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but little prospect of that.
Out of the thirty-six officers of my corps, there are but three here.
Of these only one ranks me; so that, in a battle, were the whole army to be cut off but himself and myself, neither would gain any promotion, and were all to be cut off but myself, I should only advance one on the list of my corps.
Promotion, by brevet, as it is called, which is the reward of distinction and gallantry, is open to me; and I trust if I meet the enemy I may have the chance to come back a captain.
Your second inquiry refers to Sargie's learning to read.
Upon this point my opinion is decided that he should not be forced against his inclination, and I would have no objection to his delaying it till he was six or seven years of age. In the meantime paying every attention to his physical powers, so that the body may acquire full strength to bear the mental growth.
I never knew a precocious boy to be a distinguished man, though doubtless there are individual exceptions to this as to all other rules.
But if he is properly taught after he begins to learn, he will learn more in three years than he would have done in six, if he commenced at four.
Besides, he will learn to better advantage, the impressions being more durable.
My advice therefore is, not to force him, but let him take plenty of exercise in the open air. Keep always cheerful, happy and in good temper, for education is as much dependent on this as nature.
Many a fine disposition has been ruined by injuring a poor boy's stomach by too early habits of study, making his life too sedentary and destroying his comfort for life.
He can have his little mind as well impressed by your reading to him or telling him proper biblical and historical anecdotes, as it could be by his reading himself, and the inclination will come in time.
I would not fail to impress upon him the necessity of learning to read, but do not weary and annoy him so as to give him disgust for the sight of a book.
camp opposite Matamoras, April 21, 1846.
I should like much to join your French class, and promise myself to study hard when I return.
I cannot tell you the mortification I have experienced when I reflect on the opportunity I have lost in yourself and Mr. Merino to acquire Spanish.
Every day almost, there are communications, written and verbal, passing between the generals in command, and there are no interpreters but ignorant Mexicans and Texans, who have picked up a little English and Spanish.
However, it has been a good lesson which I trust will have its effect.
