I have deferred answering your letter,1 that I might be able to answer it more to your satisfaction than I could otherwise have done.

My own Family is not a desirable place for the purpose, which you mention. I am too often & too long absent, at most all seasons of the year; &, when at home, am too much occupied by company, & various avocations, to render such attention as I would wish, even to my own children. Opportunities would, therefore, frequently occur for eluding my utmost vigilance; & these, I need not inform you, Sir, would present temptations to a child. I send my own children abroad, to acquire the rudiments of ordination.

Mr. Henry Davis,2 Senior Tutor of this College, & Professor of Divinity elect, has a family, of a few boys, whom he is preparing for a Collegiate education. Among them are a son of Mr. Senator Hillhouse,3 & of Judge Peters, of Philadelphia.4 No person, within my knowledge, is more competent to perform this business, both kindly & skillfully. Mrs Davis is a daughter of Judge Treadwell, of Plattsburg, & is a very respectable & amiable woman.5 The terms, on which Mr. Davis will board & instruct your son, should you wish to place him under his care, are two & a half dollars for his board, exclusive of washing, firewood, & candles; & three fourths of a dollar for his instruction; pr week. His washing, firewood, & candles, will amount to a moderate sum only.

Should you determine to send your son to Mr. Davis, he will receive him, at the beginning of February. Should you determine otherwise, & should you think of any way in which I can be of service to you, please to command me. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient & very humble Servant,