Boston, Sunday Evening, April 16, 1815.
my Dearest and best of sons,—I hope, and pray God, that this journey may terminate for you better than any one has to those who have travelled for similar purposes.
I can't but believe,—
Deo volente,—should you improve the opportunities put into your hands, it will prove greatly to your advantage, should you live—which may God grant—to return to your native country again.
Our trial on our last parting was more than we could bear for the moment; but, overcome as we were, nothing but an entire reliance on God could support either your mother or me. We committed you, immediately on your quitting our shore and turning your eye with a last look on our town and country, to God, depending on him for support and comfort, and relying on him to protect and encourage your heart while absent, and, when it seemeth to him good, to return you to us again in safety and in health.
This evening the good man,
Mr. Savage, is with us. He is good, or he would not have been here.
Your note by the pilot is just handed to us by the goodness of
Mr. Watson.
Thank you heartily for this favor, for this little remembrance.
We had better do as you say, my son,—‘we are now only to think how soon we shall meet again.’
This little scrap, which contains so much, is a precious morsel to us. We hope you will do your best to unite with us on this point.
Monday, 17.—How often have we thought of you, my dear son, since our parting hands were separated!
The weather has been fine with us. The moon shone bright, and the heavens seemed to favor your departure, and to tell you, while you are doing your duty, you have nothing to fear.
