Alfred came hither early on Tuesday morning and remained till last night — I was agreeably surprised by his consulting me concerning the consequences of war to his future welfare if he took the Sea, instead of the arts, for a profession — he had previously talked with Charles I found — you may guess what my wishes and advice suggested.Hone's son William had died unexpectedly in 1827 while serving in the Navy. No doubt Hone was relieved that Alfred was now leaning toward the arts as a career rather than sailing. [return] He comes to Church again.

Today I suppose he will devote to acknowledgment of the kindness he was availing himself of with a view to the life of a Sailor, which, I now feel assured he has utterly relinquished — and probably he has some leave-takings & explanations that may unsettle him for the week. This, however, is mere surmise — but on his return I reckon on your finding him "a nail in a sure place."

I should come to you & say this — but after I parted with Alfred on his way towards Tower hill last night, I found, on my return home, that Mrs. Johnson, who is Mrs. Hone's mother, had become suddenly worse, and as she is far advanced in age & infirmity & fast hastening to the end of life, it would be imprudent in me to leave the house, & my wife, alone.

From what Alfred says, & from what passed between you and me, I think his veer from change to settled will be almost as pleasing to you as it is to us. We talked about modelling & drawing, instead of navigation & trade — and his yearnings for what you excel in and I admire, I shall encourage in him by kindly disposition, & earnest endeavour. You may imagine that his mother is not a little pleased with his [one word] to return.