This is a pretty correct statement, and I make it to show you what can be done by industry and economy, with the blessing of Heaven." While Morse was in Bristol, his friend C.R.Leslie thus writes to him in lead pencil from London, on November 29, 1814:-- MOST POTENT, GRAVE AND REVEREND DOCTOR,--I take up my pencil to make ten thousand apologies for addressing you in humble black lead.

Deeply impressed as I am with the full conviction that you deserve the very best Japan ink, the only excuse I can make to you is the following.

It is, perhaps, needless to remind you that the tools with which ink is applied to paper, in order to produce writing, are made from goose quills, which quills I am goose enough not to keep a supply of; and not having so much money at present in my breeches pocket as will purchase one, I am forced to betake myself to my pencil; an instrument which, without paying myself any compliment, I am sure I can wield better than a pen.
I am glad to hear that you are so industrious, and that Mr.Allston is succeeding so well with portraits.

I hope he will bring all he has painted to London.

I am looking out for you every day.