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their solicitations and advice, to resign the fruits of his labour, to change the aim of his life, and to prepare himself for a new vocation, in which, with all his bright gifts, he would probably have sunk below the mere drudges of business. With an affectionate heart, which was alive to the comfort and happiness of all around him, he yielded to domestic considerations, and resolved to enter upon mercantile pursuits. Nothing could be more foreign from his taste, predilections, and habits. In the establishment which he entered, there was an early friend,* who was strongly attached to him, who had a just estimate of his character, and had watched with delight the development of those faculties, of which he had long before formed a pleasing augury, and who now rejoiced in the fulfilment of his hopes. This friend, who had been brought up in Scotland, and imbued with that love of literature which often gives a liberal cast even to those who are not destined for the learned professions, regarded the plan with pain and regret. He knew that a mind thus trained could not be subjected to so new a discipline; that, with whatever fidelity and diligence these duties might be discharged, they would not be pursued with ease and pleasure; and that, finally, after a great loss of valuable time, they would be relinquished in weariness and disgust. Though, therefore, a beloved and cherished companion was thus brought near to him, he still lamented that he was out of place. The motives, however, which led to

VOL. I

• James Robertson, Esq.
5

the sacrifice were too delicate and commendable to admit of any opposition.

Mr. Hobart commenced his new employment with all the industry, ardour, and zeal for which he was distinguished in after life. In consequence of the yellow fever, which prevailed in Philadelphia in the fall of 1793, business was suspended till late in the season; so that, when it came on, it was unusually pressing, and engrossed his whole time from morning till night. For two months there was scarcely an hour's leisure, except on Sundays. Not only, therefore, were the severer studies and elegant pursuits of the scholar interrupted, which he must have made up his mind to abandon, but even those lighter recreations to which the man of letters always looks for occasional relief from the fatigues of business. Still, however, he pursued it in good spirits, and with an earnest desire to be reconciled to an irksome employment: but the effort was vain-it was against the whole bias of his nature, and, would it be presumptuous to say, against the designs of Providence? A season of leisure came, which gave him an opportunity of resuming, at intervals, his favourite pursuits. The return of these pure and intellectual enjoyments revived all his love for them: he could endure his vocation no longer-his repugnance was invincible. His friends perceiving it, yielded to his wishes, and he abandoned it for ever.

When he left the counting-house of his brotherin-law, Mr. Smith, his mind reverted to his original purpose of preparing himself for the ministry in the Episcopal Church. It was then determined

that he should prosecute his studies under the care of Bishop White; but that plan was soon changed for another. About this period he received a letter from Dr. Smith, the President of Princeton College, inviting him to give his assistance in the labours of that institution, and at the same time representing to him the superior advantages which he would enjoy for study in that quiet retreat. He thus notices this proposal in one of his letters to Mr. Skinner:

"At length my line of life for some time to come seems fixed. While I was thinking of going to Princeton to pursue my studies, I received a letter from Dr. Smith, a copy of which I will write on the next page, and also my answer to it. By them you will see that I have very unexpectedly had the offer of an office, arduous indeed in the execution, but which diligence, assisted by prudence and a degree of judgment, might enable me to fulfil. The opportunity which it will afford me for improvement, in many respects, induced me to accept of it, though contrary to the wishes of some of my relations. My dear sister's affectionate heart could not bear the idea of parting with me, after she had indulged herself in the expectation that I should remain with her for a considerable length of time. And the fears of my friends, that I would leave the Episcopal communion in which I have been educated, was another obstacle to my accepting of the office. But these difficulties have been overcome."

The following are the copies of the letter of Dr. Smith, and of Mr. Hobart's reply:

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"It has been suggested that your own inclination would lead you to pursue your liberal studies to a greater extent, and that a residence at Princeton would not be disagreeable to you, in order to have the more leisure for improvement. Although I have reason to believe that advantageous proposals will be made you by Mr. Smith,* yet I have been desired to inquire whether or not you will accept of an appointment in the College, in the room of Mr. Abeel. I know not your private views, nor how such a situation would accord with your ideas; but if you were willing to accept the appointment, there is no person who would more unanimously obtain it; and I must say for myself, that it would be peculiarly agreeable to me. Your answer to this inquiry, by the first post, will very much oblige,

SIR,

"Dear Sir,

"Your very humble servant,
"SAM. S. SMITH."

"Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1793.

"I must acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th instant, and should have sooner paid it the necessary attention, had not its contents, interesting in a high degree to my future welfare and happiness, required consideration. The confidence of the Faculty, with which I am so unexpectedly

• The brother-in-law of Mr. Hobart.

honoured, excites in my mind a lively gratitude, accompanied by a feeling conviction of the necessity of the most unremitted exertions on my part, to fulfil with honour the office they would confer on me. A desire to pursue, with advantage, studies of a liberal nature, and also to have leisure for reflection and improvement, have induced me to look upon a residence at Princeton as desirable; and I had it in contemplation, with the consent of my friends, to remove there, to pursue my studies in a private capacity. But as the offer to which your letter has reference, would afford a greater scope for improvement, my own wishes, and, of consequence, the consent of my friends, lead to the acceptance of it. At the same time I repeat the declaration, that I am fully sensible the greatest exertions on my part could alone qualify me for the honourable discharge of its important duties: these I can safely promise, from a principle of duty, shall not be wanting.. The wish of the Faculty on this subject should be handed to me by the first opportunity, as immediate preparations will be necessary. With a high sense of the honour conferred on me by the confidence of the Faculty, and of your kind wishes with respect to my future engagements, I remain

"Their and your

"Most obliged servant,

"JOHN H. HOBART."

The letter of Dr. Smith had been brought to him by a private hand, and from some conversation that took place between the bearer of it and himself, it

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