Robert Carter writes to the governor, Hugh Drysdale, February 19, 1724, explaining that he will be unable to attend a meeting of the Council called by the governor because his gout has been so bad all winter that he has not been on a horse, has rarely worn his shoes, and has only been able to attend church 2 or 3 times when he has gone in his coach.

     Your honors ' Express for a Council this day I had not until last night
after candle light The necessity You are pleased to say You are in for a full meet=
ing would oblige me to struggle with all the difficulties in the way were my
circumstances tolerable for the journey but the Gout hath been an inseperable
companion to me all this Winter and I have never bestried a horse since
I left Williamsburg nor have I had my shoes on one whole day together
nor have I escaped without without swollen feet every night Indeed I have
been twice or thrice at our Church with the help of my Coach taking care
to wrap my feet very warm these reasons I hope will be a sufficient ex=
cuse for my absence otherwise I should gladly contribute my [illegible] assistance
in determining upon the weighty affairs now before Your honor thinking
it an incumbent duty to approve myself with my utmost capacity