To My dear Henry, Weston

              My dear HenryI hope it is needless to remind thee, now at this advanced period of our correspondence, that tho' my letters are always proofs of the strong maternal interest and affection I feel for thee; yet the omission of them is no proof of the reverse: neither is it necessary I presume to one who knows them so well, or may so easily concieve them again to repeat the enumeration of the various circumstances or avocations which form so many obstacles to their frequency. I should be delighted to participate with thee in the fruits of thy studies, if they are such as I think they doubtless must be- a variety of reflections which like new lights dawning upon thy young mind must have all the charm of novelty to recommend them, and tip them with double brilliancy- if thou wast but once in the habit of a paper communication; and hadst leisure and inclination to pursue it. A thought as it occurred, penn'd down at a liesure moment journal-wise, or a train of thought, just as it happened and time admitted; and now & then transmitted, as opportunity served, without regard to the customary form of letters, as to a thing absolutely indispensible; would, I concieve, be a useful exercise to thee, and at the same time a pleasing tribute of filial respect & attention, and an agreeable entertainment to us. Think of it my dear! I suggest it for consideration.I have, at present from the Lybrary, Memoirs of Sir W. Jones- A character, it seems, of great worth & celebrity; principally render'd so- after premising the bountiful endowments of provi