I have the pleasure to inform you that your daughter Mary begins to repay us all, for the care we have bestowed upon her, she reads her history to me in the morning, & is careful to correct every wrong pronunciation when pointed out to her. She recites her lessons perfectly, practises two hours every day with great care and attention, & is never out of temper when any little fault is pointed out to her. Mrs. H—— is much delighted with the manner & intelligence displayed in Sabbath school. She is the joy of her mother’s heart, by the respect & attention she shews her on all occasions—and has more than repayed me for the many hours I have labored to help you to give her a genteel education. I think you will be justly proud of such a daughter, & she will, by her conduct in your present Seminary, be a living recommendation to your skill in forming the female character. July 1833. MY DEAR JOHN. Miss Sheddon told us yesterday, of some trouble you have had among your Teachers. I had hoped that their places & employments were so definitely arranged as to preserve harmony, but I find selfishness will prevent happiness in this world, how glad I am that it cannot enter Heaven. We are not without our trouble here the same spirit of fault finding as prevailed last winter has begun to show itself. Miss J is the sufferer, as she has the care of the older scholars, who are ambitious, & there is one who has risen by her superior mind far above her companions, & several have become jealous of her, & of Miss J, & accuse her of partiality. Miss Landon says there never was a more faithful & conscientious teacher, but she thinks the persecution she suffers will drive her back to Geneva, where they are constantly soliciting her return. I am afraid that the next generation of women, instead of being improved by their superior advantages, will be a poor, weak, inefficient & selfish race, as parents will listen to all their whims & indulge them in sloth & petulance. They are not allowed to endure any hardships any privations, to give up their own comforts to accommodate others, or to be willing that others should be wiser, more genteel, or handsomer than themselves. I am afraid that the next generation instead of showing the hardy Roman virtues, will be mere Italians, without energy, patriotism or humility—& all this originated in the indulgence & overweening fondness of parents, & school Teachers cannot overcome it, & therefore it is a most undesirous employment. I am thankful I lived in an age of parental discipline, Or I would never have discharged the duties of my office as many years as I have done. & that in my old age I am not obliged to continue the employment, & have only the trouble of sympathising with _all_ the Teachers in our country. When are you and Mr. Van —— coming to L’d—or had you rather