Robert Carter writes to his son, John Carter, May 27, 1721, then in London, to chastise him for his failure to write to his relatives in Virginia, and refusing to allow him to extend his stay in England because "my purse wont bear It." He will respond to other parts of John's letter later.

      It is not long since I wrote to You, since I have
Yors. by Richardson, I hope you'll apply Your self to pursue the Several
businesses I have put You upon, and mind less the pleasures of
the Town, You want a longer Stay in England but that I must not
agree to, my purse wont bear It, Therefore prepare Your self
accordingly, You are so taken up with Your Diversions you cannot
find time to write to Your Sisters nor to any of Your relations,
Your Uncle [Henry] Armistead never had a Line from You, You must
expect they will Treat You with the same sauce, The other parts of
Your Letter are not very pleasing I Shall take a time to answer
them at my leisure This only a Short line to advise of my
welfare and to Send my blessing to my Children which shall be
all at present from --