He says that I shall paint the Chancellor when he returns to Albany, and his niece also, and from these particulars you may infer that I shall be here for some little time longer, just so long as my good prospects continue; but, should they fail, I am determined to try New York City, and sit down there in my profession permanently.  I believe I have now attained sufficient proficiency to venture there.  My progress may be slow at first, but I believe it will be sure.  I do not like going South and I have given up the idea of New Orleans or any Southern city, at least for the present.  Circumstances may vary this determination, but I think a settlement in New York is more feasible now than ever before.  I shall be near you and home in cases of emergency, and in the summer and sickly season can visit you at New Haven, while you can do the same to me in New York until we live again at New Haven altogether.  I leave out of this calculation the machine for sculpture.  If that should entirely succeed, my plans would be materially varied, but I speak of my present plan as if that had failed.”

“August 24. I finished Mr. Kent’s picture yesterday and received the money for it....  Mr. Kent is very polite to me, and has introduced me to a number of persons and families, among others to the Kanes—­very wealthy people—­to Governor Yates, etc.  Mr. Clinton’s son called on me and invited me to their house....  I have been introduced to Senor Rocafuerto, the Spaniard who made so excellent a speech before the Bible Society last May.  He is a very handsome man, very intelligent, full of wit and vivacity.  He is a great favorite with the ladies and is a man of wealth and a zealous patriot, studying our manners, customs, and improvements, with a view of benefiting his own countrymen in Peru....  I long to be with you again and to see you all at home.  I fear I dote on home too much, but mine is such an uncommon home, such a delightful home, that I cannot but feel strongly my privation of its pleasures.”

“August 27. My last two letters have held out to you some encouraging prospects of success here, but now they seem darkened again.  I have had nothing to do this week thus far but to wait patiently.  I have advertised in both of the city papers that I should remain one week to receive applications, but as yet it has produced no effect....

“Chancellor Kent is out of town and I was told yesterday would not be in until the end of next month.  If I should have nothing to do in the mean time it is hardly worth while to stay solely for that.  Many have been talking of having their portraits painted, but there it has thus far ended.  I feel a little perplexed to know what to do.  I find nothing in Albany which can profitably employ my leisure hours.  If there were any pictures or statuary where I could sketch and draw, it would be different....  I have visited several families who have been very kind to me, for which I am thankful....