CHAPTER IV
JANUARY 18, 1812—AUGUST 6, 1812
Political opinions.—Charles R. Leslie's reminiscences of Morse, Allston,
King, and Coleridge.—C.B. King's letter.—Sidney E. Morse's letter.—
Benjamin West's kindness.—Sir William Beechy.—Murders, robberies, etc.
—Morse and Leslie paint each other's portraits.—The elder Morse's
financial difficulties.—He deprecates the war talk.—The son differs
from his father.—The Prince Regent.—Orders in Council.—Estimate of
West.—Alarming state of affairs in England.—Assassination of Perceval,
Prime Minister.—Execution of assassin.—Morse's love for his art.—
Stephen Van Rensselaer.—Leslie the friend and Allston the master.—
Afternoon tea.—The elder Morse well known in Europe.—Lord Castlereagh.
—The Queen's drawing-room.—Kemble and Mrs. Siddons.—Zachary Macaulay.
—Warning letter from his parents.—War declared.—Morse approves.—
Gratitude to his parents, and to Allston