During this period of study at the Academy Cheshire wrote an amusing and original essay on the subject of honesty. Launching into his subject with the statement that there had already been so much written upon it that it was about worn out, he declared that he chose the topic for want of a better one. This introduction was succeeded by the following: "I have been thinking for a long time what else to say about 'Honesty,' but can't think of a single thing which some other boy has not said in his composition since I have been going to school: and I think that I had better practice what I have here attempted to preach, and tell you, Mr. Wilkinson, that it is Monday morning, and that composition never entered into my head Saturday, and so you need not expect much. Instead of a composition I will give you an account of my doings Saturday evening, which I hope you will take as an equivalent." Cheshire then gave an interesting description of a delightful horseback ride he had had with a young lady. He concluded his essay by saying: "I hope this will be taken as a composition. If it is not I hope you will return it as there is enough clean paper on it to write another one."[2] The composition is not only worth quoting for its originality, but also because it brings out a pronounced characteristic of the later man. Complete honesty with himself as well as others, under all conditions, was one of his most outstanding qualities. Joseph continued his studies under Mr. Wilkinson until February, 1866. By that time Dr. Cheshire had secured sufficient funds with which to send his son to college. He was still opposed to sending him to the University for the reason already mentioned and because he felt the fate of that institution at the time was most uncertain. He decided, therefore, to send Joseph to Trinity College at Hartford, Connecticut. Trinity was an excellent school, under the management of the church, and Dr. Cheshire was personally acquainted with its president. Before his son left home for college, Dr. Cheshire told him that he must decide while in school what he wished to do for his life's work. He explained that since he had other children to educate, he would not be able to help him after graduation. His father went on to say that it would be a great happiness to him if his son should decide to go into the ministry, but that was something he must determine for himself. Cheshire later remarked that this was the only time in his memory that his father ever spoke to him of the possibility of making the ministry his life's work.