Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/46

30 Corderius, and acquired some knowledge of familiar phrases, and therefore succeeded better than I feared; but I was so frightened that I had to lay hold of a chair in front of me to steady myself.

“In midwinter the parish school of Smailholm, six miles from my home, became vacant. I went thirty-six miles from Edinburgh to apply for it; the clergyman knew that I was a member of the Secession Church, and intimated that I need not apply. I felt this deeply, and said to my father, ‘I shall not apply for a situation in my own land again; I will go to America, where my religious denomination will not stand in the way of my progress.’

“When I returned to my classes, Professor Pillans read out my name at the close of the hour, and asked me to stay and see him. He asked me if I was going to Smailholm. I said, ‘No.’ ‘What was the matter? I was sure yon would get it.’ I told him I was not even allowed to apply, because I was a dissenter. ‘I am glad of it,’ said he. ‘I have received a letter from Lord Althorp, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, asking me to send him a tutor for his son, and I will send you. He is to cruise two years in the Mediterranean; will visit Italy, Egypt, the Holy Land, Greece, and other parts. It will make a man of you. I told him that if I had known it three days before I should have accepted, but now my mind was made up; I was going to America; that my father had eleven children, and I wanted to prepare the way for them. He said to me, ‘If I were not too old, I would go to America also. It is the place for young men. I am acquainted with the good old Quaker, Dr. Griscom, who is at the head of the High School in New York, and I will give you a letter to him that may help you.’ That