University of Virginia Library

LETTER XCIII.

I was highly gratified this evening, on my return from
dining with Mr. Frank Key, to find your letter of the 23d,
(post-marked the 25th.) I am glad to tell you that, since my
late acute attack, when the morbid matter, whatever it be, settled
in my feet, I have been quite a new man. For the first
time, during many months, my mind has been relieved from
an oppression which has clouded and impaired all my faculties.

The effects have, no doubt, been felt by those who have
been placed in contact with me, (as well as by myself,) although
they have, probably, been unable to make due allowance
for the malady by which I have been afflicted.

I hope you will follow Dr. Chapman's advice, and never
cease to remember that, in order to qualify yourself for healing
others, it is of primary necessity that you, yourself,
should be sane in body, as well as mind. I am greatly
obliged to Dr. Chapman; I cannot say for his recollection of
me, for he never knew me; but, for thinking of me so often,
and so favourably—I must add, so partially, also.

Present me, most respectfully and affectionately, to Mrs.
Clay, and tell her that I accept the trust which she has so generously
confided to me, with a proper sense of its importance.
I hope, indeed, that it may be as she expects, "that
Randolph will receive much benefit from my tuition." I
know that, in many respects, I am less qualified for such a
task, than when I undertook the instruction of yourself and
Tudor; but of this I am equally confident, that no exertion
shall be wanting, on my part, to render him worthy of her,
and an honour to the memory of that other dear friend, to
whom he owes his being.

I took advantage of the parliamentary holiday, yesterday,
to enjoy the diversion of shooting. I killed one brace of
woodcocks and two of partridges—missing only two shots;
both on horse-back. Your favourite Sancho did not distinguish
himself, being quite eclipsed by Dido. I fear he will
lose his eye. St. George writes that woodcocks are uncommonly
numerous, and that he has killed two. Your sister
was well.

Did I tell you that I sent Jupiter home from Fredericksburg?
I miss him very much. Mr. Charles Sterrett Ridgely
arrived here last night, to my great joy. He desires his
respects to you. I received a letter, since I commenced
this, from Mr. Parish. He is at Ogdensburgh, but will be in
Philadelphia, about the first of January.

My best regards to Mr. Walsh. I shall write again shortly;
probably by to-morrow's mail.