mperance Lecture this evening. He intends
becoming a member of the Temperance Society; indeed I do not know
but he has signed the paper already. He is a good little dear, and I
approve of everything (_almost_ smoking) he does. He is becoming an
advocate of vegetable diet, Dr. Mussey's hobby; and Clara and I have
nothing but lectures from him and Alexander, upon corsets.

The following extract gives us a glimpse of his literary work:--

BRUNSWICK, Nov. 2, 1834.

Henry comes on famously with Outre Mer. The No. on Spain is finished
and that on Italy will be before Thanksgiving. It is by far more
interesting than any of the other No's. Henry thinks himself it is
much superior in point of interest and in style. I presume he will
have the remaining No's published together in N. Y. this winter.

In the midst of such literary and household cares he received the
following letter:--

CAMBRIDGE, December 1, 1834.

DEAR SIR,--Professor Ticknor has given notice that it is his
intention to resign his office of Smith Professor of Modern
Languages in Harvard University, as soon as the Corporation shall
have fixed upon a successor.

The duty of nominating to that office devolves upon me; and after
great deliberation and inquiry my determination is made to nominate
you for that office under circumstances which render your
appointment not doubtful,--provided I receive a previous assurance
from you of your acceptance of it. To ascertain this is the object
of the present letter.

The salary will be fifteen hundred dollars a year. Residence in
Cambridge will be required. The duties of the professorship will be
of course those which are required from the occupant of a full
professorship, and such as the Corporation and the Overseers may
appoint. If a relation such as I suggest with this university be
acceptable to you, I shall be obliged by an early answer.

Should it be your wish, previously to entering upon the duties of
the office, to reside in Europe, at your own expense, a year or
eighteen months for the purpose of a more perfect attainment of the
German, Mr. Ticknor will retain his office till your return.

Very respectfully, I am
Yours, etc., etc.,