DEAR SIR, — I remember
you well as one of the littlest boys on one of the lowest seats in the old
schoolhouse at "Connecticut Corner," in Dedham.
I have a vivid
recollection of how my heart used to exult in hope as I saw the “little
fellows" in jacket and trousers, out of whom my imagination used to make
good and true men for the country and the world. And if you can conceive how it
must delight me to have those visions realized in a single case, then you may
compute the pleasure which I enjoy in the receipt of many, many such
remembrances as yours. Your father* was one of my best friends, and I have
great respect for his memory. I am glad you are to go among the men who make
laws, and, what is more efficacious than laws, public opinion, for the
community. Nor am I less delighted to hear, that, in your political
convictions, you are attracted towards Mr. Seward. I say attracted towards Mr.
Seward; for I do not quite agree with him on some views which I consider ultra:
and yet, in the main, he holds sound doctrines, and certainly supports them
with ability.
As to your course of
action, allow me to express the hope that you will connect yourself with
educational, charitable, and philanthropic spheres of action, rather than with
party combinations and schemes. As soon as it is understood in what direction
your taste and predilections lead you, you will find yourself placed in those
positions, or falling into them naturally, and as if by gravitation.
Two years ago, I
revised the whole system of Massachusetts common schools; and if you have any
desire to see my work, and will address our Secretary of State, asking for a
copy of my revised Tenth Report, I doubt not he will send it to you.
May I suggest to you
to purchase and read and study two volumes, just published, of Charles Sumner's
orations? You will find them full of the most noble views and inspiring
sentiments. I could wish a young man, just entering political life, to do
nothing better than to form his conduct after the high models there presented.
Excuse the haste of
this letter, written, as most of my correspondence is, in the midst of constant
interruptions; and believe me very truly yours,
* John Baker,
Sheriff of Norfolk County.
SOURCE: Mary Tyler
Peabody Mann, Life of Horace Mann, p. 344-5
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