LETTER CXIX.
Richmond, Friday, Feb. 17, 1814.
I reached this place with my little charge, on Sunday
last, too late to write to you, my dear Theodore. I found
Tudor here, not at all improved in health since I saw him in
New York. I fear, both from my own observation, and what
I hear, that he is not sufficiently careful of himself. Yesterday
the whole town was thrown into great joy by the certainty
of peace. The preliminaries were signed on the 24th
of December. Great as my calculations have always been,
on the folly of the British ministry, I have never made sufficient
allowance on that score. Their ill-contrived expedition
against New Orleans was carrying on at the very moment
that they were giving us peace. What a wanton waste
of gallant men!
I shall set out next week for Roanoke. My horses wanted
rest, and I have some arrangements to make here which
have detained me, and may, probably, keep me longer than
I intended. I shall endeavour to bring Tudor with me.
Present me to your mother and sister, if they be with you.
Most truly, yours,
JOHN RANDOLPH, of Roanoke.
I received a letter from you whilst I was at Mr. Ridgely's.
It had been forwarded from Philadelphia. It was
written soon after Tudor left you. Dr. G. and Mr. and Mrs.
S. Ridgely desire their respects to you. They all made particular
inquiries after you; as did Dr. and Mrs. B.
Remember me to Colonel Morton.
