Sally Dudley to Clay, 30 May 1831

Clay's mother tells him about her new husband and how good he is, how people in the town are fairing, how she likes the town more than she thought she ever would, and how some of the relatives are doing as well as where they are. May 30th 1831 My Son, I am now at Sidneys he has been & is now very low with the Bilious fever, but is considerable better this morning, I have just read your letter to him, dated 1 May, I also read yours to Mr. Rodes, the last he received, I feel highly gratified at your improvment, but felt a little mortified when you said give my love to Mother and said nothing about Mr. Dudley. he being present and heard the letter read, he is much pleased with your letters. My son you must esteem him for my sake, he is on of the Best of husbands. we were in Madison last week and saw all of Mr Smiths family at Mr Rodeses they were all well. Betsy looks more cheerfull than I could expect under her great misfortunes. Mr Smith looks rather sour with the world, but I believe he is more attentive to himself than he was before Mr Rodes wrote to you when we were there I suppose he gave you the particulars of Mr Smiths situation. I went to Frankfore the third day after I was Married or rather started I do not intend to take much of the house hold Furniture away. It would injure the bedsteads to move them or it would be putting you to trouble to get more if it should be the will of the lord that you should return will you not want them. I take two beds the piano part of the silver ware and a few other small articles. there is no over seer at our farm, Nancy takes care of the house I think a trifleing over seer is worse than none and we could not page_0002 get a suitable one. The negroes manages as good as I could expect Fanny is but little better than you left her, old harry her husband is dead. Nancy has a very sharp dog to guard the house if I had not her I cant tell what we should do. Sally Rodes lives with us and goes to school. I like living in town better than I ever expected I should. there is a good many Baptist Friends there that I am very Fond of, and have a better opportunity of hearing preaching than I ever had before which ought to be esteemed and is one of the great blessings bestowed upon us sinfull mortals for which I sometimes feel a greatefull heart, and would always if I could. it appears in your answer to Sidneys letter he has advised you to remem ber your creator in the days of your youth it is also the voice of inspiration. there is nothing like religion to support the depart ing soul. I often think of you altho I write but seldom you know I have accustomed myself through life to write but little and of course it is burdensome to me that is the reason and not for want of the tenderest affection for my dear children one and all. I have been at your aunt Pattys to day and told her I was writing to you she said give her love to you and tell you she had been very sick but was tolerable well now. Aunt Pricilla is as usual you get letters frequently and I suppose all the news they think interesting. your Mother S.D P.S I have only beeen here three days My jusband is in Frankfort) Mr Casius M. Clay New Haven Connecticut