I came here intending to remain and complete my college course which the war interrupted, but the old Hill is so different from its former self that I begin to think seriously of going elsewhere. It is melancholy to contemplate the change. I can well understand the feelings of the old Indian who came back from the far West to visit once more his native hunting grounds & found himself alone & unknown where years before he was accustomed to sport with crowds of merry companions. Such is my situation now. New faces & cold hearts meet me every where. Our old club is no longer in existence. I shall not endeavor to revive it. Some of the most pleasant memories of my life are connected with the exercises of that old club room. That genial flow of wit & humor, jest & ready repartee which made our hall so attractive and beloved cannot now be equaled by the material which we have in College and I would not burlesque those good old times by introducing a miserable failure. I have procured for my room the office in Dr. Mallet's yard formerly occupied by Charlie Martin. The Doctor's medical library remains in it and a skeleton used by him hangs on the wall by the side of my bed. So you see if I should change my decision & conclude after all to study medicine & go on with you to New Orleans this winter I have an excellent opportunity here to do so. The fact is, Ruff , I really dont know what I am fit for, or whether I am fit for anything at all. I know this much however, that I must work for my bread and I dislike very much to begin. One principle reason why I come here is that I may postpone the choice of a profession until I recieve more light on the subject. I am afraid you will think I am fickle & probably I may be so, but I do not believe it. I only think it is that natural distrust of one's self & fear of making a false step which every young man is apt to feel when about to make choice of a profession. I would like to know your opinion with regard to what course would suit me best. You are as well acquainted with my nature as any one else, know my weak points, and (if I have any) strong ones, and upon your judgment I would place great reliance. Now, Ruff , I did say that next time my letter should be a long one but I really cant write it now, I will however before long. I have just recieved terrible news from home to day. I have got more kinsfolks than I had when I left. On the 16th of last month a little sister was born, and I can hardly think of anything else. Please answer this letter as soon as you get it and let your reply be lengthy. Good bye.