To Morgan Walter Jones

Truro. September 23, 1799

Dear Jones,

Be so good as to tell my bedmaker that I shall be in Cambridge about the latter end of next week. This is the object of my letter, but I may as well fill up the rest of the paper by writing down all the nonsense I can think upon. I make no doubt but that you have made such advances in the mathematical way, that you will have no more occasion to read before you take your degree whereas I, poor forlorn youth, have long since given up the idea of being classed at all next examination. This is my case. I very foolishly deferred beginning study [damaged – until?] the latter part of the vacation, consoling myself in my idleness, and idleness will always find some excuse; that perhaps I should remember. Some time ago, I sent off the few books I brought down to Cambridge by the waggon and the Newton by accident was put in; before I discovered it, it was too late. Can you withhold your pity from such an unfortunate wight? You are of course no longer to consider me as a reading man.

Have you heard from Cotterill lately? I promised faithfully to write to him but I never have. Tho I shall see you so soon, yet I must beg the favor of your answering me immediately and let me know who are in college. You may as well too say something about Ms T5 – tho I have seen thousands better than she, yet I have still some small curiosity respecting her. Remember your usual punctuality in correspondence. When you receive a letter from Cotterill or Cook, you answer it on the spot, double up your letter, put it in the superb breeches pocket and away with it to post-office. Be sure to treat me in the same manner.

My time had been so taken up with the nice girls that I now never think of Cambridge without silent horror. Indeed I dread to begin to read again, as the intense fag necessary to restore me is indeed truly terrific in the prospect. By this time I should think, the players must be with you. I did mean at first to be there in time, but home has many more attractions.