"I mentioned that reputation was flowing in upon me. The younger artists have formed a drawing association at the Academy and elected me their president. We meet in the evenings of three days in a week to draw, and it has been conducted thus far with such success as to have trebled the number of our association and excited the attention and applause of the community. There is a spirit of harmony among the artists, every one says, which never before existed in New York, and which augurs well for the success of the arts. "The artists are pleased to attribute it to my exertions, and I find in them in consequence expressions and feelings of respect which have been very gratifying to me. Whatever influence I have had, however, in producing this pleasant state of things, I think there was the preparation in the state of mind of the artists themselves. I find a liberal feeling in the younger part of them, and a refinement of manners, which will redeem the character of art from the degradation to which a few dissipated interlopers have, temporarily, reduced it. "A Literary Society, admission to which must be by unanimous vote, and into which many respectable literary characters of the city have been denied admission, has chosen me a member, together with Mr. Hillhouse and Mr. Bryant, poets. This indicates good feelings towards me, to say the least, and, in the end, will be of advantage, I have no doubt." CHAPTER XIV JANUARY 1, 1826--DECEMBER 5, 1829 Success of his lectures, the first of the kind in the United States.-- Difficulties of his position as leader.--Still longing for a home.--Very busy but in good health.--Death of his father.--Estimates of Dr. Morse.-- Letters to his mother.--Wishes to go to Europe again.--Delivers address at first anniversary of National Academy of Design.--Professor Dana lectures on electricity.--Morse's study of the subject.--Moves to No. 13 Murray Street.--Too busy to visit his family.--Death of his mother.--A remarkable woman.--Goes to central New York.--A serious accident.--Moral reflections.--Prepares to go to Europe.--Letter of John A. Dix.--Sails for Liverpool.--Rough voyage.--Liverpool. January 1, 1826 MY DEAR PARENTS,--I wish you all a Happy New Year! Kiss my little ones as a New Year's present from me, which must answer until I visit them, when I shall bring them each a present if I hear good accounts from them....