Sally Dudley to Clay, 2 Aug 1840

Clay's mother writes to him expressing her concern and sorrow over hearing that he was to be involved in a duel and informs him of the consequences that God will bestow upon him for disobeying his law. August 2th 1840 Ephesus My Dearly belo'd son you don't know the anxiety I have felt since I heard you became a candidate, last night I heard there was a report in town that you & Rob Wickliff were expected to fight, altho I can't believe it; still I feel unhappy knowing your disposition & nice sense of honour. How can a rational man think it honourable to disobey his makers law which says thou shalt not kill? How does it look for man to go out with their [illegible] with them to try to take each others life and one kills the other? The survivor lives a miserable life here & without the soverign mercy of God dies and is miserable to all eternity! Oh, my son, think of the shortness of life and the vanity of all earthly fame, surely you will not take it amiss for your Mother to exhort you to be upon your guard, you are very dear to my heart; there is no earthly tie stronger than the love an affectionate mother feels for her children; don't be too anxious and if you are not elected show your philosophy - that is more noble than vengeance, which the Almightysays belongs to himself. I hope the Lord will protect you: farewell. My love to M. Jane and the childen. Your mother S. D. Note. This letter so full of good and coming from one whom I loveth above all the world determined me never again to fight or duel: and I never have. E. 1884 page_0002 [postal cancellation: Frankfort] [Between the address lines are 2 words written in blue pencil. Red sealing wax is in the center of the page with a small hole.] C M. Clay Esq Lexington Mrs. Sally Dudley 1840