WASHINGTON, March
14, 1852.
MY DEAR SON,—I
received your letter of the 1st instant, and at the same time one from Susan.
They both interested me, as I like to hear all the details of your business and
operations. You find, as every body finds, building and improvement more
expensive than you had expected.
My health continues
nearly stationary, not getting better nor worse, except in one particular, and
that is sleep. Although I take an opiate every night, and lie in bed fourteen
hours, I can get no sound, refreshing sleep. A man whose flesh, strength,
appetite and sleep have been greatly reduced, must be in a bad way, but that is
my condition. I have taken immense quantities of drugs; but with little if any
effect on my cough, the disease which threatens me. I may linger on some
months, but if there be no speedy improvement, I must finally sink under it.
Give my love to dear Susan and all your children. I hope that she will continue
to write to me.
SOURCE: Calvin
Colton, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Henry Clay, p. 629
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