“In perfect consistency with the feelings towards you all, above described, we may and ought to tell you, and that with the greatest plainness, of anything that we deem improper in any part of your conduct, either in a civil, social, or religious view.  This we feel it our duty to do and shall continue to do as long as we live; and it will ever be your duty to receive from us the advice, counsel, and reproof, which we may, from time to time, favor you with, with the most perfect respect and dutiful observance; and, when you differ from us on any point whatever, let that difference be conveyed to us in the most delicate and gentlemanly manner.  Let this be done not only while you are under age and dependent on your parents for your support, but when you are independent, and when you are head of a family, and even of a profession, if you ever should be either....  I have dwelt longer on this subject, as I think you have, in some of your last letters, been somewhat deficient in that respect which your own good sense will at once convince you was, on all accounts, due, and which I know you feel the propriety of without any further observations.”

On June 2, 1815, the father writes:—­

“We have just received a letter from your uncle, James E.B.  Finley, of Carolina.  He fears you will remain in Europe, but hopes you have so much amor patrice as to return and display your talents in raising the military and naval glory of the nation, by exhibiting on canvas some of her late naval and land actions, and also promote the fine arts among us.  He is, you know, an enthusiastic Republican and patriot and a warm approver of the late war, but an amiable, excellent man.  I am by no means certain that it would not be best for you to come home this fall and spend a year or two in this country in painting some portraits, but especially historical pieces and landscapes.  You might, I think, in this way succeed in getting something to support you afterwards in Europe for a few years.

“I hope the time is not distant when artists in your profession, and of the first class, will be honorably patronized and supported in this country.  In this case you can come and live with us, which would give us much satisfaction.”

The young man still took a deep interest in affairs political, and speculated rather keenly on the outcome of the tremendous happenings on the Continent.

On June 26, 1815, he writes:—­

“You will have heard of the dreadful battle in Flanders before this reaches you.  The loss of the English is immense, indeed almost all their finest officers and the flower of their army; not less than 800 officers and upwards of 15,000 men, some say 20,000.  But it has been decisive if the news of to-day be true, that Napoleon has abdicated.  What the event of these unparalleled times will be no mortal can pretend to foresee.  I have much to tell you when I see you.  Perhaps you had better not write after the receipt of this, as it may be more than two months before an answer could be received.