LETTER CXLVII.
Georgetown, Monday Morning.
Jan. 27, 1817.
No letter from you, my dear Theodore, since that of December
30th. If I do not find one when I get to the house,
I shall not know what to think. Indeed, that is my present
situation. I am truly uneasy. Sometimes I think you have
set out to Tennessee, to see some sick relation. Then I
fancy you in that situation, alone, without a friend; although
I should rather have Essex than any nurse or attendant I
ever saw. Then, again, I reflect on my want of success in
teaching you and Tudor (poor Tudor!) to write regularly to
me when you were boys, or to descant upon the topics that
were most interesting to me, and I try to be easy.
A letter from Harry T., dated Winchester, Jan. 23d. Instead
of a "fracture of a process of the scapula," his case
"proves to be a very unusual dislocation of the os humeri."
"Two days ago, two very skilful gentlemen of the faculty
attempted its reduction: after a variety of efforts, during
three hours, aided by four strong men, they found it impracticable.
They resolved to repeat the experiment on Saturday
next, but, in the mean time, I have resolved upon another
procedure, and shall set out to-morrow for Philadelphia,
and place myself under the direction of Physick."
(My earnest advice to him three weeks ago, when I first
saw him lying at the turnpike-gate, at Goshen; for although
I did not know what was the matter, I would have ventured
my life that the individual "Rushian" attending him, although
the boon companion of Mr. W., and of as great
fame in medicine as this last in law, knew nothing of the
case. He pronounced that there was neither fracture nor
luxation, and that H. T. would be well in a short time.
When asked here, I told every body his, and then my opinion;
and, in reply to the enclosed letter, told my brother
that I had not the least expectation of his being able to take
his seat in Congress this winter. He adds:—) "In his skill
I may expect success, if it can be commanded. Evelina will
accompany me, as I find her aid essential to me."
Adieu!
Yours,
JOHN RANDOLPH.
I have given F. K. one of my mares; and, if she be not
in prime order, shall select Everlasting for him: if not, the
little gray out of Telegraph, unless you can suggest a better.
I make no reservation, except of Lady B., her filly, and
Duchess's filly. If my good colts and fillies are starved
this winter, I shall be much displeased, unless all the rest
are knocked on the head. If, after that process, there is
not enough provision, I must be content.
