Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

MS91.06: Peyton Randolph Papers
Peyton Randolph letter to Maria Randolph, 1812 July 25

Here I am, after rising at two oClock,
and riding twenty four miles in the stage. If I may
judge of my amendment by the increase of my appetite,
I am just twice as well as when I left Richmond. I had
intended to stay a day here, but the alarming appearance
of the bed-rooms, together with dirt and noise, will drive
me on twelve miles further. Hence I intend going to
Clover-dale, and the next day, to the Warm Springs. The
greatest inconvenience that I suffer is from the lodging.
This consideration, which used to be the least of my cares,
has become all important to me, since heaven has
permitted me to know the joy ^happiness of the marriage-bed.
However, I must endeavor to accommodate myself to
circumstances. I find that but few persons have gone
to the Springs; which I hardly regret, as I am convinced that
nothing is so insipid as a crowd of idlers, all bent on
the business of pleasure. You must not suppose, from
this cynical reflection, that my mind is at all gloomy;
but you know I hate lazy people. Enough of myself;—
let me now turn my inquiries towards home. I figure to
myself that you are now tormented with a thousand imagi-
nary evils. Really, my love, I wish you could correct this temper. It not only disturbs your peace, but in some measure
impairs your ^the usefulness of your great and noble qualities.
Do not think I flatter you. Never shall I cease to thank heaven
for having united me to so much ex cellence. But even virtues
may be carried to excess. I dread the consequences of your sensibility
in those occurrences which fortune has in store for us all.
Let me conjure you to reason down this extravagance of feel-
ing.—

I had intended to continue this moral lecture
much further, but the dinner bell cuts it short. Adieu, my
best beloved. Take care of yourself. Kiss our little darling
for me over and over again. Let me hope to meet you
all with the roses of health on your cheeks. Present me
with affection to your Mamma.