Chartes refers to a sheet of papyrus, the common writing material of the ancient Mediterranean world, made from the pith of the papyrus plant. The elder John mentions it at the close of his second letter: 'Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink, but I hope to come to see you and talk face to face.' This personal touch reveals John's preference for direct conversation over written correspondence, even as it acknowledges the utility of papyrus for long-distance communication. Papyrus was eventually replaced by parchment and then by modern paper.