“And as I have grounded myself upon the principle, that my character is, under the smiles of heaven, to be the work of my own hands, it becomes necessary for me to determine upon what part of active or of speculative life I mean to rest my pretensions to eminence.  My own situation and that of my country equally prohibit me from seeking to derive any present expectations from a public career.  My disposition is not military; and, happily, the warlike talents are not those which open the most pleasing or the most reputable avenue to fame.  I have had some transient thoughts of undertaking some useful literary performance, but the pursuit would militate too much at present with that of the profession upon which I am to depend, not only for my reputation, but for my subsistence.

“I have, therefore, concluded that the most proper object of my present attention is that profession itself.  And in acquiring the faculty to discharge the duties of it, in a manner suitable to my own wishes and the expectations of my friends, I find ample room for close and attentive application; for frequent and considerate observation; and for such benefits of practical experience as occasional opportunities may throw in the way.”

The following letter from John Adams, at this time Vice President of the United States, written to his wife at Quincy, will be interesting, as showing, among other things, his anxiety that his sons should make some start in life, which would give promise of future usefulness.  He was far from believing that sons should repose in idleness on the reputation or wealth of parents.

“Philadelphia, 2 March, 1793.  “My Dear, “Your letter from your sick chamber, if not from your sick bed, has made me so uneasy, that I must get away as soon as possible.  Monday morning, at six, I am to set off in the stage; but how many days it will take to get home, will depend on the roads or the winds.  I don’t believe Abby [his daughter,] will go with me.  Her husband [Col.  William S. Smith,] is so proud of his wealth, that he would not let her go, I suppose, without a coach-and-four; and such monarchical trumpery I will in future have nothing to do with.  I will never travel but by stage, nor live at the seat of government but at lodgings, while they give me so despicable an allowance.  Shiver my jib and start my planks if I do!

“I will stay but one night in New York.  Smith says that my books are upon the table of every member of the Committee for framing a constitution of government for France, except Tom Paine, and he is so conceited as to disdain to have anything to do with books.  Although I abused Smith a little above, he is very clever and agreeable; but I have been obliged to caution him against his disposition to boasting.  Tell not of your prosperity, because it will make two men mad to one glad; nor of your adversity, for it will make two men glad to one sad.  He boasts too much of having made his fortune, and