University of Virginia Library

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103

LETTER LXX.

The post has arrived, and brought no letter from
you. You may judge my anxiety by reversing the case,
and making it your own. My house is a perfect hospital.
Mr. Curd[1] lies up stairs, at the point of death, with malignant
fever. I have scarcely any hopes of his recovery. Jupiter
has been very ill, and in this harassed situation, Carter Coupland
excepted, I have not had the assistance of any person
besides my own people. Dr. Merry has, indeed, attended
with much solicitude: Curd has now been ill nearly a fortnight.

The lectures are so near commencing, that I would not
have you leave Philadelphia unless your health should require
the measure; of that Dr. Wistar will be the best judge,
and to it I would have you sacrifice every other consideration.

I scarcely know what I write. Beverley is in Staunton,
and has not been here two days, together, since about the 1st
of July. Farewell, my son! Say all that is proper for me
to Mrs. Clay and Mr. Ashmead's family.