University of Virginia Library

LETTER CXX.

I received your letter by Quashia, yesterday, after
morning service; of course, nothing could be done until today.
I directed Ryland, however, to get the chief article,
iron, as soon as possible, this morning; but there are some
other things that I wish to send up, and I have been so unwell
for the last week as to be incapable of any thing. You
and Tudor are, in one respect, two provoking correspondents.
You have the art of writing letters without putting
any thing in them—and of answering, without replying
to your correspondent. Add to this, that your epistles bear
strong symptoms of hypochondriasis. That you, my dear
Theodore, should be affected in this way, is not wonderful,
considering the life you lead. I can scarcely bear to think
of it. You, my dear Theodore, are the chief stay and comfort
of my life, and it grieves me to think that you should
be buried in the wilds of Roanoke, especially when I see
so many dolts, here, succeeding in the profession, of which
you have made yourself master. I think I must insist on
your removal. I know, and admire the motive that keeps
you where you are; and it serves but to rivet my esteem of
you. I hope, however, that it will not prevent you following
the bent of your inclination, should it prompt a visit to
Tennessee.

I send up by Quashia some sugar and coffee. I am afraid
that you are too fastidious with me, and refrain from mentioning
the wants of our little cabin. For heaven's sake,
my dear Theodore, let there be none of this between us.
You have a right to look upon me as a father, as I do on you
as a son. I never fail to command you. Do thou likewise.

I shall send coal, provided it will not interfere with some
furniture that I have bought. Quashia brings a bushel of

clover seed. It is rather late, but I wish it sowed on some
rich spot, at the middle quarter; and if not ground enough
to be had there, the remainder at the ferry, say on the wheat
land; although it would succeed better with oats, if we had
the land to receive them.

We will also give you some books, pamphlets, &c., which
may serve to amuse you; and some late papers, English as
well as American.

The very same thought of promoting little Quash. to the
command of the ferry wagon, had suggested itself to me
before you mentioned it; and I had determined to carry it
into execution. Your plan of hiring the carriage of the remaining
tobacco is highly proper and advisable.

I shall sell my colts and fillies at the May races, if practicable,
and the English mares with them. If any one will
give you a thousand dollars for Gracchus, take it.

The Doctor and Mrs. Brockenbrough desire their best remembrance
to you. I dined at Bellville, on Friday, and
Mrs. B. and Miss Barton inquired after you.

Adieu, dear Theodore!