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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1838 Excerpt: ...a new and distressing appearance to my affairs; a fire broke out in the house we were repairing; in which my tools, and with them all ray views and hopes were consumed. I was now cast on the world without a friend, a shilling, or even the means of subsistence. This, however, would have been but slightly felt by me, as I had always been the child of misfortune, had not the partner of my life been im merged in the same afflicting circumstances. There was, however, no alternative; and I now began to think of some new course of life, in which my former studies might prove advantageous. I thought that of a country schoolmaster would be the most likely to answer my purpose. I therefore applied myself to the study of Murray's English Exercises, and improved myself in arithmetic. "There was, however, one grand objection to this: I had no money to begin, and I did not know any friend who would be inclined to lend. In the mean time, the Rev. Archdeacon Corbett, had heard of my attachment to study, and, having heard of my being in Longnor, sent for me in order to inform himself of particulars. To him I communicated my circumstances; and it is to his goodness that I am indebted for the situation I at present fill, and for several other valuable benefits which he thought proper generously to confer. My circumstances since that time are too well known to you to need any further elucidation. It is through your kind assistance I made myself % thus far acquainted with the Arabic, Persian, and Hindoostanee languages; of my progress in which you, sir, are undoubtedly the best judge. I am, sir, with every possible respect, Samuel Lee. "Blue School, Shrewsbury, April 26,1813." We append to Mr. Lee's interesting letter a note by Dr. Scott: "Mr. Lee was introd...