University of Virginia Library

LETTER LXXI.

The post-boy has just now brought your two letters
of the 10th and 14th of this month. They have relieved
my mind from the uneasiness produced by not hearing from
you last week. Indeed, my attention had been, in some
measure, distracted by the scene of distress which my house
has exhibited for some time past. Mr. Curd breathed his
last on Thursday morning, half past three o'clock, after a
most severe illness, which lasted sixteen days. I insisted
upon his coming up here, where he had every possible aid
that the best medical advice and most assiduous nursing could
afford him. During the last week of his sickness, I was never
absent from the house but twice, about an hour each
time, for air and exercise: I sat up with him, and gave him
almost all his medicines, with my own hand, and saw that
every possible attention was paid to him. This is, to me, an
unspeakable comfort; and it pleased God to support me under
this trying scene, by granting me better health than I
had experienced for seven years. On Thursday evening I
followed him to the grave; and, soon after, the effects of the
fatigue and distress of mind that I had suffered, prostrated
my strength and spirits, and I became ill. Three successive
nights of watching were too much for my system to endure;
but, I am now better, although weak and giddy. I was with
him, when he died, without a groan or change of feature.
My servants, also, have been all sick, except Essex, Hetty,
and Nancy. Carter Coupland, my only companion in this
scene of trouble, has behaved most nobly. If I had permitted
it, he would have exhausted himself by sitting up.
He has been of inexpressible assistance and comfort to me.

On Wednesday morning Beverley, who accompanied your
cousin from Staunton, came to breakfast, and went on immediately

to Halifax Court. He is now at Prince Edward
Superior Court, where Mr. Leigh is to appear for Robert
Gibson on a charge of murdering Samuel Pearce, his brother
in law; and Beverley for Caleb Baker, junior, who is to be
tried for shooting a negro.

It is grateful to me to see that the relict of my, let me
say our poor friend, and his other connexions, do not undervalue
my regard for the memory of that excellent man.
Say all that is proper for me to them. I am too unsettled to
write. I hope Mr. Croskey will send me the picture after
having such copies taken as Mr. Clay's friends may desire.
Has mine ever arrived in Philadelphia? I paid Jarvis eighty
dollars. Do not be uneasy about me; but write often,
and fully of yourself, and affairs. I know you must be
getting out of cash. I enclose a small supply of forty dollars,
and will send more when I can get out, and procure it.

I am comforted to find that my dear friend's family are
getting more composed under their calamity. I hope he
left them in easy circumstances. Say something on this subject
to me, as well as on that of your own finances; one on
which you are culpably reserved.

My other overseer, Palmer, is very sick; an autumnal
fever, prevalent among the poor slaves. I give them emetics
of ipecacuanha and tartar emetic combined, twelve and
two grains: one-third taken until it operates, and afterwards
a mercurial cathartic. This treatment has proved effectual
in all the cases except three: in those, Doctor Merry's
skill has succeeded in giving relief. You may probably
hear exaggerated reports of my illness. Give no credit to
them. It has been the effect of watching, fatigue, and
anxiety; and rest will soon restore me. Mr. William
Watkins, and Colonel Morton have just called to inquire
how I do.