LETTER 36
Morganton, N.C.
March 30th, 1878
Dearest Capt.,
Only a few moments since your letter was handed me, and
though this can't leave before Monday I could not refrain from pushing aside a
basket of undarned socks and talking with you.
You don't understand my last letter. I feel just as I
always knew I would, if I entered this school. I love you and trust
you and yet I feel as if I was going out of today, entering tomorrow. Oh! my
dear tis the twin sister of death. I've seen women go to the alter little thinking
those vows were registered in Heaven's eternal court, and the eye of the Judge
following them through all the carious changes of life.
Don't get it into you head that it's fear of you,
for tis not so. I can't explain my cause and of course the effect
is foolish so don't heed my lament. I know this, that I'll be happy in
your love till death sets me free. I want to see you sadly enough. I'll begin
to obey you now by heeding what you say and throw my feelings to the wind
as chaff.
Tis a real cool evening and I would not be in the least
surprised if we had a skiff of snow by morning. Then a sad good bye to peach
eating, ha! ha!
I told you last night that "our mutual friend" Maj.
Avery hoped to don the ermine.
I see in the evenings "Blade" that Mr. Moore has
received his first installment from his Yankee $2000 (two thousand dollars).
I fear it will prove "a thorn in the flesh" to the
man. Dr. Moran has returned to the bosom of Uncle Sam and is stationed out
in Arizona. Madam Rumor whispers he carried off Miss Sallie Ervin's heart
(a sister of Cora's husband) I hardly think this is a true bill however.
Would Maggie take a school now? I heard you say she would
last Fall. I know a vacancy four miles from here and thought I'd mention it to
you. I feel quite confident that I could get it for her if she wished a
school. One of the gentlemen is a relative of mine. They offer $20. (twenty
dollars). Does she teach music? I know the former teacher did and think they
would prefer it, but of course pay extra. I've only mentioned this to you and
freely admit it may seem presumptions but I do it from loving motive
and because you told me she would like a school. I wish she could be in Col.
Tate's family, but they are at school in the cottage next [to] him. I've thought so
much of your sisters that I feel as if I know them.
Mr. Anderson came home yesterday and I'm looking forward with
pleasure to hearing him preach tomorrow.
Minnie Pearson is to be married on the 15th of May. They are
to have a large wedding at "Silver Creek." Foolish girl. Hattie and Mrs.
Pool are at "Silver Creek". He is the very poorest excuse for a man
that I ever saw.
Do you know anything of a Dr. Davis? (I think he passes for
an MD) from Fayetteville. He married a young lady from Salisbury about a year ago.
It proved a most unfortunate step. The poor girl died a few weeks ago.
Of all things that I desire is a strong bond of sympathy
for each other that perfect oneness covers the springs of life. The
bearing each others burdens and tasting each others joys is the true Sabbath of
life.
We must check each others infirmities and encourage each others
impulses for good.
I don't doubt but that it will be the goal of my life, I should
say our lives.
I went up to see my two sister in laws yesterday and told
them I was going to be married the 17th and wanted them to come to the church and
hear us take the vows. Then I told my two little friends, one of them filled up
and whispered to me Oh! Miss Laura I do hope he will be good to you ha! ha!
I won't tell what I told her, but I know she believed me as fully as she has always done. The other child insisted I'd never have another Sunday school class, but to keep on loving and feeling interested in them.
Only a little more than a fortnight till we are one.
I'll do what you wish and not be depressed or nervous for you are the only
man I ever loved and tis due you. Write me as soon as you
conveniently can. Love to Mag and your sister. God bless you very abundantly.
Yours only, L.P.
Go to LETTER 37
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