Success of his lectures, the first of the kind in the United States.—­ Difficulties of his position as leader.—­Still longing for a home.—­Very busy but in good health.—­Death of his father.—­Estimates of Dr. Morse.—­ Letters to his mother.—­Wishes to go to Europe again.—­Delivers address at first anniversary of National Academy of Design.—­Professor Dana lectures on electricity.—­Morse’s study of the subject.—­Moves to No. 13 Murray Street.—­Too busy to visit his family.—­Death of his mother.—­A remarkable woman.—­Goes to central New York.—­A serious accident.—­Moral reflections.—­Prepares to go to Europe.—­Letter of John A. Dix.—­Sails for Liverpool.—­Rough voyage.—­Liverpool.

January 1, 1826

MY DEAR PARENTS,—­I wish you all a Happy New Year!  Kiss my little ones as a New Year’s present from me, which must answer until I visit them, when I shall bring them each a present if I hear good accounts from them....

The new year brings with it many painful reflections to me.  When I consider what a difference a year has accomplished in my situation; that one on whom I depended so much for domestic happiness at this time last year gave me the salutations of the season, and now is gone where years are unknown; and when I think how mysteriously I am separated from my little family, and that duty may keep me I know not how much longer in this solitary state, I have much that makes the present season far from being a Happy New Year to me.  But, mysterious as things seem in regard to the future, I know that all will be ordered right, and I have a great deal to say of mercy in the midst of judgment, and a thousand unmerited blessings with all my troubles.

But why do I talk of troubles?  My cup is overflowing with blessings.  As far as outward circumstances are concerned, Providence seems to be opening an honorable and useful course to me.  Oh! that I may be able to bear prosperity, if it is his will to bestow it, or be denied it if not accompanied with his blessing....

I am much engaged in my lectures, have completed two, nearly, and hope to get through the four in season for my turn at the Athenaeum.  These lectures are of great importance to me, for, if well done, they place me alone among the artists; I being the only one who has as yet written a course of lectures in our country.  Time bestowed on them is not, therefore, misspent, for they will acquire me reputation which will yield wealth, as mother, I hope, will live to see.

“January 15, 1826. On this day I seem to have the only moment in the week in which I can write you, for I am almost overwhelmed by the multitude of cares that crowd upon me....  I find that the path of duty, though plain, is not without its roughness.  I can say but in one word that the Association of Artists, of whom I am president, after negotiations of some weeks with the Academy of Fine Arts to come into it on terms of mutual benefit, find their efforts