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August 2 1840 Cassius My Dearly beloved 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 and Rob Wickliff were expected to fight, altho I can't believe it, still I feel unhappy knowing your disposition & nice sence of honor, How can a rational [inserted above:man] think it honorable to disobey his [inserted above: makers'] law which say thou shalt [inserted above: not] kill? How does it look for men to go out with their [physition with them to try to take each others life and one kill 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 gard [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 shew your philosophy - that is more noble than vengence, which the Almighty says belongs to himself. I hope the Lord will protect you: farewell. my love to M. Jane and the children Your Mother S.D. [written at the bottom of page one: Note: This letter so full of good sense and coming from one whom I loved above all the world determined me never again to fight a duel; and I never have. C. 1884]

[Postmark: Frankfort] C M Clay Esqr Lexington Mrs. Sally Dudley 1840