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I cannot thank you enough for your very agreeable letter, &
I assure you it would (have) been answered long ago, but I have had innumerable
interruptions. Aunt Adeline & I have been here for nearly a
week, spending our time very delightfully with Mr. Andrew Beirne, & his
two little daughters. We expected to see Cousin Ellen Gordon & her husband,
from Huntsville, but were greatly disappointed to find, they left
the day before our arrival. Cousin Margaret is rapidly improving—indeed
the Doctor hopes the Red Sweet has almost cured her. We all leave
next tuesday for Lexington, where we will spend a week at Col. Reed's,
& then go home. I am really glad. I begin to feel a little tired of
the mountains & then too I want to see all my University friends so much.
It has been raining successively for three, or four days, & it makes me
feel right gloomy. This is not the gayest, or most brilliant town in
the world under any circumstances, but in bad weather it's enough to
break anybody's heart. We are going to the Salt Sulphur this evening,
only two miles from here. There was a large fancy ball at the Sweet
Springs several nights' ago—some of the dresses were beautiful, & some
perfectly ridiculous. I wont attempt to describe anything until I see
you. I believe all the watering places in the mountains are filled to
overflowing. The fatal fever has driven large numbers from Norfolk &
Portsmouth & it is really sad to see so many grave faces among us. I
wish very much you had been with us this summer, our time has been so
delightfully spent. I wish too you could have seen old Mrs. Kelly at
the Red Sweet. She is so curious. A few nights before I left there,
everybody was in a whirl of excitement, preparing for tableaux. Old Mrs.
K. was asked to represent Queen Elizabeth, she consented reluctantly, &
like a spoilt child pouted, & said she"Would prefer being Mary Queen of
Scots, as I think, without my cap, there is a likeness." I wonder if
she really thought so? "Oh! vanity of vanities, all is vanity". Her
grand-daughter, Miss Watson was dressed up in the most unbecoming, fantastic
style, & made to dance every night—her steps were entirely in
keeping with her appearance. Please dont mention this to any of the
Presbyterians, particularly Mr. Dinwiddie, if you do a conspiracy will
immediately be formed against me. I left Dr. & Mrs. Davis at the Red
Sweet, they have both improved wonderfully. I laugh and tell Dr. D. if
he has any feeling he will prepare his mother for the shock. You know
she said "if Stage gets fat, I shall be so mortified". I am glad Mr.
Smith has had such a pleasant trip, I hope he came back with renewed
strength. Sophie Bledsoe writes to me every now, & then, but I'm not so
"well posted up with University news" as you supposed I would be. I
shall feel highly honoured to receive another of your charming letters,
still I feel some delicacy in pressing you to write, knowing how much
you have to do. If you can find time I shall be greatly obliged & delighted.
Direct to Lexington, Va. Care of Col. Reed. I wish I had something
entertaining to tell you, but in a little town like this, news is
a scarce commodity. Cousin Margaret, the Dr., & Mrs. Alexander all desired
to be affectionately remembered to you. Aunt Adeline unites with
me in warmest love to you, & all our kind friends around you. Remember
me most particularly to dear Mary, & also to Mr. Smith.
(over)
best love, that she is hourly reminded of her by the shoe-bag—
it has been the most useful thing she has. I forgot to say the
tableaux were abandoned, greatly to Mrs. Kelly's regret.
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