Coll.: March 25, 1821.
My dear Mother,--I entreat you to entertain no apprehensions about my health.

My fever, cough, and sore-throat have all disappeared for the last four days.

Many thanks for your intelligence about poor dear John's recovery, which has much exhilarated me.

Yet I do not know whether illness to him is not rather a prerogative than an evil.

I am sure that it is well worth while being sick to be nursed by a mother.