Morse Family letters & addresses

Charlestown Feb 12th 1804 Sabbath Eveng

My dear boys,

Mr Newman is to call in the morning & by him I write to you a few lines. The day I left you I reached home before dark I found your Mama & the family all well-- Elizabeth was very glad to see Papa. She is a dear little girl & I doubt not would rejoice to see you all.-- It gave your Mama great pleasure to hear that you were well & that Mr Newman spoke so favorably of you. We were much pleased [with] your letters particularly with Finley's long letters in which he relates what he could remember of Cicero's life & character. He has done so well that I have concluded to send him two vols of

Plutarch's Lives-- I shall send that book which I brought home that he may finish the Life of Cicero & give a general account of it in another letter, or if that is not sufficient, in two or three leteers. He must read also the life of Demosthenes & give an acct of him also. Edward & Richd must do something in the same way. This will is due you to read with attention & by writing the substance of what you read will imprint it on your memories-- It will learn you to compose likewise-- You must write me long letters & vary them as much as possible-- avoid sameness-- You have improved in this respect in your last letters-- & with due attention you may all write handsome letters.

stay & hear Edward & Richd examined Mr Newman sd they did well--

You must not forget the good advice so often given you by your parents who love you & are extremely anxious that you should behave well, & if your lives shd be spared that you should be good men & useful in the world.-- It is possible I may come up to see you again before the end of the term if the Trustees should again wish & examine the Academy, they talked-- so you must be prepared for another examination as it is possible there may be another. Take care thay don't get on the black list-- I hope future bills will be free from all black marks agt [against] your names.-- May God bless you my dear boys your affectionate parent J Morse

Charlestown March 2nd 1804

My dear boys,

At your age you can have but a faint conception how much your parents feel for your welfare. We think & talk much of you & always remember you affectionately in our prayers. When we hear of your good behaviour, your attention to & improvements in your studies, it is like a cordial to our hearts; but when we hear that you behave amiss, are disobedient, & inattentive to your books, it grieves & pains us more than you can imagine. We have found found much in your disposition & conduct to commend; & as we have no doubt of your affection for your parents, we are encouraged to give you our best counsel & advice-- I say we because your affectionate mother always joins me most heartily in all the advice I give you. I have this evening been reading to your mother Sir Matthew Hale's Letters to his children. He was Lord High Chief Justice of England & one of the greatest & best men that England ever produced. His advice to his children was excellent.