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Mr. Gallaudet's First Letter to his Future Wife.

MY DEAR FRIEND: -- To-day I received your kind letter. I read it with great pleasure. It was composed very well. I understood it all. I am very glad your father and you and Parnel (5) arrived home in good health. I am glad all your friends are well. You remember Mr. Woodbridge (6) and my sister and Mary R-- and myself rode away in the stage on Thursday morning. We rode till sunset. It was a very unpleasant day. It rained and snowed, and it was very cold. My sister was very sick; she was faint and ate nothing. Mary R-- was very well. God took care of us. We passed Friday in New Haven. I saw Mr. Orr; he will come to teach the deaf and dumb in May.

(6) An instructor.

On Friday evening, when it was dark, Mr. W. and A. and M. and myself went aboard of the steamboat. We soon went to bed. We sailed all night. In the morning I rose early. I soon met my sister and M. I shook their hands. I asked them if they were well. They were very well. We arrived in New York on Saturday at noon. I got a coach. Four of my brothers met me on the wharf. I was glad to see them. Ann and Mary and my brother James and myself, with all our trunks, rode in the coach. I stopped the coach and I spoke to my father at his book store. He was well. We again rode very far. We arrived at my father's house. I saw my dear mother and brothers and sisters and aunt, who were all well. Mary R. slept at our house two nights. On Tuesday she went to Albany with her father. I did not stay long at home. I went to Newark. I passed Sunday with Mr. Woodbridge. I saw his father and mother. On Sunday evening thirty ladies and gentlemen met at Mr. W.'s. I told them about the deaf and dumb. Three men prayed ardently for all the deaf and dumb, that God would bless Mr. Clerc and Mr. Woodbridge and me, and give all the deaf and dumb clean hearts and enable them to trust in Christ and repent of all their sins. The thirty persons sang hymns and some of the ladies cried very much. I heard them weeping. How kind they were to pray for the deaf and dumb! Oh! do not forget God and Christ. Pray for a very clean heart. Trust in Christ. Avoid all sin. And may God bless you, my dear pupil, both you and your sister and your dear father and mother and brothers and grandmother and all your friends.

I returned to New York on Monday one week ago. I have been very busy in buying books and pictures for the deaf and dumb. Alice -Cogswell- will be here probably to-morrow. I will show her your letter; how glad she will be to see it! I had a letter to-day from Loring; (7) he writes thus: "I love very Miss Sophia Fowler." Loring was very well. I received a letter from Comstock; (8) he was well and all the deaf and dumb were well. When Mr. Clerc comes to your home give him my best love. Tell him I have already written him two long letters. I hope he will stay and see you some days. I wish I could be at your house also. Give my kind regards to Parnel. I hope she is quite well. Give my kind regards to your grandmother and your father and mother and brothers and all my friends. I shall soon see you again. Next year we will learn more, and I hope love God and Christ more and become more and more wise and holy.

(8) A class-mate from Newport.

My father's family, especially my sister Ann, send their best regards to you and your sister.

I am your sincere friend,
T. H. GALLAUDET.

In other letters written during 1818, '19 and '20, Mr. Gallaudet addresses Miss Fowler as "My esteemed pupil," or "My dear pupil," signing himself "Your affectionate teacher," or "Your sincere friend;" but late in the latter year he begins a letter "My dear Sophia," and signs himself "Your affectionate friend," in which he shows a much deeper interest than that of a teacher.

Two letters written in the spring of 1821 show plainly that an engagement had taken place, for arrangements are alluded to for Miss Fowler to board on her return to school with friends, of Mr. Gallaudet's, to whom he has "spoken frankly about our expected prospects."

These letters of Mr. Gallaudet to his future wife are unusual in two particulars -- they show a great desire to add to the knowledge of his pupil, and the greatest possible solicitude for her development in spiritual and religious matters.

One little yellow folded bit of paper, addressed in a beautiful hand, such a note as might naturally carry a sentimental message between lovers, and being no doubt such a love missive to the mind of him who though consciously a lover was still the faithful teacher and guardian, on being opened reveals only these words:

The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price.

Another note, written with equal care and preserved to a later day by her to whom it was addressed, is as follows:

Pray in secret every morning and evening.
Ask God to teach you how to pray.
Ask God to give you His Holy Spirit.
Ask God to warn your conscience.
Think of God often.
Think of Christ often.
Every evening think if you have been wicked during the day; -- ask God to forgive your sins.
Trust in Christ alone to save you.
Trust in Christ alone to enable you to avoid all sin.
Often examine your heart to see if you truly love God, and obey Him and trust in Christ
Be humble. Be meek. Be kind. Avoid pride, vanity, ambition.
Serve Christ every day.
Teach the young pupils, and talk with them about God and Christ.
Be cheerful. Be contented.
Oh! do not forget God and Christ.
May God bless you and keep you from all sin.