proprietors of his school,--a letter that for a
young man of twenty is as dignified as it is patriotic:

GENTLEMEN: Having received information that a place
is allotted me in the army, and being inclined, as I hope for
good reasons, to accept it, I am constrained to ask as a
favor that which scarce anything else would have induced
me to, which is, to be excused from keeping your school any
longer. For the purpose of conversing upon this and of
procuring another master, some of your number think it
best there should be a general meeting of the proprietors.
The time talked of for holding it is six o'clock this afternoon,
at the schoolhouse. The year for which I ei gaged
will expire within a fortnight, so that my quitting a few
days sooner, I hope, will subject you to no great inconvenience.

School-keeping is a business of which I was always fond,
but since my residence in this town, everything has conspired
to render it more agreeable. I have thought much of
never quitting it but with life, but at present there seems an
opportunity for more extended public service.

The kindness expressed to me by the people of the place,
but especially the proprietors of the school, will always be
very gratefully remembered by, gentlemen, with respect,
your humble servant,

===============NATHAN HALE=====

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