Letter to Thomas T. Sloan from Bridget Sloan, August 10, 1832

Lexington Aug 10th 1832

My dear son Your long looked for and anxiously expected letter arrived last Saturday. I was half frantic to hear from you, because, when I last heard from you, you spoke of going to Philadelphia where that most horrible disease are prevaleing. You state in your letter that you have declined the idea of leaving Washington for some time, yet this is far from inparting comfort to me, under existing circumstances. You say the Colera are expected in your City daily, and letters has arrived in this place, dated two days later than yours, that say the Colera is certainly in Washington. Notwithstanding [notwithstanding] all this, I know not how to advise you, as it respects leaving there. But my poor heart says, I wish you was here. I have no inducement to lay before you to quit your present residence, as it relates to business. But if the Colera should prove fatal in your place, do for God's sake and for my sake fly, fly, from there. Yes I will embrace you and poverty, and be happy, it is nothing in the balance, when compared to loose you forever! You have no idea how I suffer in mind, my pen cannot do justice to my feelings. I know you think and feel different on this subject, but Theodore, you must be convinced this plague does exist; and that caution should be used. Do every thing in your

power my boy, to prevint it. It is a duty you owe yourself and me. Who do you live with, are they kind people? I would live with no one, that I was not sure would be attentive to me in sickness. I think it a good plan for a young man to be polite and attentive to his land lady. It will be a greater inducement for her to be kind in every respect.

I must say one thing more, of more importance than all, that is if it is please God to inflict you with the Colera, be it where it may or when, let not medical aide be your only thought, get spiritual aide also, and plan your hopes and confidence on the Father of mercy who can heal all diseases, and cleanse all souls.

After throwing my pen one side for a time to compose [compose] myself, I now resume it again with a determination to say some-thing more pleasant than the Colera.

Magaretta was here yesterday, and wrote you a long letter, I expect she has told you all the news. But perhaps she did not tell you that it is currently reported that your Uncle is to be married to Miss S. K. I do not believe they are ingage, but I am under the impression that he would [would] marry her to morrow if he could get her consent. He leaves nothing un turned to please her. Is it not passing [passing] strange? He must be under some mysterious infatuation [infauation], for she does not possess the first quality that will make him happy. She is welthy it is true, but what is that, if domestic bliss is to be sacrifyed for it. I wish he was married to some good girl and one that knew how to appreciate his worth. I have no doubt he would be much happier. But there is nothing more certain if he should gain Miss S. K. his happiness is don.

and this is not all. I never will live him one day after he takes her to wife, no, never, never, I never can forget days that have passed. I wish I could wipe from memory tablet those times and write, forgiveness there. God forgive me, and assist me in this case, I know I do not talk as a Christian. I do allow myself to be moved too often by impulse. But to resume. You will ask me what I have in view if my brother should marry a certain lady. I will answer you in a few words. I have two promising [promising] sons, and I flatter myself they respect their Mother's happiness.

Robert has been a good deal indisposed, but is now well. He was taken with a bowel complaint. You may be sure I began to get allarmed. But a few doces of medicine had the desired affect. He speaks of writing to you soon. He is very much ingaged at his business.

The judge is holding Court in Owing at this time, he was in good health when he left home. I saw Leland Bradley yesterday, he inquired after you as usual. He speaks of going to Philadelphia next month if the Colera ceases. He will eather go or come through Washington [Washington]. I shall write by him to you. We are all well in body. You must be sure to write as soon as you receive this, be sure, I will think of nothing but your letter and the Colera until I hear from you. Your Grand mother, and Mary Jane, send you their love.

Be sure to write is the request of Your affectionate mother B. Sloan

P.S. What I have said about your Uncle and Miss S. K. is between you I and the post.

Mr Thomas T. Sloan Washington City.