Yes, of course I go to church, for now the priest has an assistant, and his sermons fill all the congregation with terror, and it is a pleasure to listen to him.
He belongs to the new religion they have in Christiania, and people think him too strict, but it is good for them that he is so.
Just now we are studying much history, which we have not done before, and it is curious to observe all that has happened in the world, but especially in our country, for we have always won, except when we have lost, and then we always had the smaller number.

We now have liberty; and no other nation has so much of it as we, except America; but there they are not happy.

Our freedom should be loved by us above everything.
Now I will close for this time, for I have written a very long letter.

The school-master will read it, I suppose, and when he answers for you, get him to tell me some news about one thing or another, for he never does so of himself.

But now accept hearty greetings from your affectionate son, O.THORESEN.
DEAR PARENTS,--Now I must tell you that we have had examinations, and that I stood 'excellent' in many things, and 'very good' in writing and surveying, but 'good' in Norwegian composition.