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.