LETTER CLXIII.
Washington, January 21, 1820.
Friday.
On my return home last night, after dining abroad, I found
the enclosed note. Gen. S. is in earnest, in his civilities to
you. He expressed in his countenance, as well as in his language,
the greatest mortification at your sudden departure.
To-day we hear Mr. Pinkney without fail. He announced
it himself, yesterday, on moving the adjournment. Of course,
he has the floor as soon as the question comes up, and the
house will be crowded to suffocation. I go to hear; and
shall maintain my seat against the combined forces of the ladies,
who entre nous have no business in legislative halls, or
courts of justice. Mad. Roland might have saved her pretty
head from the gallant Frenchmen, if she had not put on the
breeches, (or, rather, put them off,) and turned sans culottes.
I agree entirely with Mad. de Stael, that the liberty which
women enjoy in France, is only the effect of the indifference
of the men; and a cause of it too—as, she says, the Turk,
who locks up his wife, shows, at least, that he puts some value
upon her. So soon as the sex, leaving her own peculiar
province, encroaches upon that of man, all her privileges are
put in jeopardy.
By this time, I suppose, you are in Richmond; and, on the
whole, you have had very good weather for your journey.
Let me know all about it. I sometimes hear of Harry T.,
through his correspondents, Messrs. C., &c. To me he never
writes—nor does L.
Remember me to the Doctor and Mrs. B. in the most affectionate
terms. I shall write, until Monday, to Richmond.
Let me know of your movements. I heard, yesterday, from
Barksdale. Do not forget my best remembrance to all at
Obslo and Clay hill.
Yours, truly,
JOHN RANDOLPH, of Roanoke.
T. B. Dudley.
