[letter]
Fairfield, Texas, July 22nd 1878.
Thomas H. Bonner  my son - by special request
of R. S. Davidson I write for all you to read
I first state all our friends and relations here 
are very well except, R. S. Davidson who has 
been quite unwell for some time.  He is now
much better, was able to go to dinner table this
day, he says he does not suffer much pain, only 
weakness.  he does not gather strength, his cough
does not trouble him much.  his bowels have 
been deranged and have not been fully corrected
all things considered we are very hopeful that
he will speedly recover.  He thinks Mary could
safely go home to see how matters are moving on 
there.  But Mr. Potts was here Saturday & yesterday.
Says there is a good crop on the place and all the
stock are doing well.  I received last week a notice
from Professor Hood as to your standing in college. 
If this be true (and I should not doubt it) I am better
pleased than if you had gotten a prize.  the Report
gives the highest number for Deportment and an excuse 
for every lesson omitted 7 in number.  If you will
continue, be promt[prompt] & punctual in all your lessons
and duties, there is no reason why you may not be

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a good scholar, and make a useful man.
I wish to admonish you to give more attention
to spelling; and some of your fraises[phrases], you sometimes
contract, for instance, Couldant, dident, wouldant.
All these are little matters, but little things deserve
a little attention. you may say that I misspell words
myself. true, but I never went to school, and I have
no time to consult dictionaries - you will have more
time another year and you can them keep a book at hand
To the girls I have but little news - I am well pleased
they have done well, and next year they will do better
they have been hurried to do too much.  I would 
like there should be a liberty allowed them to choose
what course of studies they should select, and then
persue those branches thoroughly.
You must let the girls decide where you spend this
vacation, and do all you can to make their time
as pleasant, and pleasurable as possible.  Next year
if our business will justify, I will allow you all
to come home. John & Lizzie each received a letter to-
day from some of you but have not told me one word they
contained.  I do hope you all will maintain the stand
you jave taken both in the College and the Church.
you never will regret having decided for good you
must give up sinful pleasures, &c. Your father
                       James Robinson