Transcribe Orton, James. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1856-03-01)

[upside down at top of page- beginning ^1st & 29^ Dewey, Fitch, Douglas, & Linde are studying </u less> ! Hoelder & Kuonlon are to be Doctors!] for a candid answer - do you think that a travel in Europe - say a Geological Excursion would benefit my </u eyes > and my <.u general health? > You know how I am - wasted to almost a skeleton - weighing on an average </u 115 lbs. avoirdepois. .> If I do not clear out of the country this summer, I shall (if my eyes permit me) to enter Andover Theological Seminary next fall. But really it does seem hazardous to do it; I fear by the time I graduate, I shall be unable to preach, and thus my life will be almost wholly thrown away. Do, friend Ward, lend me a little more advice; for I have great confidence in you. I have not applied to Mr W. for I did not dare to; I fear I shall spoil the ground for future action. If I </u cannot > go this spring or summer.