LETTER CXLIV.
Georgetown, Dec. 31, 1816.
I never received a letter from you, my dear Theodore,
that gave me more pleasure than your last; it was the first, also,
of the 23d. Your hymenial and sporting intelligence
were highly acceptable; the first, as you conjecture, altogether
a surprise upon me. Give to the bride and bridegroom my
cordial congratulations on the event: I know not how to offer
them to my worthy old neighbour—to whom present me, in
the most friendly terms. Pray let me know whether he
will, by this occurrence, be left entirely solitary. I am sure
that if he had had the choosing of his son-in-law, he could
not have been more highly gratified in that respect; and such
is his affection for Lucy, that, I am sure, not a thought of
himself enters into his mind. Indeed, he is fortunate in seeing
her, before he leaves this world, committed to the protection
of a deserving man—yet, I am persuaded that, if he
live alone, he will not live long.
You forget, that when I mentioned Traquair's letter, I told
you that the boxes were locked, and that the keys were
hanging in the north closet. All the boxes, but one, contain
books; the papers are in the other, in bundles, alphabeted.
The letter contains a design for a fire place, and is wanted.
As for the hypo, let me prescribe broken doses of Pigou &
Andrews' preparation, of carbonated nitre and sulphur, with
q. s. of prepared lead. I hope you will not expose yourself
in the practice of your profession.
God bless you, my son.
JOHN RANDOLPH.
P. S.—I have been interrupted by company. You say nothing
of Essex, &c., and little Molly. Are you aware that
you are becoming careless in your orthography: "puzzle,"
with one z. Also, "baged." I hope you will not find my
corrections like Wm. Jenkins' reproof of Molly Jones.
