'But all this while, altho' now about Thirteen Years Old, I could not read; then thinking of the vast usefulness of reading, I bought me a Primer, and got now one, then another, to teach me to Spell, and so learn'd to Read imperfectly, my Teachers themselves not being ready Readers: But in a little time, having learn'd to Read competently well, I was desirous to learn to Write, but was at a great loss for a Master, none of my fellow Shepherds being able to teach me'.