William Plunkett 1850

wiahed to have me remember him to Father when I saw him but I suppose it will answer all purposes to tell him now. Did you see the piece in the Boston Post about Father?

From your affectionate son William

Editors Paper

Saturday Eve Nov 1848

My Dear Mother

Sarah's letter "was duly received" and although I was very much pleased I think I shall not answer it now as a punishment for her former neglect. If she never suffers any greater punishment than this for her omissions of "duty" she may think herself truly fortunate.

Agreeably with the permission I received from home I shall leave Mrs Peirce next term. I shall room with Dorsheimer at Mrs Downe's until one of the theologians leaves which will probably be next March. By this arrangement we have two rooms one a sleeping room without a stove & the other a larger room for a study. It will be cheaper than remaining here for it will be only $2.75 a week besides the saving of fuel &c. 4.00 dollars a week term will be saved on board & rooms and the study room is much better furnished and a better room. The sad &

melancholy duty of telling Mrs Peirce that I was going to leave her has been done this P.M. She appeared very sorry indeed and in fact I did not like to leave the place where I had staid as long but the recollection arose that at dinner I found a whole white worm in thbread collecting which fact such feelings were entirely [illegible] . She has taken my carpet at one dollar less than what it cost me which makes it only 50 cents a term which I think speaks well of the care I have taken of it. Of my future chum I presume you have often heard me speak. He is a good scholar fine writer (as my Mirrors can testify) and a sound debater and is gifted with about as much musical talents as I am. His character is good and he stands well in the estimation of our worthy principal. And to complete the description he is six feet three inches tall a hard student and very ambitious.-- Our examination is rapidly approaching so our various talents are employed in preparing for the dreaded event. I shall be able to be at home once more Tuesday night unless I am detained by some cause now unknown. Not next Tuesday but one week from next Tuesday. According to ^the present ^appearance of the political horizon I suppose that next Wednesday night I shall again be duly

installed into the favorable office of editor for the Philo. If I am elected I shall accept as I shall have time to write some vocation and Dorsheimer is going to be elected President of the said Soc so he not being another honorable editor will have time to write some for me as he says he will. Perhaps you think I speak quite confidently of my prospects in the coming campaign but I think my prospect of defeat quite small with out ever any "pipe laying". But the election returns will show the result. The paper I am now writing on is some paper which is allowed the editors as you have undoubtedly judged from the stamp in the corner.-- I hope that my decision in regard to my future vocation has pleased you & Father. I think from what I can judge of my own character that I am as well qualified as for that as anything else and I hope [illegible] by dint of hard exertion and perseverance to stand among the first in my profession. Whether this hope will or will not be realized time only will tell.-- I shall be under the necessity of asking for about $15.00 more although I shall probably not need quite all of it still I think it would be as well to send all that amount. I have tried to be

as economical as I could this term without being stingy although perhaps I have not suceeded but a student's wants are almost numberless. My wilsen I shall bring home with me for the benefit of ^the"home folks". Aftr seeing the "baby" and [bells?] I shall next proceed to the library to see "very" splendid edition of Macauley. I have been reading what Dr. Ladd says about reading and was much struck with the remark he made in regard to reading which was "illegible: non multa sed hulton". Have Prince prepared for the dreaded event of my return. Remeber me to all. As this is probably the last letter this term good bye until I see you.

Yours affectionately William

Mrs TF Plunkett Pittsfield Mass