“Our political affairs, it seems, have come to a crisis, which I sincerely hope will turn to the advantage of America; it certainly will not to this country.  War is an evil which no man ought to think lightly of, but, if ever it was just, it now is.  The English acknowledge it, and what can be more convincing proof than the confession of an enemy?  I was sorry to hear of the riotous proceedings in Boston.  If they knew what an injury they were doing their country in the opinion of foreign nations, they certainly would refrain from them.  I assert (because I have proof) that the Federalists in the Northern States have done more injury to their country by their violent opposition measures than even a French alliance could.  Their proceedings are copied into the English papers, read before Parliament, and circulated through the country, and what do they say of them?  Do they say the Federalists are patriots and are firm in asserting the rights of their country?  No; they call them cowards, a base set; say they are traitors to their country and ought to be hanged like traitors.  These things I have heard and read, and therefore must believe them.

“I wish I could have a talk with you, papa; I am sure I could convince you that neither Federalists nor Democrats are Americans; that war with this country is just, and that the present Administration of our country has acted with perfect justice in all their proceedings against this country....

“To observe the contempt with which America is spoken of, and the epithets of a ’nation of cheats,’ ‘sprung from convicts,’ ‘pusillanimous,’ ’cowardly,’ and such like,—­these I think are sufficient to make any true American’s blood boil.  These are not used by individuals only, but on the floor of the House of Commons.  The good effects of our declaration of war begin to be perceived already.  The tone of their public prints here is a little softer and more submissive.  Not one has called in question the justice of the declaration of war; all say, ’We are in the wrong and we shall do well to get out of it as soon as possible.’

“I could tell you volumes, but I have not time, and it would, perhaps, be impolitic in the present state of affairs.  I only wish that among the infatuated party men I may not find my father, and I hope that he will be neutral rather than oppose the war measure, for (if he will believe a son who loves him and his country better the longer and farther he is away from them) this war will reestablish that character for honor and spirit which our country has lost through the proceedings of Federalists.

“But I will turn from this subject.  My health and spirits are excellent and my love for my profession increases.  I am painting a small historical piece; the subject is ‘Marius in Prison,’ and the soldier sent to kill him who drops his sword as Marius says, ‘Durst thou kill Caius Marius?’ The historical fact you must be familiar with.  I am taking great pains with it, and may possibly exhibit it in February at the British Gallery.