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Brutus to me again, M. Rodes told me he wrote a very feeling letter
to him, stating my situation and that if it was not convenient for
him to come over to the sale, to write and authorise him what he
should do, Brutus was in Bourbon and came by for him, ask him
if he was not coming over, he said no, ask'd him if he was not a
going to write to Mr. Rodes, he said no, he had no word to send.

I know Father gave me a great deal and M. Smith has spent it,
but it was not any of my extravagance or fault, he seems very much
mortified at what he has brought his family two, but I do hope he
will here after attend to his business and quit politicks, and be able to
support his family decently, he was very attentive to his business last
count and came home almost every night and off in the morning very early.
Sally ann poor Child is very much mortified, the girls at school throw it
up to her, and tell her, her father is broke.

M. Rodes bought Mercer for you, the rest of the boys sold for
upwards of 400 dolls. and M. Rodes did not get them for you-
I have kept Mercer untill I hear from you, I hope by next
year M. Smith will be able to make some better arrangement,
Mother thought I ought not to keep Mercer, but send him to M.
Rodes.
Brutus was to have moved over home to day with his wife.
our friends are all well I believe. Farewell my dear Brother and
believe me ever your affectionate Sister E.L. Smith

W. G. M. Clay.