Red Sweet Springs: Letter from J. L. Cabell to Franklin Minor, August 6, 1860.
Dr. James L. Cabell (1813-1889), was a Professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine where he taught for over 50 years. In this letter to Franklin Minor, a member of the University Board of Visitors, he discusses the Red Sweet Springs (also known as the Sweet Chalybeate Springs) and the Hot Springs as well as a disciplinary issue with a student. This engraving was made about the same time as he wrote his letter to Minor.
Maria Magruder Thurman Collection, 1860-1936, Accession #38-367, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library.
Sweet Chalybeate Springs
August 6, 1860
My dear Frank
As it was doubtful whether an answer to yours of the 28th ult. would reach Ridgway before you setting out for the Springs I determined to wait until it should be probable that you were fixed at the Hot.
Mrs. Minor’s preference for the Hot over this place was not unmaterial in view of the grounds on which she placed it, but tell her I strongly suspect that her conclusion in favor of the former was fortified by her repugnance to the latter. As to that matter, however, I cannot help thinking that making the worst of the Red Sweet she jumps out of the frying pan into the fire in selecting the Hot Springs. Jesting aside I really believe that the Hot baths here would do you as much good as the natural baths at the Hot, but as this opinion is founded more upon general principles than upon a sufficient amount of actual experience though this is not entirely wanting, I acquiesce in an arrangement which may, perhaps, be safest for you. I add that the fare here has not been quite as good of late as it was when I wrote to you the day after my arrival here. For the [unclear] we have a very pleasant time. The house is full with very pleasant people. I think Mrs. Minor would hardly call it dull – as she could spend the whole day, if she chose, in visiting & being visited by very sprightly & gay people.…
May God bless you -
Yours truly & affectionately
J.L. Cabell
Previous Document