When at sea read good books. Without good
books time cannot be well spent in those great ships. Learn the stars
also: the particular coasts: the depth of the road-steads: and the
risings and fallings of the land. Enquire further about the mineral
water: and take notice of such plants as you meet with. I am told that
you are looked on in the Service as exceeding faithful, valiant,
diligent, generous, vigilant, observing, very knowing, and a scholar.
When you first took to this manner of life, you cannot but remember that
I caused you to read all the sea-fights of note in Plutarch: and, withal,
gave you the description of fortitude left by Aristotle. In places take
notice of the government of them, and the eminent persons. The merciful
providence of God ever go with you, and direct and bless you, and give
you ever a grateful heart toward Him. I send you Lucretius: and with it
Tully's Offices: 'tis as remarkable for its little size as for the good
matter contained in it, and the authentic and classical Latin. I hope
you do not forget to carry a Greek Testament always to church: a man
learns two things together, and profiteth doubly, in the language and the
subject. God send us to number our days, and to fit ourselves for a
better world.
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