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Lexington Sep. 4th 1832
My dear boy.

Your letter of the 25 Aug. came to hand yesterday. I was horrow struck when I read it, to think you are so indifferant about your situation. Why do you promise yourself that you will be favoured more than
any other individual? particularly when so many die immediately in your neighborhood. What infatuation keeps you? You must be deranged to stay when danger is awaiting you. My feelings are worked up
some times almost to frenzy; me think I see you prostrated and no kind hand to administer those comforts that are necessary in such a situation. At other times I try to comfort myself by the reflection
that you are young, temperate, and a good constitution. But Theodore, I this moment remember you were formerly imprudent in your actions; this I am told is very highly improper, it is sowing the seed,
as it were, for the chlora. If you are yet in the habit of indulging your appetite, and abstaining too long at other times, I wish to God you would abandon it, and do every thing in your power to prevent you
from getting that most horrible disease. If Mr Dowling was with you I should feel better satisfied, for I take him to be a friend of yours, as well as a man of good feeling. He is perfectly aware, that your
relations here would ever be grateful to him for any kindness shown you.