Morse Family letters & addresses

Charlestown Sept 10th 1799

My Dear Son,

Your papa and myself had the pleasure of a letter from you this morning of Sep 5th which gave us great pleasure satisfaction. We think you improve very much indeed in your writing and are very happy to see it as nothing gives us so much pleasure and makes us more truly happy than to see our little boys improving in everything that will in future make them usefull and good. I hope you are improved in your behaviour and that you endeavour to give Mrs Abbot and Mr Brown as little trouble as possible by minding all that they say to on the first time of their speaking and by never going from home but by their particular leave be sure to be very attentive to this or you may occasion than a great deal of trouble which I should be very sorry to leave off your little brothers are very good boys and do not quarrel with one another but play together like good boys children but want much to see you they often talk of you and hope

you will soon be home. Nancy longs to see you. We expect to see you much improved in your manners attend to this but above all things attend to your Bible your catechism your prayers, and be sure you never tell an untruth nothing can excuse this it is an abhorence to that God who sees us wherever we are and will certainly punish us for that as well as every other wicked word or action. I wish you to learn by heart the 139th [psalm?] 1st part long [?] before I see you; endeavour to get it very perfectly. Your papa and myself think of going to Exeter the last of this month if we should we will call and see you. I enclose you a pair of show things. I hope you do not wear your new hat in rainey weather nor on week and days unless you go abroad by invitation you must take great care of your clothes or they will soon look very shabby. Write me an answer soon to this letter and remember my compiments to Mr & Mrs Abbot and Mr Brown & thank them for me for their attention to you. Papa will write you by this opportunity. Nancy & your brothers join in love to you my dear son. With same affectionate mother ED Morse

Sep. 10

My dear Son,

You Mama has left me ittle to add. I think you eviently improve in your hand writing. Your spelling, except in two three instances, is correct. You use the capital letters with more propriety than you did at first; it will be well to pay attention to this & your pointing These are little matters, but yet are of importance. You have expressed yourself generally with propriety. One expressionsentence might be mended. You say "It is with pleasure that I am have every opportunity of writeing to enquire after your health & happiness & of your families"-- That is superfluous so is the e in the word writing. Instead of "your families" you should have said "of the family." Mr Foster is so kind to you & so desirous that you should improve your time. I hope will endeavour all you can to please him. Let your mind be intent on your book & less on your play. Get your lessons first always & then play. When school is done go directly home & never be absent without the express leave of Mr Brown or Mr or Mrs Abbot & play with no boys but such as they advise to. You are not old enough to judge for yourself. Your desire & intention to strive?? all in your power to imrpve for your own benefit & own satisfaction is very pleasing to us. Nothing can give us more satisfaction than to see our children growing in favor with God & man as they advance in years & stature. Write us every week. I shall send your last letter to your Grandpa Breese. I wish you to write to him & enclose it in your next to me. Send your show things. regards to Mr Brown & Mr & Mrs Abbot & Mr Foster. Your affectionate Father. J. Morse

Master Samuel of B. Morse Student as Medoster School Andover

(upside down) From my Papa recieved Spet. 10th. 1799

Use this inkstand carefully, my son. Keep your books, your pen & ink & all other things in nice order. Let nothing be wasted for want of due attention.-

Ask Mr Brown to insert this among your rules & to add any other which he may think necessary.

Your affectionate parent J. Morse Nov. 1 1800