S. S. [Sidenote: A Birthday Letter] _Elijah and Mary Cobb to their Son, Elijah Cobb, 2nd_ Brewster, _27^{th} June 1820_ Dear Son Your affectionate parents fondly recolect that This Day, compleats the full time of 21 years, since the _Supreem_ doner of every thing, was pleased to gladen the parential heart in the birth of a Son; Who has since continued his existance thro” Infancy; thro” Youth, & bro^{t} him to the commincment of manhood, without suffering any action (of their childs) to wound their hearts; What abundant cause of greatfull Praise for those inestimable favours,--May He enable them to suplicate with fervency & _effect_, to continue His Mercies to them & their children, & may it laden all their hearts with a greatfull song of Thankgiving & Praise,--We recieved your letter by M^{r} Copeland & noted your observations upon M^{r} H’s enquiries, we think it wou’d be as well, to continue where you are a while, (at least) untill the Fall,--But altho” I wou’d not inculcate the Idea of taking the advantage of any ones necesity; I think as M^{r} H. has contributed so _very_ sparringly to y^{r} support during the long time you have remained with him, He ought now to give you a full support _at least_ untill you see your way clear to commince business for yourself, which time we look forward to with pleasure, mixed with a degree of anciety, naturel to parential feelings always antious for the wellfare of their ospring. prehaps the old edage will apply, _that effection is blind_, but we feel confident (from your former & present deportment) that propriety, entigrity, virtue & piety will govern all your actions,--Those virtues exercised by a finite being will receive an _infinite_ approbation & blessing-- Every advice, & every assistanc from your Parents, will at all times be cheerfully bestowed, & it is (we presume) unnecesary to ask, who is so suitable to advise a child as its fond doating parents--We will close for the present, by supplicating Our Heavenly Father, to take you into His holy keeping; to direct each gardian Angel to watch over you, that no improper action may ever sully a good name or wound y^{r} parents feelings Affectionately Yours E. & M. COBB NB. Debby is favourably convalessent. wish you to inform me, if you hear any thing from Cap^{t} Tycross, or M^{r} Hathaway-- We hope Mrs Haven will come with Lincoln (expect him the next tide) we shall be highly pleased with a visit from her, & think it can be made pleasant to her. [Sidenote: To His Son] _Elijah Cobb to his Son, Elijah Cobb, 2nd_ Brewster 2^{d} Jan^{y} 1836 Dear Son