Sparta, March 7, 1854.

Miss M.M. Carnes,

Having a little leisure this evening, I have an opportunity and the pleasure of addressing you briefly. I am happy to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24th. It is a very interesting thing. It was interesting to me, intrinsically, particularly the expression of your feelings on visiting your valley home. I trust you have, ere this, enjoyed the felicity of gazing upon those endeared scenes. But apart from any particular sentiment it (your letter) contained, it possessed a charm. It could not be otherwise, when Mary was its author.

You intimate some dislike to Sparta. I do not know what your objections are. I have thought that you would soon become pleased with the place. I am confident that I could be contented were you here. I have been boarding with Mr. Anderson, the Cashier, for the last two weeks. Boarding at a private house in Sparta is worth $1.50 per week.

I am getting quite familiar with the business which I have to perform. I had the old clerk to assist me two weeks - since that I have done the business myself. It does not require my whole time. My presence is required from 9 o'clock A.M. till 3 P.M. I will have considerable time for reading. I have not read any till this week. I have made a start on Blackstone's Commentaries. It is a great undertaking. I must, therefore, be the more diligent.

I learned by a letter from Mr. Gernand that you have a large school again. He thought you would have an agreeable session. I have rented my property to Mr. Pettit. He will commence his school next session. We have two schools going on in Sparta. Mr. Marquis and Mrs. Cummings principals. Some dislike to Mr. Marquis' manner of teaching.

I hope you will not be so busy teaching that you cannot say what you want to. I would be happy to hear from you soon. Are you studying yet? How many classes do you hear? Who is teaching this session? Is there a Mr. Cheatham in College? etc. etc.

Yours Affectionately

W.J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
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