University of Virginia Library

I was highly gratified at the reception of your long expected
letter, and have delayed answering it much longer than I
intended. During the first week or ten days however we have all been
kept in such a state of apprehension and distress on account of Mr.
Courtenay's illness and death, that together with some few preparations
necessary for Christmas times, I have been kept in such an
uneasy state that I could scarcely enter upon any employment with
much zest. Mr. Smith was also taken quite sick Wednesday evening,
and was confined to bed for one day, and I was quite apprehensive
that he would have a serious attack. Rather imprudently he left
home Saturday to visit New York for a few days, chiefly to purchase
some apparatus very much needed in his department, and which he
thought he could not well obtain through commissioners. I could not
help feeling very uneasy about him, but was somewhat relieved by
getting a letter this evening written in Washington saying that he
was much better at the time he wrote, although he had a chill, with
fever afterwa it, the night he stopped at Richmond. I feel very
thankful that he seems in a fair way to get well, and that he has
escaped a severe illness. Father's two letters to him arrived to-day
and as he is to be absent until next week I took the liberty of
opening them, although I could not help feeling some scruples about
it. I thought however that I had better do so, as they were in all
probability business letters that would need prompt attention, and
I was glad I did so for I can at least acknowledge their receipt,
and promise safe keeping for them. Although I read the letters, I
am so stupid and inexperienced about every thing of the kind, I
could not exactly tell whether there was any thing that must be
done necessarily before his return, but I shall send for Edward in
the morning, and I am sure that he will do everything that is needful.
I am staying with Ma now because it was entirely too lonely to
stay by myself, and besides I am not remarkable for courage and
heroism, and do not think I should fancy being in a house alone. At
all events it furnished me with a good excuse for returning to old
quarters for a short while, and it was only to-day that a gentleman
& lady deeing me here took me for an unmarried daughter of pa's and
said they knew Mr. & Mrs. Smith had called to see them, but did not
hear of my being with them, whereupon I made due explanations of co
course. This has been the most gloomy Christmas I ever spent.

I hope it was far different with you, and that you were
blessed with feelings more in accordance with the usual cheerfulness
of the season. Mr. Courtenay's death has been a heavy blow to
the University as well as to his family & friends. Altogether it
is a most peculiarly afflictive dispensation of providence, as far
as it regards this world, for all seem to be confident that he has
made a glorious exchange, having reached a haven of rest, after a
life of more than usual suffering and toil. But when one looks at
his family of seven children left without father or mother, and
with slender means of support it is enough to make the heart bleed.

But God who has seen fit to bereave them soearly of their natural
protectors, will undoubtedly be a father to them, and provide for
them more effectually than any earthly parent. It is thought it
will be very difficult to make an appointment to the chair of
mathematics, and utterly impossible to supply his place in all
respects. Edward & George seem both to regret much not being able
to pursue their mixed mathematics, for a diploma in that school
seems to be prized more highly than any other among all the students
and it is a high mark for ambition.

I was much pleased to hear that some of your friends remembered
and spoke of me. I feel much obliged to them for it, and
am sure that I reciprocate their regard, for I felt most grateful
for the kindness I received in Leesburg, and it would give me great
pleasure to meet with many or all of them again. Indeed I liked
everyone I saw, for everyone was kind and I had neither time nor
disposition to find fault with any.

As it is rather painful to my eyes to write at night, and
the mail leaves early in the morning, it is time for me to conclude.
I have not forgotten that I owe both Summy and Howard a letter, and
if I am slow I think I will surely pay my debts, but I hope they
will not be ceremonious with me but write as often as they can, for
their letters give me great pleasure. With much love to yourself,
father, Summy & Howard