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Hillsboro NC April 5th 1866 Mr. Paul Cameron
Dear Sir Duncan recited on Yesterday a very imperfect lesson in Ceasar. I gave him the same lesson over again; and a short Latin Grammar lesson in addition.- This morning I called upon him to recite and he said "I do not know my lesson".- When asked why he replied "I do not know." - I went then, out of the room to procure some switches to correct a son of Mr Ellis', for some very improper conduct yesterday.During the few minutes I was absent Duncan left and John Ellis says Duncan persuaded his brother Willie to go with him.- I suppose Duncan [illegible] deserves punishment, and
thought I intended correcting him. I regard gentle but firm measures as best adapted to Duncan's character, and am not satisfied that corporal punishment received from a teacher, would do a boy of his age and disposition any good.He is amiable in his disposition and polite in his conduct. He does not lack capacity, but is wanting in attention and application. He has improved some in his Latin, and says it is easier to him He should have at home, regular hours for study and relaxation.He sometimes excuses himself for having imperfect lessons, by saying that attention to domestic matters interferes with his study hours.- I have no doubt he exag-
-gerates this, but I would give him no such pretext. See that he studies at home four hours two hours on his Latin, and the remainder on other studies.- He can easily study two hours in the evening, an hour at night, and an hour in the morning. When his lessons are well prepared he is not in school more than four hours per day, and eight hours out of the twenty four is not too much for a diligent student.- His conduct this morning is reprehensible, especially in enticing a little boy, much younger than himself from school. But. Kindness. Patience, judicious correction, and persevering watchfulness may yet make Duncan, under the blessing of God, an intelligent and useful man.- Please see where he
is and return him to school.- I will help you as far as possible in trying to make a man of him.-
He may try our patience but we have sinned against the Patience of God far more than any human being can sin against us, yet God treats us kindly.-
Respectfully & Truly Your friend H G Hill
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