FATHERLY ADVICE OF 1819 REVEALED IN OLD LETTER
The following letter written by Moses Eastman, of the class of 1794, then residing in Salisbury, N. H., to Joseph B. Eastman, his son, of the class of 1824, then in Hanover, was sent to the ALUMNI MAGAZINE by George Maurice Morris 'll, who in commenting upon it remarks that "The first two generations went to Dartmouth, the third and fourth to Amherst. Possibly the 'goings on' wh'ch gave rise to the enclosed letter were the persuasive factors in directing the younger generations to quieter waters."
Mr. Morris further states that it is to Mr. J. B. Eastman, Amherst '04, Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission, that we are indebted for this copy.
From Moses Eastman, 1794, of Salisbury, N. H. To Joseph B. Eastman, 1821 at Hanover.
Salisbury, Oct. 1, 1819 My Dear Son, Your's of Sep. 30 has been rec'd. I expected to have received the remainder of the receipts, but you say nothing upon that subject. Remember my positive injunction is, that you account for every cent rec'd., and contract nodebt for anything mithout consulting me. I hope you are convinced of the necessity and propriety of the most rigid economy in your expenditures—the less you spend now, the more you will have to assist you hereafter.
Remember the caution I have given you with regard to ardent spirits & wine—-"taste not, touch not, handle not"—for of these proceed the most dreadful calamities, which prostrate the best interests of Society. Your observations on the horrible crime of lying are very pertinent and just. How odious and detestable is such a character, and how dreadful the punishment that awaits him.
I must enjoin upon you neatness and cleanliness in your dress. The clothes you left at home are exceedingly filthy. Let me have no occasion to make such remarks in future.
Attend strictly to the most perfect order in the arrangement of every thing within your apartment. If I should pay you a visit, I should be very much pleased to find everything touched with the hand of neatness and order. Let every thing be done decently and in order, is a divine precept and worthy all consideration. An attention to this rule carefully carried into our conduct thro' life would assist us to avoid the snares and temptations of the wicked, the profane, and the idle and intemperate. If this rule could be strictly observed all the vices which deform society would disappear, and heaven would be the portion of man here on earth. I shall be absent next week at Court at Amherst. I will excuse you from writing1 to me for one week and you may write to your Mother (direct your letter to me.)
Week after next write me on some literary subject and you have permission to select one for yourself. Send all the receipts by next mail if you obtain them. If your finger waxes worse and worse you had better apply to the Surgeon. I hope you are sincere in your apparent contrition for your past offences. I hope and pray for your amendment. I require nothing of you but what is conducive to your happiness. Conduct so as to render yourself truly happy and useful to Society and you will bestow the greatest favor in your power on your anxious parent.
