James Brown letter to Henry Clay, 12 March 1805

New Orleans, March 12, 1805.

Dear Sir, - I received, two mails ago, your very acceptable favor of the 28th of January, and should sooner have answered it but for the pressure of business arising from two courts in session at the same time. I rejoice at every assurance I receive of the health and happiness of a family to whom I feel every attachment which a consciousness of their worth and a recollection of their friendship can inspire. The hope of a rapturous meeting with you shortly, consoles me under an absence which, without this delightful expectation, would be insupportable. With the young portion of my relations I feel confident of an interview, but poor old Colonel Hart - am I never to see him again ? He has frightened me by the very circumstance which he mentions as flattering to his hope of long life. He informs me that his weight has increased twenty-three pounds since his return from the Springs. I consider this as an unfavorable omen, but will feel perfectly relieved from all apprehensions if he survives the month of March.

It gives me real pleasure to hear from every quarter that you stand in Kentucky at the head of your profession. May you soon grow rich, and be able to retire from a profession, the duties of which are too severe in that inclement climate for the most robust constitution. My retreat from your State saved my life. One winter more would have fixed upon me a confirmed consumption. Here I have renewed my youth.

Nancy has written to Lucretia. She enjoys good health, good spirits, and, as you may suppose, the esteem of all who know her.

Let me hear from you more frequently.