I have finished a landscape and almost finished a copy of a portrait which Mr.West lent me.

Mr.Allston has seen it and complimented me by saying it was just a hundred tunes better than he had any idea I could do, and that I should astonish Mr.West very much.

I have also begun a landscape, a morning scene at sunrise, which Mr.
Allston is very much pleased with.

All these things encourage me, and, as every day passes away, I feel increased enthusiasm....
"Distresses are increasing in this country, and disturbances, riots, etc., have commenced as you will see by the papers which accompany this.
They are considered very alarming." "_December 1, 1811._ I am pursuing my studies with increased enthusiasm, and hope, before the three years are out, to relieve you from further expense on my account.

Mr.Allston encourages me to think thus from the rapid improvement he says I have made.