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Disappointed at not being allowed to accept brother’s invitation to Bizarre. Thanks him for money. Would deprive self of pleasure of seeing plays except for appearance of singularity. Went to see waxworks with Mrs. Barraud on way to Mrs. Handfords. Is collecting for the hire of Matty of the woman in bank street.

Has read little since he came except law. Now reads abridgment of Gibbon’s Decline and Fall which is very unsatisfactory. Yesterday sister Fanny was ill but today chats with Mrs. Davenport about coquetries of Colonel Griffin and Susan Randolph. Coalter has gone to Rockbridge court, then to Amhearst, then Williamsburg.

Has been studying Blackstone under Coalter. Asks question about certain legal interpretation of Tucker’s. Books sent by Colonel Gamble have not arrived. Borrowed some of Mr. Johnson. Mentions members of the family.

This evening sister Fanny is well enough to receive Mrs. Saunders. All friends been attentive during her confinement. Mrs. Davenport given her excellent care.

Dine today at Mrs. Ambler's with big company. Bishop and Mrs. Madison, Colonel Skipwith and Colonel Cary. Sister Fanny left for Richmond. Will join her day after tomorrow. Organ left under Mr. Greenhow's care and not yet sent off. Fanny hoped to see Coalter on road about Goodall's.

Man named Pike has put the organ and harpsichord in good shape. Own eyes are hurting. Fannilea Coalter has as many tricks as a dancing dog.

Been put to work (studying?) by Mr. Coalter. Sister Fanny been busy with Betsey who fell down steps. Today they dine the Chancery bar and the kitchen is busy. Will soon set out for Bizarre. Has received shirts and read second volume of Blackstone.

Ordered to visit sister Nancy Randolph at R. Harrison near Cartersville, but found that she has gone to her brother’s in Albemarle. Self was near to Bizarre so went there but found brother Jack (John Randolph) not at home. Visited with sister. ? Has been studying since return.

Writes on way to Mrs. Peachy’s. Mr. Bassett not in town. Tabb showed him a power of attorney from five which Tucker had asked him to get executed. One of the five was Richardson whom Tabb had seen and who had executed the power. Poll will not go to Shirley tomorrow because Maria Ward has not written.

Last letter was careless because he was on the way to Mrs. Peachey’s. Explains subject of power of attorney again. Richardson first refused, then executed the power. Portmanteau with letter was delayed at the stage office. Sent without being paid for. Has spoken to Moody about it.

Mother, Polly (Mary Carter) and servants, all well, except Ben, who has fever. Granny has arrived. Neighbor Mr. Saunders better. Mr. Prentis has an out of the way complaint. Betty Andrews has ague and fever. Mr. Girardin is recruited again. Mrs. Semple the same. Mr. Blackburn appointed professor of Mathematics. Eager to see Mrs. Davenport again. Basset said he had sent assignment to Tucker. Self has power of attorney.

Mr. Hockady will make the case. Mr. Moody says music has not come, but he will send by tomorrow’s stage to Guy, his agent in Richmond, for it. Mrs. Nelson of Belvoir spent day with them, but left companion who is very attractive with a small portion of beauty. Catherine Ambler asked for her “Pa Tucker.” Cousin Maria’s husband gone to Norfolk. Ellyson has left.

Agrees with his preference of Fredericksburg for beginning practice. People on other side of mountain different. Grateful to Colonel Minor for help. Does he wish him to go now to Fredericksburg or to Winchester until he gets a license? Greetings to all the family. Wishes he had seen Miss Wheeler whose stock of both good and bad qualities must be astonishing.

Father misinformed slightly. Describes game at which he won and then lost money. Is sure now since he tried the experiment, that he will not be tempted by gaming. Admits the other fault and is trying to remedy it. Will receive his counsel gratefully. Polly Tabb and her man left today.

Mentions lottery ticket. Repeats story of why Taylor? supported Stuart instead of Tucker for Court of Appeals. A

Finds lack of servants and attendance not so great as had expected. Surprised that sister is still at Williamsburg. Had not intended to omit mother from greetings in previous letter. Has not yet received a cent for business. He does prefer a mattress to a bed.

Has little to communicate. No news. Expenses been higher than he expected. Regrets he has made no money. Mentions brothers and sisters.

Frank Watkins, Jr., told him that Tucker's land in Lunenburg county has been preempted by a certain Gilbert Reiks who had taken possession of and was injuring land.

Court at Buckingham not profitable enough to attend. Too much competition for even Mr. Bouldin. Hopes to succeed in Halifax and Charlotte. Will visit Tucker's land in Lunenburg co. and see Mr. Ricks. Refused $200 for case stained with blood. $2000 would not have washed it? off.

Regrets not seeing him but must set out for Halifax court. Must tell him of his inviolate attachment to Mary Coalter. His love last year was admitted and returned but he could do nothing about it until he was in a position to support himself. Asks father's approbation.

Has every kind feeling for Mary Coalter and high regard for her, but how can he hope to support her? Self has suffered financial losses. Gave up £200 per year with professorship which he found disagreeable. Cannot help him and thinks brother (? Randolph) should not be allowed to. Has had his parental advice disregarded before. Begs him not to marry until he can support wife.

Ill. Began improving jthe last week in February. Head affected until January 20. Have come in to assist in the transportation of my Negroes and to make a title to land in Lunenburg. Good friends in Charlotte made arrangement s toward disposition of furniture and for removal of my Negroes. They are to set out on Wednesday and I ought to follow them so as to overtake them before they get to the Ohio. John Randolph of Roanoke offered to purchase land on whcih I have been living.

Nathaniel Beverley Tucker in St. Louis for court. Attacked by influenza. Nursing him. Normal eating makes him unwell. Cannot write or read without injuring himself. Extreme cold weather. Law says they have to live in St. Louis during court. Will take some servants.

Ill. Some weeks convalescent. Sixty-eight boils on his back. Told Governor if he could find someone competent and willing to accept temporary appointment, he would resign.

Delayed trip to Virginia. Salary doesn't equate to much. Hopes to use tobacco crop to pay debts. Grateful for check.