Benjamin S. Lyman., 08/30/1855-08/30/1855

File — Box: 3, Folder: 25

Identifier: 68058

Series-level Scope and Content Note

From the Series:

Please note that correspondents often mention acquaintances or other individuals but will not provide their complete names. When known, the full name is given in parentheses. Also, in the case of the Clarke family, one A.K. Clark signs her name without the 'e' although it is likely that she is a member of the Clarke family. She also cites (her husband?) inconsistently as 'Mr. Clark' or 'Mr. Clarke.' Descriptions for each letter will use the spelling that the correspondent has used.

Dates

08/30/1855-08/30/1855

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.3 Linear Feet (3 Hollinger Document Cases)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Container Summary

ALS (dated 8/30/1855, with envelope) to Franklin B. Sanborn from Benjamin S. Lyman writing in regard to their friendship: "...the only shadow of regret at our chumming together that has ever for a moment crossed my mind has arisen from my admiration for you and the suspicion that by imitation or by the fear of imitation, I might have lost some independence of character. But my admiration is still as great as on the day when, after many delays, I came to the point of asking to room with you..." Also recounts his thoughts on professional prospects: "...I have given the whole matter of a choice of a profession a reconsideration...I have sworn a solemn oath...never to take for any support another dollar from the folks at home, even to save me from starving..." Mentions consideration of various occupations including becoming a merchant "...for in my boyish conceit I fancied that with sufficient determination I might gain a living, though not of the most luxurious kind, in spite of having to work all the daytime for a salary of fifty dollars a year...However, I considered again whether I was particularly well fitted to be a merchant and whether with better health & better habits I might not become a scholar worthy of a name, a thing I despaired of. A strong constitution would be of great service too, to me as a merchant. So I resolved to spend the next year either in engineering or on a farm...But my hopes of becoming a scholar, and that probably a scientific one...has made me think that a good chance to gain a knowledge of geology and mineralogy should not be neglected. I have, therefore, written to my uncle, by marriage, Mr. J.P. Lesley who was an orthodox clergyman too rational for the profession, and now engaged in some way in the state Geological Survey of Pennsylvania, to see if I could obtain employment in that survey...If I cannot get employment there, I think I shall take my carpetbag and wander about until I find some farmer in want of another hand. At the end of the year I shall decide again on what to do, whether to be a merchant, machinist, engineer, physician or what else..."