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The Major seems a good deal
interested in his German studies and
translations – and Clark (the young
man who was at Uncle William’s)
is putting the little boys through –
I think he will very likely earn
his board, if he holds out – and
it is time the little fellows were
able to read, if nothing more.

I enclose you an official letter to
the Ill. delegation, from Francis –
and you will probably receive
letters from others. It is best to
present all you get, but make
it a point to ignore party pol-
=itics altogether – Hear but speak
not on any of the exciting ques-
=tions of the day – unless it
be a question common to all
parties, or one in which all might
naturally suppose interesting to you,
apart from party politics. But
the best plan, after all, will be
to express no opinion at all,
outside of your own concerns.

But you have tact enough to
know when to keep silent, I do
believe – and one who listens makes
friends, if he does not gain knowledge –
God Keep you – Old Father