[Page 45]

February 10, 1841.--I shall try and write from memory a
history of my doings for the last two years, and not be so neg-
lectful for the future. [This he failed to do.]
First, I will give a short sketch of the persons who have been
my classmates and my opinion of their character and ability.
Lorin Andrews.--Left the class in 1840, (Ashland, Ohio.)
I was introduced to him the first day of my arrival at college.
My roommate who introduced me to him said he was a smart
fellow, a pretty good fellow about most things; rather too desirous
of popularity; would "suck in," as he expressed it. Mr. Andrews
is a young man of good natural ability, is very industrious at
whatever he undertakes. In fine, does everything with his whole
soul. Through freshman year he was invariably at the head of
the class in all the studies. In the winter term of sophomore
year he became interested in the establishment of a magazine,
called the Collegian; he spent his whole time in attempting to
carry this scheme into operation. He was indefatigable in his
exertions. There was a large faction opposed to the measure,
but with the assistance of A. B. Buttles he finally forced the
measure through the "Old Philo" [Philomathesian Society].
But it failed before it got in operation, and Andrews left college
soon after. He was a warm supporter of General Harrison's;
went to the birthday convention at Columbus on the 22nd of
February, 1840, and came back a warm politician; spent last
summer "stumping it." In my opinion, he is a talented, ener-
getic, honorable young man, and if he will let politics alone, will
make a good lawyer.
E. T. Austin, Texas.--Left the class in 1839. A Yankee by
birth, a Texan by adoption. In appearance he was pale, thin,
tall, and slim; he had no particular traits of character worthy
of mention, would do well to trap bullfrogs; commonly known
by the name of "Bones."--N.C., nuff ced.
George Burnside, Gambier, Ohio.--A large, red-faced genius,
great at using figures of speech; is trying to make an orator;
has a good disposition. I should call him a sort of a cleverish
fellow.
Gilbert Mortier de la Fayette Burnsides.--"What's in a
name?" A little . . .; great at drawing pictures on the
blackboard. Q. S., quite sufficient. Left the class in 1839.
Milton Boyd, Hillsboro, Ohio.--A large, full-grown man, say
twenty-three years old; a fine fellow; succeeds well among the
ladies; by no means smart.
Guy M. Bryan, Texas.--Fully retrieves the character of
Texas. He is a Missourian by birth. He is a real gentleman,
holds his honor dear, respects the wishes and feelings of others,
is a warm and constant friend. Has good talents, though not a
good scholar. He will, I trust, figure largely in Texan history;
he is a true patriot. [This prediction came true. Bryan and
Hayes were lifelong intimate friends.]
Douglas Case, Columbus, Ohio.--A good young man as ever
lived; never did but one bad deed, and that was to leave our
class; but that was unavoidable.
Leander Comstock, Worthington, Ohio.--Has a good disposi-
tion, tolerable talents, and great industry; will, I hope, make a
tall man.
Ezra Cridland, Philadelphia.--Could drink liquor and roll
into prayers; left in 1839.
E. B. Goodrich, Sandusky City, Ohio.--Unworthy to be men-
tioned as one of the class. Left in 1839.
S. Harrison, Mississippi.--A good-looking fellow--very fond
of sprees. Left in 1839.
John Harris, Canton, Ohio.--A good fellow as far as I know
him. Left in 1838.
R. B. Hayes, Columbus, Ohio.--The owner of this book; re-
markable for self-esteem.
W. R. Harelett, Zanesville, Ohio.--A good mathematician,
but poor at all else. Left in 1840.
E. C. Hodgkin, Detroit, Michigan.--A devoted Christian; a
tolerable smart fellow. An Abolitionist, but an honest one. Left
in 1840.
John Hickman, Paris, Kentucky.--John stutters. Ha! ha!
ha! Left in 1839.
E. T. Kellogg, Cleveland, Ohio.--A good fellow, but has too
little control over himself. He left in 1841--dismissed.
O. A. Kinsolving, Charlottesville, Virginia.--First-rate. Will
graduate.
A. B. Lamb, Delaware, Ohio.--My former roommate--a
fine fellow but lacks decision of character. Will graduate.
H. Lee, Coshocton, Ohio.--A good-natured Christian--not
smart. Left in 1839.
P. Lyon, Virginia.--The wildest little red-head that ever
moved. Left in 1839.
G. W. Mason, Steubenville, Ohio.--A great inventive genius
and mathematician. Good at heart--bad temper and quibbles.
[Will] graduate.
Miller Moody, Mt. Vernon, Ohio.--Smart but wild. Dis-
missed 1839.
[Character sketches were never completed.]