quite as few frailties, or weaknesses, as attach to any
of us. In the sports and amusements of that day he stood well with his
fellows, and was well received in ever society. Of course, from what I
have said, you will infer that he was of an amiable disposition,
exhibiting less of heated temper than most of us. Not quick in
inviting a quarrel, but, being in, defending himself resolutely and
manfully. I do not think he was the favorite of his parents at that
day. Edward was. John, another brother, was passionate and hard to
govern, but he was the only one of the family who had these qualities
in a marked degree.

"I think Joseph gave as little cause for anxiety to his parents
and friends as any boy could possibly do. He has been taken from us,
and I have written in a more public manner (as editor of 'The
Republican') my estimate of his character in all the relations of
life," &c.,&c.

At the age of twelve years, his brother John, who was two years
older than himself, was taken sick and died. This was the first great
sorrow that your dear grandfather ever knew. I have often heard him
speak of it, but never without a shade passing over his countenance,
denoting that time could not efface the recollection of that painful
event. Oh, how his loving young heart must have swelled with
unutterable grief when his playmate brother lay in his coffin, so still
and cold, his hands clasped upon his breast, with cheeks so pale, and
his bright blue eyes dimmed and closed! But grandpa still had brothers
and sisters left, and a kind father and mother. The world which looked
so dark, soon became a pleasant world to him again; the flowers looked
pretty and the air was fresh, and he was again seen sporting and
romping. But at night, when he knelt down to pray, and his thoughts
went up to Heaven, he would think of his brother, and, weeping, to
relieve his little, aching heart, he would go to bed, feeling lonely
and sad.

Did you ever think what a blessing it is to go to sleep, my dear
little children? What pleasant dreams; and how gay and bright the
morning appears after a good night's rest upon a comfortable bed. And
do you ever think how good God is to have given you a praying mother,
when so many little children have never heard of God or Heaven?
Grandpa had a Christian mother, too, and she taught him to pray. She
told him all about the great God who made Heaven and earth, and all
things, and about his SON JESUS, who ca