Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

your letter directed to the Warm Springs found me
at this place, whither I came at the time and for the reason mentioned
in my last. I have written twice since I left Charlottesville;—both
letters, I trust, have reached you before this. They were of great importance,
containing nothing less than the effusions of one who is more a lover
than he ever was. You cannot complain, I am sure, of my want of
punctuality in writing, since I have seized every opportunity which pre-
sented itself. Indeed it is to me the greatest of luxuries, to withdraw
from the idle scene around me, and commune with her who engrosses
all my thoughts. My letters, I believe, have no great variety in them; but
you are a theme that can never tire.

My health is progressively improving; my complexion
is clearing up, and I feel almost regenerated. My leg is gradually growing
stronger, and I can walk tolerably well without my stick; it is still
however a very useful co-adjutor. I unfortunately stumped my toe
in the warm bath, which has produced a much more considerable sore
than I could have apprehended, and has disabled me from wearing a
boot. The toe aforesaid, is, however, convalescent. I intend to visit the Sweet
Springs in the course of a week, when I anticipate great benefit from
drinking the waters, and still more from the use of the bath, which,
I am sure, is much better suited to my constitution, than that of the
Warm Springs. After remaining there about ten days or a fortnight
I shall visit Lexington. From thence I shall descend to the foot of the
little mountains and probably spend a short time at Warren.
I have not yet received your letter by M.^r Hay, and am therefore igno-
rant of your plans; but when I understand them, I shall make my
own correspond, that I may meet you at the earliest moment. Meet you!
The thought fills me with rapture. So, my girl, let me hear of your move-
ments as soon as possible. Write to each place that I have mentioned, that
your letter may certainly reach me. Hasten to the upper country, I conjure
you. Your health and that of our dear little hopes, eminently depends upon
it. Let no scruples arrest you. Let the voice of him who cherishes you far
above every thing that the earth contains, not plead in vain.

The accommodations here, are as good as the nature of the
establishment will admit. We have between 60 & 70 eaters, drinkers,
and sleepers. These dispose of the load of life in various ways; some
by resorting to the gaming table;—a few by gallantry; and others,
in a way of which they can give no account themselves. Of this
latter class am I. When a stranger arrives we rush upon him
with open mouths, to catch the news; and them,—shut them
again, with grievous disappointments. We have had no balls, and
yesterday for the first time, we saw the face of a young lady. J. Baker
says that a fiddle is to celebrate her arrival this evening. Two
widows rule here with divided sway. Of these; M.^rs Campbell,
a daughter of Patrick Henry, a "sable goddess" commands the
greater number of torpid subjects. She may be said indeed to
"stretch forth her leaden sceptre o'er this slumbering world."
M.^r W. Coles appears to have an ambition to become her slave for
life. Her person is not bad, and her mind is said to be cultivated;
of this however I can only speak from report. But my opinion of
females is not to be trusted. Having ever before my eyes the image
of perfect excellence, it is no wonder if I should be rather fastidious.
M.^r & M.^rs Nicholas are expected here to-morrow. I am much
surprised that W. Archer has not yet arrived. I fear that some of
his friends are indisposed.

You give me no particulars of yourself. For heaven's
sake, let me know your state of health minutely. You cannot expatiate
too much on that subject which lies nearest my heart.

Present me with the greatest affection to your mother. Let me hear
of Hadijah's health and future prospects. Tell Ben that I commit you
and my children to his fatherly care. Give my love to all your
excellent friends in Amelia.

Peyton, Mary, Jeffery, may heaven bless you my little
darlings!

M[illegible]ing, August 7^th

17
&
25

M.^rs Maria Randolph
Near Genito
Ameilia county
Mail.
Charged to Cap^t Hadijah Meade 25
W^m Harrison PM