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If men were not insensible to the beauty of nature the great works necessary for the purposes of commerce might be carried on without destroying it, and at times might even contribute to her charms by rendering her more accessible; but it is not so. They desecrate whatever they touch. They cut down the forests with a wontonness for which there is no excuse, even gain, & leave the herbless rocks to glimmer in the burning sun. ¹ 

For my part I have been engaged in Sacking & Burning a City ever since I saw you & I am well nigh tired of such horrid work. I have about finished the City & a picture at the same time & only want you and & Mr. A up here now to say what sort of a hand I am at Destruction. I DID believe it was my best picture but I took it downstairs to day & I got out of the notion. ²