I find it more reasonable, living in Bristol, or I should go to London immediately. Mr. and Mrs. Allston are well and send you their respects. They set out for London in a few days after some months' _unsuccessful_ (between ourselves) residence here. All public feeling is absorbed in one object, the _conquest of the United States;_ no time to encourage an artist, especially an American artist. I am well, extremely well, but not in good spirits, as you may imagine from this letter. I am painting a little landscape and am studying in my mind a great historical picture, to be painted, by your leave, in Paris. CHAPTER VIII NOVEMBER 9, 1814--APRIL 23. 1815 Does not go to Paris.--Letter of admonition from his mother.--His parents' early economies.--Letter from Leslie.--Letter from Rev. S.F. Jarvis on politics.--The mother tells of the economies of another young American, Dr. Parkman.--The son resents constant exhortations to economize, and tells of meanness of Dr. Parkman.--Writes of his own economies and industry.--Disgusted with Bristol.--Prophesies peace between England and America.--Estimates of Morse's character by Dr. Romeyn and Mr. Van Schaick.--The father regrets reproof of son for political views.--Death of Mrs. Allston.--Disagreeable experience in Bristol.--More economies.--Napoleon I.--Peace. Morse did not go to Paris at this time. The permission from his parents was so long delayed, owing to their not having received certain letters of his, and his mentor, Mr. Bromfield, advising against it, he gave up the plan, with what philosophy he could bring to bear on the situation. His mother continued to give him careful advice, covering many pages, in every letter. On November 9, 1814, she says:-- "We wish to know what the plan was that you said you were maturing in regard to the Emperor of Russia. You must not be a schemer, but determine on a steady, uniform course. It is an old adage that 'a rolling stone never gathers any moss'; so a person that is driving about from pillar to post very seldom lays up anything against a rainy day. You must be wise, my son, and endeavor to get into such steady business as will, with the divine blessing, give you a support. Secure that first, and then you will be authorized to indulge your taste and exercise your genius in other ways that may not be immediately connected with a living.