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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]