Albany, June 2nd, 1833

Dear George,

Caroline [Frank's sister] asked me this morning at the breakfast table if I have answered your letter on my answering in the negative she called me a jackanapes [a conceited, insolent, presumptuous fellow] and told me to write forthwith or you would think that we did not care anything for you. But let me assure you my dear friend that we do care for you and do not let my reservessness (?) in answering your letters make you think that I am indifferent toward you. No, far from it. I should have a heart of stone if I did not feel and gratefully acknowledge the fraternal affection and interest ... which you have always manifested for me and my welfare and which I know I do not deserve.

Our folks are all well an[d] wish to be remembered to you. For my own part I am well enough as to health but I feel so discontented that I cannot enjoy myself. The fact is I never was contented nor never shall be and the reason is because I don't know enough to make myself so. I believe I am troubled with a complaint that a great many are in this world, that is a weakness in the upper story.

But I suppose you was satisfied of this long ago so I will say no more about it. Those "bright anticipation" you tell about does not trouble me any. There is nothing lumenous enough on the horizon of my future prospects to reflect much ---tress (?) on my anticipation. But your case is different. You are led on by a noble ambition which with ...

... the help of perseverance you have shown yourself to prosper well eventually place you far above the frowns of fortune and render you an honour to your ...

... friends and a blessing to society. I can stand in the distance and admire your course but cannot hope to imitate but I do not envy your success. Let your path be onward to fortune and to fame and that you may meet with as few as possible of those ills to which flesh is heir to is the since wish of your dear friend and loving coz [cousin] now and forever. Amen.

F.B. Parmele