Memoirs of John Adams Dix; comp. by his son, Morgan Dix.

1798-1821.] IRREPRESSIBLE MILITARY ARDOR.

43

ter, who wished me to go to college, and then embrace one of
the learned professions, did everything in his power to discourage me; and it was not until I had actually filled up and
signed a blank enlistment, and asked him to let me go into
the service as a common soldier, that he gave way. When
the Senators from New Hampshire, recommended him for a
major's appointment he wrote to the Secretary of War that he
would not refuse a captaincy, if he could not have a higher
rank, and that he was determined to go into the service, even
if he had to go as volunteer.* I asked him whether so patriotic an example by the father ought not to be followed by the
son. He had no answer to such a home question, and finally
told me he would endeavor to procure for me the appointadvantaged by making a careful written translation of all the Latin and
Greek classics he may study.
" Adams has pledged his word that all his time (not necessarily devoted to the study of military tactics) shall be consumed in the study of
languages and mathematics. That you may be prospered in all your
laudable undertakings, but especially your efforts to train Adams to a
high degree of honorable usefulness, is the earnest wish of, Sir, your
friend and servant, GEO. C. SHATTUCK.
' TIMOTnHY Dix, Esquire.
"Boston, January 17,1812."
* The following is a copy of the letter referred to. It is uncertain to
whom it was addressed, but probably to one of the Senators from New
Hampshire, at Washington:
"Boscawen, February 24,1812.
"MY DEAR SIR,-Yours of the 5th instant has just come to hand.
Could I be assured that my only destination would be a descent on the
Canadas, I would accept the command of a company, or even less. In
fact, I am determined, in such an event, to go in some capacity, if it
should be that of a private volunteer. But I have no notion of being
concerned in any long, lazy establishment, or in an idle Oxford war, or
even in a stationary guard for our seaboard fortifications. An idea that
I might be of some use to my country in case of a descent on Canada,
was my motive for proposing myself as a candidate for a field-office; and,
actuated by the same motive, I will not refuse an inferior command, provided you are confident this will be my only destination. In any other
I am sure I could not be useful. Yours truly,
" TIMO. Dix, JR."