LETTER CLVIII.
Bank of Virginia, April 29, 1818.
Wednesday.
Dear Theodore,
After old Quashia was gone, it occurred to me that
there might be some articles in the first memorandum that
were omitted in the second. On comparing them, I find
two of this description: the camphorated tincture of opium,
and compound tincture of rhubarb; both of which I have
ordered, and will bring with me: also, the tincture of aloes,
which, although contained in both lists, the apothecary could
not procure. As I frequently heard you express a want of
this medicine in your own case, I have spurred up the lean
vender of drugs, and the sorry jade has at last answered my
purpose. This, also, I will bring with me.
Yesterday I dined with M. His sister is an intelligent,
frank, unaffected, Scotch lassie, with as much of the accent
as any admirer of "The Antiquary," &c., could desire. I
have passed one evening at Mr. B's., and a charming one it
was: to-day I dine there.
After I had closed my letter, by Quashia, I sent sundry
other articles; among them, Mr. C's. picture—two packages
for Randolph—a kip skin—the handle of my old castors,
and some other matters, which my bills will show.
I have received your picture-frame from Dr. G., with a
nice glass, which I hope will reach home unbroken. I have,
too, got another picture of Frank, and a better likeness than
the first, but yet not so good as G's. If I do not hear from
you by to-morrow's (rather to-night's) mail, I shall be disappointed.
Ever, yours,
JOHN RANDOLPH, of Roanoke.
Dr. Dudley.
The kindest inquiries are made after you by Mrs. B., Mrs.
C., (who is now gone to Europe,) and Mrs. B.—Place aux
Dames. R. K. J., Dr. B., Mr. B., Mr. M., Mr. T., cum
multis aliis, have asked after you, and wished to see you.
Thursday, April 30, 1818.
I left my letter open, expecting yours of the 27th, which
I received this morning, in due course of mail; the first instance
of the kind that I remember. Surely there must be
some catenation between this extraordinary event and the
late unpropitious search. Frost this morning, by which a
man might be tracked through the street. If it can be done,
as I suppose it may, without injury to the crop, I wish one
wagon from the middle quarter and ferry, to go down with
tobacco.
