LETTER CLXXVI.
I should not be able to summon spirits to reply to your
letter, were it not for a remark it contains on Mr. M., which
I believe to be unjust, as it obviously is most injurious to his
character. Indeed, I think a very little reflection on that of
General E., (from your own description of it,) might induce
you to ascribe his conduct to some other cause than the instigation
of a man of the highest probity, and one, too, who
has shown as great a disregard for money as is consistent
with honesty and independence. That he wrote the will, is
no proof (not even presumptive) that he excited or fomented
a spirit of unforgiveness in the testator towards an absent
child; an act worthy of a demon. Mr. L. wrote Mrs. R's.
will, but it is by no means such a will as he would have advised.
Would it be right in me to ascribe the tenor of the
will to him?
I happen to know more about Mr. M's. sentiments, in relation
to the unhappy feuds in that family, than you probably
can do, and from the most direct source. I believe I
hinted something of this to you once before; and I have no
hesitation in pronouncing that you have been misled into a
belief that does injury to him. Of the other gentleman I
know nothing, at least, in relation to that affair, and can,
therefore, say nothing.
This morning's mail brings the news of little Bathurst
Randolph's death. Harriet died three weeks before him!
The situation of the childless mother is, I fear, one that
would render death desirable, even in the opinion of her
friends.
God bless you.
JOHN RANDOLPH, of Roanoke.
William Coleman died on the 17th July. The Colonel,
John, and Maria, set off to-morrow for the Springs. I have
become seasoned to solitude, and find company unwelcome,
unless it be that of some one whom I particularly like.
