1806 April, to My ever dear Children

              [4. .1806]
 
My ever-dear Children, 
You must never, for a moment admit the idea that you are forgotten or neglected by your Parents. Their happiness is wrapped up in your own welfare, and you are of course the frequent subject of their most tender and anxious thoughts. Nothing in this world can give them so much pleasure, as proofs of your improvement in manners, disposition, and all kinds of useful knowledge. 
I have lately been very much indispos'd myself, and your dear Father, as usual very much engaged. This will often be more or less the case; you must not therefore be surprized, that our letters are not as frequent as you naturally desire; nor, by any means, omit embracing every opportunity of leisure you are permitted to enjoy of communicating your thoughts to us thro' the medium of the pen. It will be an advantageous exercise to you; for it is by practice alone, an easy stile of writing is acquired; and to be able to arrange, and express your thoughts with readiness and grace, instead of labour and awkardness, is not only an agreeable accomplishment, but a real benefit thro' Life: For many people will neglect transactions, which cannot take place without writing and composing, and which are of great importance perhaps to their own interest, and may be to the happiness of others also, merely from a dislike of writing. A dislike, frequently originating in want of early practice. It is moreover, a great improvement to the understanding by teaching you habits of reflection: and will enable us to judge of your abilities, and what business or professions they are best adapted to: for we hope to see you both industrious, in whatever line you are; well knowing, there is no respectability, happiness, or virtue in life without it!