 | Berkeley papers |  |
I thank you very kindly for youe last truly acceptable
letter, which should have been answered before but for some
painful circumstances. Poor Tom, after lingering so long, expired
on Thursday last at half past seven in the morning. I could wish
he had given more decided evidences of a change of heart and
preparation for another life. He told Cassandra Monday before he
died that he felt he was not prepared, that he must be lost if
he died as he then was, and said he would try to pray, that he
had often thought during his illness he would give himself to
the Lord, but his pains were so severe he could not pray, and
when he obtained relief he was so exhausted he was equally incapable.
Poor fellow he furnishes but another strong argument
to those in health, not to put off the salvation of their souls
to a dying bed. He exhibited the most remarkable apathy to the
subject and it seemed impossible to arouse him to a sense of his
condition. We can but hope as "God seeth not as man" the prayers
offered in much feebleness and weakness may have been accepted.
I was truly happy that we were able to afford him every thing
that could contribute to his comfort. He became perfectly helpless
only three days before his death.
The University has been in an unusual state of excitement
for several days past, in consequence of Mr. Nash's and Edwards
suspension for three months. The circumstances are these. Mr.
Helm the friend and room-mate of Mr. Nash, was insulted by a
drunken student at the Presbyterian Fair in Charlottesville. The
following morning Helm called on the young man (Henderson) for
an apology which was refused. Cromlin from Alabama the friend of
Mr. Henderson was determined to settle the matter by fighting.
Mr. Helm proposed to refer the matter to his friend, he looked in
Mr. Nash's face and said twice "damn your friends". Where-upon
Mr. N. struck him. He drew a bowie knife, but upon Mr. Nash's
pointing a pistol at him he desisted. Mr. Helm upon being challenged
to a fight gave him a blow, Cromlin drew a bowie knife
and cut at him several times. Being unarmed Helm called upon Edward
who handed him a pistol which served to intimidate him. For
being armed Mr. Nash and Edward were punished. The Faculty are
extremely anxious to put a stop to the use of arms. If they could
effect their object I would be heartily glad for Edward to remain
a year instead of three months, but I greatly fear it will have
a contrary effect. A petition has been sent in by the students
to beg their being re-instated. I presume it will be hardly granted.
I cannot see how they can do it consistently. Edward has
received a great many kind offers of assistance in his studies,
which Dr. Harrison thinks he could not accept with propriety, as
they were from persons attached to the University, Mr. Joynes,
Mr. Dinwiddie, & Mr. Smith.
I have been extremely anxious to hear from Mother again.
I hope she is recovering from her attack & that we shall hear
some good news of her. Your brother has of course a good deal
of trouble just at this time. He fears Edward will sustain a
great loss in not being able to attend the lectures. He requires
I called on Mrs. Harris yesterday. I only knew of her
being here Sunday. I was quite surprised to find her at
the stimulant of the lecture room.
I called on Mrs. Harris yesterday. I only knew of her
being here Sunday. I was quite surprised to find her at Church.
She is looking very well.
Mr. Broadus and Maria are well. They dined with us yesterday.
The latter came out in her new cloak made by herself.
I think it is the prettiost I have seen this winter. I hear
very agreeable accounts of George. He is a great favorite with
every body. I am glad he has resumed his music. He practises
with Richard Dunglison & a young man at Miss Plumstead's. Miss
Robbins from the Eastern Shore a friend of Ma's is spending the
winter with her. Mr. Smith is well again. Mary's eyes continue
in the same state. I have heard of some other persons affected
in the same way from the same cause.
I think Mr. Bowcocks conduct any thing but what a Christian
minister's should be. I think we might mention some standing
hypocrites as well as kneeling ones. My best love to
Mother, Margaret, Caroline & Fannie. I wish I could see Williette
Kiss her for me. Tell Fannie she must let us hear from her when
she goes to Baltimore. Mary Harrison will hardly pay us a
visit until Miss Sherman leaves.
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