Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1842-08-18

L0dL uellcu dIl MS eHOEIS ana comparison OF
the context to understand. To help him in
this difficulty, he purchased with his remain.
ing half dollar, at a second hand book stall.
a dictionary. By the aid of this he acquired
the information he sought, much more ra-
pidly. But the more he read, the broader
the UNEMPLOYED eXpanse of knowledge APP
peared to open before him. He did not
however, give way to feelings of discourage
ment, but steadily devoted every evening,
and an hour every morning to study while
all through the day, his mind was bordering
over the things he had read, as his hands
were diligently employed in the labor as
signed him.
1t occurred just at this time that num-
Der of benevolent individuals, established in
the town where James lived, one of those ex-
cellent institutions, an Apprentices Library.
To this he applied, and obtained the book
he needed. Instead however, of resorting to
the library for mere books of amusement, he
borrowed only those from which he could
obtain the rudiments.o OF learning, such as
text books of science. =.
He early felt the necessity, from having
read book on Astronomy, with strong de-
sire to master its contents, for mathematical
knowledge, and the effort to acquire this b.:
first commenced studying-for he had no
preceptor to guide him-a work on Gcome-
try. In working out problems, he used Il
pair OF shop compasseS with pointed dull
on one of the prongs. And thus, all alone in
his garret frequently until. mdnight--nonc
dreaming of his devotion to the requirement
of knowledge-did the poor apprentice boy
lay the foundation of future emnence and
usefulness. We cannot trace his course,
step by step, through long series of seven
years, though it would afford many lessons
of perseverance and triumph over almost in
surmountable difficulties. But at twenty
one, he was master of his trade; and, what
was more, had laid up vast amount of gee
neral and scientific information. He was
we'll read in history. Had studied thorough
" the science of Astronomy, for which he
ever retained a lively affection. Was famil-
lar with mathematical principles, and could
readily solve the most difficult Geome,rical
and Algebraic problems. His Geographical
knowledge was minute and to this he added
tolerably correct information in regard to
the manners and customs of different nations.
To Natural History he had also given much
attention. But with all his varied acquire
ments, James Wallace felt, on attaining the
age OF manhood, that he knew comparatively
but little.
Let us turn now, for few moments, 10
mark the progress which the young student,
IN one OF the best Seminaries in his native
city, and afterwards at college had made
Like too many tradesmen, whose honest in
dustry and steady perseverance, has gained
them competency, MIR. Lee felt indisposed
10 give his son q trade, or to subject him to
the same restraints and discipline in youth to
which he had been subjected. He felt ana
bilious for him, and determined to educate
him for ono OF the learned professions. To
| this end he sent him to school early, and pro-
vided for the very best of instruction.
Like too many others, he had no love of
learning, nor any right appreciation Of its
Legitimate uses. To be u lawyer, he thought
would be much more honorable, than to be
a mere mechanic, and for this reason alone,
SO tar as he had any thoughts on the subject,
dld ne desire to be lawyer. AS for James
Wallace, he as the poor illiterate appren tice
OF his father, was most heartily despised, and
degree of kind consideration.
AT the age of seventeen, he was sent away
to one OF the Eastern Universities, and there
remalned-except during the semi-annual
vacal'ons-untll he was twenty lone years of
with the honorary title A. B. AT this time
James Wallace was seventeen years of age,
somewhat rough in his appearance, but with
sound mind in sound body. Although,
each day, he regularly toiled ut his work
bench, he rs regularly turned to his book
when evening released him from labor, and
was up at the peep Of dawn, to lay the first
lnIs 0eVotion to the requirement Of know
ledge, won for him no sympathy, no honor
able estimation from his masters son. Ho
despised his condition as an apprentice to
trade. But it was not many years before
M n IN no ivn ha mt hofx
them, although the very day that James COM
pleted his term of apprenticeship, Hartman
was admitted to the bar.
The one completed his education,-so far
as general knowledge and rigid discipline
of the mind was cOncerned,-when he left
college. The other became more really the
student, when the broader and brighter light
of nationality shone clearly on his pathway,
as he passed the Threshold of manhood
James still continued to work mt his trade,
but not for SO many hours each day, as while
he was an apprentice. He was a good and
fast workman, and could readily earn all
that he required for his support, in six or
eight hours of every twenty -four. Eight
hours were regularly devoted to study
From some cause, he determined that no
would make law his profession. To the ac-
quirement of knowledge of legal matters,
therefore, he bent all the energies of well
disciplined mind. Two years passed away
in an untiring devotion to the studies assign
ed himself, and then he made application for
admission to the bar.
Who were admitted yesterdays" asked
Hartman Lee, the day after Wallace had
passed his examination, addressing fellow
member of the bar.
"Some half dozen, and among them q
sturdy young fellow that nobody ever heard