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Yours was rec.d today & I hasten to reply by return mail.
Your description of the farm in question is so attractive that we
have concluded to accept yr invitation & come to see it. We have
partially arranged to leave here on the 27th inst. in order to
give time to view the premises. I should have to give them a very
thorough & carefull examination. You did not describe the woodland
sufficiently. It may be rocky & broken. There is a large body of
it. Is there any prospect of its going above the 20$. You intimate
in yr 1st letter that it could be had at that price. I am writing
in the dark & will have to finish in the morning. I have not much
to add except to say that the idea of settling my business here,
of selling off etc & moving 100 miles to a new country, beginning
life anew, forming new associations, a new business etc etc, is
rather a heavy job for an oldish body, but then on the other hand
to leave old disagreeable associations & a declining business, one
that I am tired of, together with enemies envious & malicious, in
a place rendered unpleasant from reminiscences of the most offensive
character, & having the prospect of the aid & company of my
children is encouraging. But this is a strain that I did not desig
touching.
I wish I could be pleased with the farm. Ellen dreads the
country on acct of its loneliness. If neighbors are near it would
obviate her objections to some extent.
In the mean time I wish you to act prudently & dont commit
me nor yourself by any expression of my anxiety for the farm,
but let it be understood that I am to be governed by my own judgement
am some what of a pretty good judge of farm land & will
square my action by my conclusions.
Mr. S. Bradford bo.t the Afton farm as was expected at
$24.55 so Mr. Broaddus informed me at my request. Gen. Harvie of
Richm.d was his competitor, but actuated by the same feeling that
I had did not like to press the bidding agst a man who being attached
to the premises desired to remain. If I had remained I shou
probably have gone to 25 or over.
Edw.d will likely accompany me, and there is some talk
of Summys coming along. He has consented to go beyond Staunton to
take charge of a Lady (the wife of Fenton Henderson) who wishes to
visit this place. Her husband being so constantly engaged on the
Central R. R.d as engineer is unable to attend her & consequently
Mrs. Dr. Lee has engaged S's services for that occasion.
Yr requests as to the silver ware will be kept in mind.
You say nothing of Marys health. We hope it is good. You speak of
having had a spell of Hyppo, yourself. This is a very common occurance
to young married folks. I have some experience in those
things. The remedy is action, action. Bestir the gift of energy.
The man who shrinks before difficulties sinks in mind, body & spirits.
He becomes smaller & the mountains larger in imagination. But
let him brace himself to the task & resolve to do, raise himself
to his utmost stature the mountain sinks & he walks over.
Never forget yr Benefactor & ever faithful friend. Serve
Him with a perfect heart & willing mind & He never will forsake
you, but will lead you on safely.
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