1805 October 6, to Henry, Weston

              10 mo. 6. 1805

My dear Henry 
Thou art rather remiss in the non.observance of a practice I lately recommended. Thou hast noted the reception of some nuts with your great coats, but hast not acknowledged the Letter - the Aunts Epistle - the Apples, or the Box of Cakes - I sent two Bags at different times - I forget the exact contents of each, but I know each had several doz. Apples in, and beside what I have mention'd there was two pair of woolen stockings & two pounds of raisons. 
Whatever we take pains to procure for the gratification or advantage of those we love; at least we are entitled to the satisfaction of being inform'd whether or no they have receiv'd the benefit design'd. Silence, in such cases, on the part of the party obliged, leaves room to suppose that the presents are either received with indifference or else not received at all: in either of which cases they are not likely to be repeated. 
A Letter of your Fathers, design'd to have reach'd you last 3rd day, was left thro' mistake: Henry will see that his [roll] of paintings came to hand, but as the Artist was not named, we were at a loss to whom to ascribe their merits. Say, Henry are they thy own execution, all of them, and every part, or whose? If they are all thine, I think thee deserves credit for application & industry at least! But I hope no more useful employments are neglected for them. The pencil is a pleasant resort for the hours of leisure in youth - as a recreation, it is innocent - but there, perhaps it should stop. 
I am very sorry that Francis is poisoned again; but I hope, by this time he is well: He must be very careful