that I am on my way to Natchez, in the State of Mississippi. I wrote to William but little more than a week since, and I had then no more idea of leaving Ohio, than I had, ten years ago, of leaving Maine. Indeed, it is only three days since I thought of it. I had, when I wrote last, several places in view in the city of Cincinnati, but have been disappointed in some of them, and others did not please me. I was, notwithstanding, on the point of taking a school, the wages of which would but little more than have paid my expenses. I thought, however, I would first ask the advice of those gentlemen with whom I had become acquainted; and they all, without exception, advised me—if I wished to spend a year or two, both pleasantly and profitably— to go down the Mississippi to Natchez, where I should, undoubtedly, obtain a situation as tutor in a private family. In Ohio it is much the same with regard to schools as in New England; but it is quite different in Mississippi, and the other Southern States. There they have no system of common schools; and the rich planters, living at a distance from each other, are obliged to have, each of them, a teacher in his own family. Mr. Storer introduced me to a couple of gentlemen who reside in Natchez, and who are now returning with their families from a visit to the North. I am in company with them, and they tell me there is no doubt I can obtain immediately such a situation as I have described. I have, also, an abundance of letters of introduction to persons in Natchez.

When I first thought of going South, I was rather at a loss for the means, as my money was about expended. I had concluded, at length, to take one of the common schools for two or three months, till I had earned enough to carry me to Natchez; but, on mentioning the plan to Mr. Wright (with whom I have been studying), he told me I should not take a school, and very kindly offered me any sum I wished for, without security, and to be repaid whenever I find it convenient. I, at first, refused to avail myself of his generous offer-but, v pon his repeating it, finally borrowed sufficient to carry me down the river. Mr. Wright is, himself, a New England man, and formerly kept the Academy in Portland. He is one of the finest men I ever met

with, and I shall always feel under the greatest obligations to him.

I leave here in the steamboat immediately; and shall, probably, be ten or twelve days in descending the Ohio and Mississippi to Natchez. It is now late in the evening, and I must bid you all 'Good night.' My love to William, Samuel, and all the children; and be assured that, though my distance from home is somewhat increased, my love and affection for it will never be diminished.

Your affectionate son,

S. S. PRENTISS.

In a letter, dated Cincinnati, March 29, 1852, Mr. Wright writes :

I assure you I remember well your brother, S. S. Prentiss, and have always remembered him, with much interest. He was introduced to me by Bellamy Storer, Esq., of the Bar here, formerly of Portland; and, having spent some time in Portland myself, and having many warm friends there, I was led to such conversation with him as occasioned his stating to me his object in visiting the West, his plans, &c. I saw in him very interesting and very promising traits of character, young as he then was, and tendered to him my services, and invited him to spend his time in my office as long as he chose. We took considerable pains to find a school for him, but found no situation at all inviting; one place, at a village about twelve miles out of town, had engaged his attention, and he was thinking strongly of going there to teach a school for the winter, though he disliked it exceedingly; for our Western villages were rough and dull, and he would be removed from all the friends he had made in town. He evidently felt rather downcast at this time, not discouraged for he always showed much energy-but a little home-sick, I thought. There were so many young men flocking West, that it was difficult for them to find employment; teachers were not in demand, as in New England; he was short of

money, and, I saw, was very unwilling to apply to friends for it. He spent his time pretty much in my office; but lawyers' offices here furnish no compensating employment for students. I contrived, however, tothrow some trifle into his hands. In September he became acquainted with a gentleman residing, or well acquainted, at Natchez, who became interested in him, and made such statements to him, in relation to prospects in that region, that he was disposed to try his fortune there. He hesitated a good deal about it, however, and seemed reluctant to separate himself so far, both in place and people, from his early associations. But his native energy prevailed. I told him I had no doubt he would find employment there for the time being, and a good field for enterprise. Yankees of talents and integrity generally succeed there. My only fear was, that he was too modest for that region,-diffident, perhaps, I should say.

"I gave him a couple of letters, one of them to a man who died before he got there, and he started off. I have not often parted with one, after so short an acquaintance, with so much regret. He left here about the beginning of October, 1827, spent near a month in descending the river; and, after teaching more than a year, and completing his legal studies, was admitted to the bar in 1829; and after this, rose, like an eagle cut loose from the cord that had bound it, till he soared above all of his profession in the State, and among the first orators of his times.

"He wrote to me repeatedly, after reaching Mississippi. He could hardly reconcile himself to the country, the manners, the want of New England comfort and neatness; and, for some time, expressed a determination to return North, as soon as he had accumulated the means of finishing the study of his profession.

"While in my office here, he was very studious, sociable, and pleasant; showing clearness and quickness of mind, and great command of language, for one so young. He was retired, rather secluded in his course of life, keeping his main object ever in view. I ever felt great interest in him, and regarded his death, in the very prime and vigor of life as a national loss.

MY DEAR MOTHER:

то HIS MOTHER.

NATCHEZ, MISS., November 8, 1827.

You have, probably, received before this a letter dated at Louisville, Ky., informing you that I had left Cincin nati for this place. I arrived here yesterday, having been about three weeks in performing the journey. The steamboat ran aground several times upon the sand-bars, on one of which she lay a week. While the hands were getting her off, the passengers would go ashore, and hunt, there being plenty of game in the woods. I came very near, at one time, being left behind by my love of hunting. The boat had run aground one morning, and the captain told us we might go a gunning, as he didn't . think he should be able to get her off before night. Accordingly several of us went ashore with our guns, and went into the woods. I parted from the rest, and followed up a little creek in pursuit of some wild ducks. Having spent a couple of hours, and killed three of the ducks, I returned to the bank of the river-when, behold! the boat was gone. There was a little log cabin close by (the only habitation for perhaps thirty miles round), where I immediately inquired what had become of the boat, and was told she had started at least an hour before. I was, as you may well imagine, in a pretty pickle. They told me, however, that she would, probably, stop to take in wood about two miles below, and that, if I was expeditious, I might, possibly, overtake her. I accordingly threw away my ducks, shouldered my musket and marched on as fast as I could. Upon arriving at the place, I saw the boat had left it, and was nearly half a mile on her way. I hailed her as loudly as possible, when she put about, came back and took me in. But if I had been one minute later, I should have lost my chance. I could have staid, however, at the log-cabin, till another boat came along. But it was a dreary place, and in the midst of the forest. Tell Abby to look upon her map at about the middle of that part of the State of Indiana which borders on the Ohio river, and she will be near the spot.

The country is very little inhabited on the banks either of the

Ohio or the Mississippi. Most of it, along the Mississippi espe cially, is entirely overflowed for half the year. Sometimes there 's a little spot which can be cultivated, and in such places I have seen the corn fifteen feet high. The banks of the Mississippi are also covered with immense brakes of cane, or reed, which grow very thick together, and are of a most beautiful green.

I had letters to some of the first men in Natchez, which I have delivered; and they tell me they have no doubt I shall obtain, in a few days, such a situation as I wish. They appear very friendly, and offer to assist me in any way I may desire.

I am very anxious to hear from you all. You must write often, and tell me how everything goes on at home-how the neighbors do, and what crops you have raised from the farm. Tell Uncle James to write me too, if he has not already done so. You will hear from me again soon. In the meantime, my love to you all.

Your affectionate son,

S. S. P.

то HIS BROTHER WILLIAM.

DEAR BROTHER:

NATCHEZ, November 21, 1827.

You will, no doubt, be glad to hear—at any rate I am glad to be able to write you that I have at length obtained a situation. It is in the family of a widow lady, who lives about twelve miles from here, in the country. She has five children, whom I shall have to teach. It is said to be one of the most respectable families in the country. The lady, too, I understand, is very pious, which will suit mother exactly. Her name is Shields. The great advantage of the situation is, that Mrs. Shields has in her house one of the finest law-libraries in the State-her husband having been formerly Judge of the Supreme Court. I am to have the entire use of this library; so that I shall be in as good a situation for pursuing my studies, as if I were in a lawyer's office. I made the engagement yesterday, and to-morrow shall go out to stay.

I suppose it is not far from Thanksgiving time now. I would