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Newton Corner, December 19, 1864
My Dear Son
At last 'something has turned up in your favor which I hope will be for your good, the poet says there is a tide
in 'the affairs of men if taken at flood leads on to fortune' but this river is full of rocks and sholes and
perhaps sunkin torpedoes which must be avoided by the navigator. It is important that he should be a good pilot
and avoid all these dangers. The strongest man and the best of pilots need help, yes help from our heavenly
father he must put his trust in God.
I do not understand how you can have a clerkship at Washington and stay in Minnesota other months in the year you
of course can explain this. I should think from hearing the letter read you sent to Jennie that you had decided
to become a politician it is said to be vexatious and troublesome life costs all it is worth and more too I should
like much to see Washington I sopose it is a lively place during the sesson of congress it would be gratifying
to see an hear the grate men of the nation. but i shal probably never see it as I have becom an old man and
feal the infirmities of age.
Jennie and the little one send much love I do not know that I have ever felt more happy in any circumstance during
my whole life than I did in hearing of the change in your circumstance from a life of toil and small remuneration
to comparative ease.
That god will prosper and help you is the prayer of your affectionate Father
W.R. Kelley
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