YOUR letter by Mr. Barrington is just come to hand. I am sorry you shou'd imagine my being absent from Lancaster, or our troubles, should make me forget my friends. Of the several letters you mention having written to me, only one, of late, has reach'd Carlisle,--viz. that by Mr. Hough. To one I receiv'd from you a week or two after leaving Lancaster, I return'd an answer. I own the difficulties of our correspondence had disgusted me from attempting to write.
I once more commend myself to your good family, and am, sincerely, Yrs, &c.
J. A.
I hope your son's indisposition will be of no consequence.
MR. COPE, Lancaster.
DEAR SIR
I have just time to acquaint you that I receiv'd your letter by Mrs. Callender, with my young friend's drawings, which persuade me he is much improv'd, and that he has not been idle. He must take particular care in forming the features in faces, and in copying hands exactly. He shou'd now and then copy things from the life, and then compare the proportions with what prints he may have or what rules he may have remember'd. With respect to his shading with Indian ink, the anatomical figure is tolerably well done; but he wou'd find his work smoother and softer were he to lay the shades on more gradually, not blackening the darkest at once, but by washing them over repeatedly, and never till the paper is quite dry. The figure is very well drawn.
Capt. Campbell, who is the bearer of this letter, will probably, when at Lancaster, be able to judge what likelyhood there is of an exchange of prisoners, which we are told is to take place immediately. If this shou'd be without foundation, I shou'd be very glad to see your son here. Of this you may speak with Captn Campbell; and, if you shou'd determine upon it, let me know it a few days beforehand, when I shall take care to settle matters for his reception.
I am,
Dear Sir,
Your most humble servt,
J. ANDRE.