1895 – March 08 – Dr. John S. Apperson (Marion, VA) to A.H. Apperson (A & M College, Blacksburg, VA)

Dear Hull:

Last night’s mail brought me the Report of John’s grades at College. He has, I see, six studies. In one he is reported “very good,” in two “not graded,” which I presume means that it was so low as not to reach even “very poor,” in one he is “absent,” in one he gets “very poor,” and the other “poor,” with 14 demerits. Notwithstanding he still does not write, though Sallie and Lizzie has been very thoughtful of him in securing everything for him every chance; he’s not even courteous enough to acknowledge this attention, and to me no letter at all except the one asking for permission to go to Staunton. This however makes no difference to me. I should try to do my duty whether he writes or no. If I find what I have to spend for him is doing him any good. What I have has been for the most part hard earned and I do not propose to throw it away. I wrote John a letter and I want some explanation from someone. If I do not get it from him I must have it from you or his teachers. As a matter of course if a boy has not mind enough to grasp a problem or master a proposition then he should not be censured, but I know John has the capacity, and if he will, can study. The fault lies in another direction. Now this matter of fourteen demerits all at once must mean something. What is it? I want to know.

All is well. Letters from the girls a few days ago. They are well. Georgia has had her [?] in some studies I think.

Your cousin Mary Langford has been very ill, but has improved slightly the last few days.

Affectionately,
Jno. S. Apperson