LETTER LVIII.
Blake Woodson's, April 11, 1811.
Dear Theodore,
By mere accident, I obtained your letter of the 29th
of March, from the Farmville post-office, on Sunday last, (the
7th.) I arrived at Mr. Dillon's the day before, on my way
to Buckingham court—Mrs. Randolph being gone to Clifton,
and St. George, unknown to me, to Roanoke. He accompanied
his mother to Mr. Harrison's; returned, and went up,
on Sunday morning. Sally divides her time between Mr.
Dillon's and Major Morton's families. I called yesterday, at
the latter place, on my way from Buckingham court, to see
her, and am sorry to tell you that I found her very unwell,
having been seized with a sick stomach and fever the day before.
It appears to me to be a slight case of bilious affection,
and you may rest assured that every thing that kindness and
good nursing can effect for her, is, and will be done. My
engagement here obliged me to leave her, but I am just going
to see her this morning.
Mr. Eppes obtained a majority of one vote over me at
Buckingham. This was owing to my visit to Baltimore, in
the first instance; but, principally, to the activity of the three
candidates, who were all opposed to me, as well as the returning
officer. There were also a great many bad votes, and a
very thin election: the votes being, for E. 199, R. 198. The
polls were closed by half past three, at the very nick of time for
my adversaries, the votes of the candidates and clerks putting
him, for the first time, a-head. The mail, on Saturday night,
was loaded with hand-bills, containing the most infamous libels
against me.
Present me, very respectfully, to Capt. Murray and Mrs.
Rush. She is a fine woman, whom I very much admired
when she was Miss Murray. My best regards to Mr. Clay,
and give him all the intelligence respecting the election that
this letter contains. I will write again soon, when I have
more leisure, and better implements.
Your affectionate friend and kinsman,
JOHN RANDOLPH.
P. S.—In 1809, the vote of Buckingham was for R. 379;
Baker, 197.
