DEAR FRIENDS: Of course you will be curious to know how it happened that some persons in this place—Marshall, Texas—suddenly conclude to read the AMERICAN MISSIONARY, consequently I send you these words of explanation. I am indebted to your schools for all the education I possess. I attended Straight University five months—from January to June, 1874; then beautiful Fisk University nearly nine months—from September to May, 1879, entering college regularly with the class. Commencement over, I set out for Texas, earnestly desiring to secure means to go through with; but, owing to bad health and the want of proper precaution, I failed. I was unwilling to return immediately to Fisk University empty-handed, to give my teachers additional concern about my welfare, and, as I am firmly resolved to complete the course, everything to the contrary notwithstanding, something had to be done. Hence I decided to remain in Texas a few months longer, giving my wife, who is at Nashville, the choice of remaining there or joining me here, until the difficulty is past. I could get no paying work right away, having walked upwards of two hundred miles and spent three weeks of valuable time in the search. Finally, weary, foot-worn and exhausted, I fell under the effects of intermittent fever—indeed, I was in trouble. Nothing remained, then, but to be idle two months or more, at the expiration of which I could begin to teach, in accordance with a contract that I then held. In the meantime my class would be making progress; this thought, believe me, gave me as much concern as my ill-health. I carried the subject to the Lord in prayer and became reconciled. I reached Marshall, on the 22d instant. I plainly stated my case to the teachers of this Institution. They seemed to sympathize with me, and on the following morning assigned me work. Thus, you see, I am doing something, though it may be very little.