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My very dear Flaxman

I hope that I return our dear disciple to you neither too late, nor too soon; a point very difficult to hit exactly, in his singular situation in regard to that tender part of Mortal Machinery, the Lungs!

He certainly is not perfectly himself again in this article, yet his Infirmity there is, I am assur’d by medical Friends, only such, as time alone (with the aid of moderate Care) will most probably remove: I should therefore deem myself inexcusable and unmanly in the extreme, if I suffer a too fond Excess of parental apprehension to detain him longer from the just Pursuit of his professional Studies, under a Guide, whom we both esteem & love, as one of the most excellent and tender-hearted men upon Earth. I have persuaded myself & I still (Thank Heaven!) retain the Persuasion that under your Guidance He is likely to prove, in due Time, an artist of distinction & a very amiable accomplished Man - It is