. We are anxious that
you should form correct habits. We are from you so much, and you
are left so much to yourselves, that you may be in danger of falling
into careless habits, which will not increase your happiness, and which
may make those around you unhappy. I have just been reading in a
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book entitled, “How to be a Man.” I will copy a few lines, and you
can apply as your case is met. “Slovenliness. A slovenly boy makes
himself a deal of needless trouble, and greatly tires the patience of his
mother. If you go into his room you find it always in confusion. His
things are scattered about, here and there, some on the bed, some on
the chairs, and some on the floor, but none in their places. He either
has no particular place for anything, or else he takes no pains to put
things in their places. He leaves a thing where he uses it. Hence if he
wants anything he never knows where to look for it, unless he happens
to remember where he used it last. He must waste his time in hunting
for it. Hence you will often hear him impatiently inquiring if any one
has seen his things, when he ought himself to know where they are. If
he goes into another person’s room, whatever article he lays his hand
upon is misplaced. And so it is if he uses any of his father’s tools.
He never thinks of putting anything where he found it. He throws it
down carelessly wherever he happens to be, or else puts it in the wrong
place. With these untidy habits, is associated carelessness. He never
seems to be thinking what he is
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about. He lays his hat on a chair, or throws it upon the floor. Thus he
tries the patience of his mother, and makes himself unwelcome at his
own home.”
Dear children, I do not write merely for your amusement, but for
your improvement. Learn where you fail, and then commence the
work of reform in earnest. You must learn order. Have set hours to
work in the garden, set hours in the heat of the day to arrange your
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