Oliver Baker 1822 (1826-1834)

Mr. Otis Baker Templeton (Mass)

Brother Oliver's August 17th 1824

My dear brother, I received, date 12th, and am astonished at the contents when I consider the conduct of Calvin and when I think of your Exeter affairs, and when I found you had not received my letter which I reposited in the post office, I think the 7th or 8th of the month, I am under the most fearful apprehensions that it is lost for it must have searched Templeton before you wrote if it had gone on & contained five dollars for the payment of my cloak. If you have not received it please to let me know immediately. We must consider all affliction as sent to make us better and that the author of our existence the author also of our happiness and he has a perfect right to disappoint our hopes and fondest expectations if he thinks best, now I can weep for you and mingle my sympathy with ^{you on account of} your unfortunate circumstances, but I know of no better advice to give you than is contained in the letter which Calvin wrote in the fall: and I hope you will compose yourself with the assurance that matters will be adjusted after a while. I told Mr Clement your stait and he says, "Exeter people must be satisfied till you can go, for he says he if your brother has ever made known his condition it is enough, let the ^[?] fuss if he is rejected at that place he can come here and do better; for he adds I wonder he went there at all: and I can encourage you with aspects of taking my place if you

find it expedient to come, that is, if I continue in favor with this family. I have a higher opinion of Andover than I can have of Exeter and should be happy to have you come here yet though not to the disappointment of Mr Abbot. I noticed one thing that pleased me in your letter. It was that you are still determined on the course which you have chosen. May our common Father enable you to accomplish your purpose. I told you in the other letter what seemed to me worthy of mentioning. I shall not repeat it and have not much more to say. I wish to be rememebred to all the relations and to all who wish me well. Please, if it in your pleasure, to give my best respects to the Jones and their sister, to Dr. Partridge and his sister to H. Alden and his sister to those old companions Joseph [Sr.?] and [?] S.M. [Fall?] &c Partidge. I often think of him and desire much to see. I have some books that ^I should be pleased to send to one or two or three of my old acquaintances and I hope you will give me soon an opportunity. I am very sorry to put this in the post office but there is no other way of sending it and I wish you to write immediately, if you have not received my letter. I you have, you need not write till April and then ^{or before that time} I shall hope to hear better news.

I am ever your affectionate brother Oliver Baker

March 21^st 1825 Brother Oliver's

(Single)

Mr Otis Baker Templeton (Mass)