University of Virginia Library

LETTER XLVII.

I thank you very kindly, my dear Theodore, for your
attention to Johnny, about whom I cannot help feeling some

uneasiness, although I know every care will be taken of him.
You acted exactly as I should have done, in sending for Dr.
Wilson; and in every other respect better than I could have
done. I am obliged to you, also, my dear Theodore, for
the intention with which you sent up poor Echo, whose retreat
equals that of the ten thousand under Xenophon, although
she is not likely to have so eloquent an historian of
her anabasis.[1]

I have been very unwell ever since I parted from you.
My journey to Mecklenburg did me no good: by the free
use of diluting, acidulated drinks, I am somewhat better today—able
to ride out. As soon as I am well enough, I shall
come down to Bizarre.

In reply to the supplement to your letter, I need not say
that there is no person that I should be more glad to see, at
all times, in my house, than yourself; and I believe there is
no one in the world that would be happier to see you (no,
not even your own father) than, dear Theodore, him who
feels like a father towards you. God bless you, my son!