Arthur Dixon letters

disproportionate rapidity, that provokingly it seems as if time had absolutely and in reality stopt in its course & stands stock still. – The thought that our separation is over, the trial past, makes me – feel the absurdity of attempting to write, thats all.
One thing I have derived from it, full leizure and occasion to think often and much of my friend, and so well and happy is the result, that I feel as if the years contemplation of his qualities had doubled the estimation of former experience and reknit the bonds more firmly of our Union. My choice of a Friend and the pleasures of our intercourse have at any rate received the hearty sanction of "much thought", and with a happy smile of approval full oft has judgment dwelt upon the noble virtues and right splendid qualities of "The Boy".
I have been often sad when your presence might have cheered me, often lonely, and thought of days lang syne.
Regrets the most poignant have split the time with the delicious reminiscences to which I have alluded, and I think, now that it is verging towards being over, I would not, no not for duty or ought else, be left to live without you for the term again. – But let me not