Sparta March 29, 1854

Esteemed Mary,

It is with extreme delight that I address you at this time. I received your letter last night which delighted me more than usual. There was a manifestation of a feeling which I have failed to observe in you language before. You have ever manifested a high regard for me but, it seemed to be a kind of intellectual esteem. Never, before did you speak to me in the language of love. It would be impossible for me to tell the effect which this had upon me. After reading it I picked up "Blackstone" for the purpose of reading. But I soon found it impossible to confine my mind upon what I was reading. It was so dry and uninteresting! I laid it aside! I drew out your letter and read it again, and then again. I then leaned back and, by the aid of the imagination, I took a foretaste of the happiness which I anticipate in our union.

My last night's slumbers were happified by dreams of the most pleasant character: in all of which "Mary" was a conspicuous personage.

Saturday April 1, 1854

Finding it not convenient to finish my letter when the above was written and knowing too that it could not go out till to-morrow, I have delayed writing till "this good hour". I hope you will excuse me for the style of the above as it was written while in a state of excitement.

I am happy to hear that you have so favorable an opportunity for studying music; but would be more happy to hear the mellow tones of your instrument, accompanied by your angelic voice. I am glad, also, to learn that you are associated with such "handsome and interesting" young ladies; and very probable, in this case, I would be better pleased to see them with my own eyes. As for the young men, I do sympathise with them. I pity any ardent lover, who is a student.

There was an infare in town yesterday, at the house of Bro. Vass given in behalf of young Vass to a Miss Gracy. Not having an opportunity of going during the daytime, I went last night. I found a considerable collection of young folks. I here met with an opportunity of forming acquaintance, with some of the fair ones of Sparta, for the first time. There are some young ladies here that do right well for some things but no equal for "Mary". While mingling with the merry throng, I often thought of you.

You say one of the five months is gone. I wish it were two. But it makes you sad. Don't be sad "Mary". Truly you have a dear home and loving friends but is it not an ordinance of Heaven that these ties should be severed? I feel that in conformity to this law of your being your happiness will be augmented. Cheer up then. Gladly welcome the day when you shall unite your destiny with one whose chief delight shall be to render you happy and blest.

I expect soon to advise with your parents relative to the above named object, probably next mail. Will they give you up? I'll try them. That consumated, and "Though I be poor" I shall esteem myself rich.

You complain of my manner of address viz "Miss M.M. Carnes". You say "it seems so formal". I confess it does. I have changed it as you have seen. Perhaps it is still objectionable. It seems so to me. But, may I not complain of formality in your address? What do you expect to call me? I will stop here. No, I must first ask you to write oftener. Don't care for those pretty girls seeing you. Tell them you are writing to an old student. At present I will only subscribe myself (if you will allow me the honor of doing so).

Your true lover

W.J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan