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to show what I can do in a very few weeks now. I think I should start the actual work for which I am preparing, about March 1st. At present I am studying all day at the plant -- taking all sorts of notes and making all sorts of sketches -- and am studying up the theory of hydrogen, the theory of heat, metallurgy of steel, etc. outside. In addition, we are soon to begin a course in accounting which will take one evening a week besides outside work. Moreover, we have outside reading to do on the business course. So I shall have my hands full.

[[underlined]] To Willie, January 10, 1925: [[/underlined]] (On No.3, Utica to Syracuse) The winter scenery coming down the valley has been lovely. The hills are completely blanketed with snow and the river frozen nearly everywhere. They were cutting ice at a great many places. It was real picturesque (Can you read this?). I look at the east-bound track speeding along beside me and reflect that it is a blessed track, for next summer it will bring you to me again. Honestly, Willie dear, those two weeks next summer will be marvelous -- to be with you is enough, but to be with you at Shoals of all places in this world! ...... And you must never learn to talk the way the Yankees do. I want you always to be my dear Southern Willie.

[[underlined]] To Mother, January 20, 1925: [[/underlined]] Your dear letter of cheer was much appreciated for I certainly have much need of it right now. Today I have been again seized with homesickness to such an extent that the mere thought of staying here in Schenectady fairly takes the life right out of me. Even the fellows I've been going with don't appeal to me as they did before. I certainly am confronted with a problem. I hate the thought of quitting -- I once said I never would quit for the reason of homesickness alone. But as I feel now, I can't do justice to myself in my work. The mere thought of bringing Willie here to this cold place (I mean the people) where I have no real friends, nearly drives me distracted. I have been here over six months now, and know but one family here -- the Schencks -- and I know them only through you. And although I'll probably make some friends eventually, they wont be like the old friends at home whom I have always known. If I thought it would be decidedly to my advantage in a business way to stay here, I might possibly be able to reconcile myself to it, if I had only myself to consider, but I begin to greatly question as to whether it is to my great advantage with this company. It is so huge that unless one rises to the very highest places, and that takes years and years, one can never feel that he is more than just a cog in the great machine. I see so many engineers around with mediocre jobs, and they may have been here for years and years. I am beginning to believe that a man has a better opportunity in a smaller concern where he has more chance to get someone's notice. Besides I would infinitely rather work for less pay and be happy than be getting more money and be longing for some other place. I can't go on like this for I am wasting my time. I must be happy in my mind or I can't do my best work.