[323] and also with a very different work,—the ‘Institutiones’ of John Calvin. One of the most interesting works of late years is the ‘Life and Correspondence of Dr. Arnold,’ which I have just read with unbounded delight. He was an admirable scholar, and a good and earnest man. The ‘Life of Lord Eldon’ is clever and entertaining, but is hardly calculated to temper with new virtue the character of the reader. With kindest regards, Ever sincerely yours,
To his brother George.
Boston, Dec. 31, 1844.my dear George,—It is now almost midnight,—an hour after the time when my physicians sentenced me to bed. In truth, however, I am not very regardful of their injunctions. These late hours — the crown of the night–are the choicest of the twenty-four for labor, for reading, and thought; and I feel guilty of a wasteful excess, when I sacrifice them to sleep. Let me say, dear George, how truly happy I have been in the cordial friendship which you have inspired in the Howes. He always speaks of you with very great regard and gratitude. His wife, who is chary of praise, gives it to you most cordially. You will read of the death of Judge Prescott,—aged eighty-two. He passed away most tranquilly. He had dressed for the day and was in his library, when he was seized with a weakness which in twenty minutes closed in death. His fortune is one of the largest ever left by a lawyer in our part of the world. It is said to be three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. At last, the Historical Society propose to publish a volume of ‘Transactions.’ Your article1 will appear. Dr. Bell, the head of the McLean Asylum for the Insane, goes to Europe, at the request of the Committee in Providence, who are about to establish an asylum there. I think you may promote his views; and I have accordingly asked him to call on you. He has the confidence of the best people here, and is reputed to have peculiar skill in the treatment of the insane. I lead a very quiet life this winter, avoiding assemblies of people. Last week I dined out twice,—once with Mr. Webster, to enjoy a turbot (a tribute to him from England), and again to meet him at Mrs. Paige's sumptuous table. It is now past midnight; and the New Year has let fall its first footsteps on the snow. May it have for you an abundant store of blessings! Ever affectionately thine,C. S.
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