University of Virginia Library

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I arrived here about sunset yesterday evening, after a
tolerably pleasant ride. I went first to the tavern & took my
supper, & then to the post office to mail the letters. I found all
well at Grandma Harrison's. She invited insisted on my staying
with her, and consequently I occupied last night the room of Mr.
Clark, who has gone on a visit to Rockbridge. I retired about 11
o'clock, and commenced reading an old magazine, which I picked up
on the table. After becoming immorsed in this for some time,
(every body else in the house being in bed) I was somewhat startled
by a snore from under the bed. I seized tthe tongs, lifted the
curtains, & by dint of punching, succeeded in expelling a negro
boy (son of the cook here I believe) who was there for mischief
I presume. I have said nothing about it to the family.

Your pa & family intend spending a day with you, but when
I cannot say. I tried to persuade Mrs. B. by the offer of paying
all her expenses, to remain with you, but did not succeed. Your
pa intends returning next Friday week, -that is on the 19th of this
month. Mr. Broadus will come over soon after & return with Mrs. B.
to Charlottesville during the first part of the subsequent week.
So you can take your choice, with which party you will go back.

I shall leave $50 with your pa. He will arrange your
board bill etc. If you stay till Friday the 19th your bill with
Sites would amount to something like $24, that is if he charges
$8 the first week & $7 the second. You ought to have $20 & over
left, after getting to the University, with which you could pay
Mrs. Fife etc.

I shall see the shoemaker this morning about the shoes-but
I fear there will be no chance of getting them to Rawloy today. I
will try to do what I can.

Give my love to the young ladies, or if that is not proper
my best regards.

I came away from you with a reluctant heart, and am yet
painfully undecided as to the propriety of an absence from you for
so long a time. I trust however I am not doing a thing which is
palpably wrong.

Take great care of yourself. Don't fatigue yourself. Let
Eliza do her own walking as far as you are concerned. Kiss her
many times for me.

My Warmest affection to you, my dear,