Waynesville, 18th of April 1813.
Dear Thomas:
I received your letter of the 2nd of March from Greeneville, a few days ago, and am much gratified to hear of your welfare, and of your having so promising a practice. It always takes time for to make a great lawyer-and great reading and profound study are among the ingredients to make men such; and this, I flatter myself, you will attend to and not stop merely because you are getting a tolerable practice. Consult frequently with men of strong mental parts, as from them are always something to be derived.
I expected you over at Buncombe Superior Court; or have you given out the business of Macon?
I wish you to visit your Grandmother frequently. She is getting old and needs comfort; and when you were young and needed assistance, she cheerfully lent you her aid; and now the scene is reversed, and let her not have it in her power to charge you with that foulest of crimes-ingratitude.
I wish to hear from you on all occasions, and, I flatter myself, that Sammy and you will live together as brothers ought to do, and give assistance to each other where the same is needed.
I am with the greatest affection,
Your father,
Ro. Love