Charleston, S. C.
Dec. 7th, 66

I cannot tell you, my good friend, how truly I appreciate your sympathy of heart and hand--

Please give my hearty thanks to your committee, for their thoughtful kindness:--telling them also, if you please--that after the unfortunate, delays of accidents, sickness and the failure of making connections in the journey--

I am, thank God! at last with my people --- and hard at work with my school of 215 (registered) with four assistants –

Thus far, school dutys have taken all my time: -- my scholars are of the lowest class – and very hard to controll. Accustomed, as they are to rough treatment, they do not appear to consider any command obligatory unless accompanied by a blow; and as my conscience will not allow the looked for blow – it is exceedingly exhausting to keep the order I will and do have. I could not write to you before, as I feared I should have to resign:--not knowing that I should be equal (to the fullest extent) to the work--until I had made a fair trial--Nothing would keep me from the work; but I should think it my duty to work as a private, unless I was equal to all my desires. But to my great joy--as soon as I laid my hand to the plow--strength came: and I anticipate a good season--May the Good God bless my undertakings!

The necessary comforts of my chamber are a constant reminder of Leicester friends: and who can say how much is added to the strength for each days conflict by the sweet remembrances?

With all good wishes, & best respects--your teacher-child--S.E. C.