University of Virginia Library

LETTER CXIV.

I have just received your letter of the 26th. The
connexion which has so long subsisted between us, and which
nothing but death can dissolve, renders all profession, on either
side, not only unnecessary, but improper; even although
we did not agree with the worthy Baronet, in "damning
all sentiment." Feeling towards you as a father, I naturally
expect you to act towards me as a son. As to the word
gratitude, let it be expunged from our vocabulary. I must
not, however, be debarred the pleasure of expressing sometimes
my sense of the aid and comfort which I derive from
you; at the expense, I know, of your interest, and, in many

instances, I fear, of your feelings. Do not misunderstand me:
I mean that such a life as you must lead at Roanoke, is unsuited
to your character and disposition, and, therefore, I am
anxious that you should remove to this (or some other) town.

Pray look at my first memorandum, by Jupiter. Among the
enumerated articles, I remember my blue coat and goggles:
the surtout I do not want; but my clothes from Gibb's, (the
tailor at the C. H.,) I do.

I wish you, with St. George, to select seven hands, of such
as are willing to go, principally men and boys, for Bizarre
and Michaux; of course, not our prime ploughmen, prizers, &c.

I want the smith's shop put up with all convenient despatch,
between Simons and Essex's houses, near, or on, the
old brick yard; but not so as to stop a road which I mean to
open between the foot of the hill and the pasture gate, passing
near both those houses.

I enclose a check for $100, in favour of Garritt. I would
send the notes, but I preferred the check as the safer mode;
so I handed the notes to the Doctor, and drew for the money.

Adieu! my dear Theodore, and believe me, as ever,