Excerpt from Page 1:

"I occasionally flatter myself that you will of your own accord, enter into some business or employment - that may render you a useful member of society and indeed one its of ornaments - Your talents, your information ought not to be wasted. We do not hear much from you or about you of late.  And I know not but you have engaged in something to astonish the world. And it is possible at the age of 24 you may launch your boat upon the deceptive wave of literature, and give the world another Natty Bumpo, taking the [] Wm. Millard as your hero.  Or perhaps find an Oliver Twist among the young Murphys or Masons, with which to enchant the reading public. I should more readily believe this if you had not been nearly a week in producing your last letter to John..."

Letter courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association Archives, 46549 State Hwy 10, Delhi, NY, 13753.