University of Virginia Library

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I arrived here on Tuesday evening safely. Found all well,
& pleased at the idea of getting to Albemarle. We are very anxious
to hear from you & know that F. is well & has acquited himself like
a hero, & that his debut has done credit to himself & to all connected
with him, that he has dismissed all that diffidence & assumed
the tone & bearing of a savan. I know that he possesses the
qualifications, is competent to all the duties of his office & if
there be any faultering it will be in manners which can be overcome.
In the presence of his pupils he must assume an affectionate
confidence. He will receive the sympathy & good wishes of all the
sensible portion of his classes, with this knowledge & these sentiments
he can have nothing to fear. I hope all things will & have
worked together for good. I have such an abiding confidence &
trust in the goodness of our Heavenly Father, that I feel an assurance
that all is right. I pray constantly, & daily, for your success,
happiness & health.

Ellen is delighted with Mary & is much pleased with the
affectionate tone of her letters. She will write her soon. So will
the boys.

I have sold my dwelling to Dr. Mott, including Mrs Hooks
lot for 1850$—possession on or before 15th May next. Expect to
sell the brick house soon. The Mill & the store also, & Broad Run
farm. I will also sell Goshen if a fair price can be had (20 to
25$ pr ) if not I can manage to pay for the new farm & keep
Goshen & Leedswood.

Ellen is talking strongly about coming out in Nov.r if
the weather is good. It is very probable that she will come with
me. Summy may come in a week or so. Henry O Clagett wishes to
visit Tom at Minors & Billy at Lexington & will perhaps be accompanied
by Miss Lizzy & perhaps Miss Julia. They will know when the
Dr. returns home, who is now at his Prince George Estate. They
wish Summy to go with them & of course he is vociferous to do so.

I wish Francis to recollect that if he does honor to his
office & boldly & fearlessly discharges his duty, with credit to
himself & all concerned, that silver sett talked of may come along
sooner than he might expect—in plain English I should take delight
in adding it to the former present.

I have made a very favourable report here upon Marys
housekeeping essay.

Tell Edward that he is remembered with all affection &
great hopes are entertained of his success. Accept new assurances
of our warmest love & affection & believe me yr most affectionate
father