1812 August 16, Philada, to William, New Garden Boarding School

              I received my dear Williams very acceptable & affectionate Letter; and my heart fondly exulted in the idea - from the disposition it appeared to manifest - that his improvement was progressing, both in understanding and virtue.How fruitful of sweet affections and tender pleasure, is the Maternal and filial relation! When its duties are rightly understood, and its best feelings are rationally cultivated, how does it support the young and animate the Aged! As we are rising to the Summit of Life [---] nourishes and strengthens us with invigorating and wholesome fruit, encouraging us at every Step - and when we have passed that summit, and are gently gliding down its sloping Vale, it strews out path with flowers of delicious odour. Oh my beloved Son! may we never know the pangs of grief attendant on a disunion of sentiments and feeling on an opposition of practice and Opinions! Then how is the Scene reversed! What Sorrow can equal the Sorrow of dissapointed affection in a parent! her expectations cut off - her hopes blasted! while the reprobate and rebellious Child, till the torpor of death siezes every generous sensibility of his Soul, experiences a cold and aching void, which nothing but the approving smiles of parental Love can ever supply. Believe me, my Son, tho' the passions - the Friendships - and attachments of youth are strong and vivid, they are not so deeply fixed, nor so gentle and sensible Beings, grows with their growth and strengths with their strength.