Sparta Apl 25, 1854

Beloved Mary,

You may have been wondering why I did not write. Owing to several circumstances I have not found it convenient. One thing that has tended to keep me busy is that Mr. Gardenhire, who is my instructor, has been at his office for some time back and I have been reciting regularly every night. And another thing, there has been a change in the Cashier causing an additional amount of labor during the day. We have again got straightened out. I hope we may move on smoothly from this time on. You have perhaps heard that Mr. Young was appoint(ed), Mr. Anderson having resigned. Every thing is about right about Sparta so far as I am concerned except, "Mary" is not here. But the weeks and months are gliding by. Does this thought still make you sad?

I received a letter a little while gone, from your father & mother, giving their united consent to our union. They express great reluctance, however, to giving you up. No wonder.

Two of the things necessary to make a legal marriage, according to the teaching of Judge Blackstone, has been performed - "the consent of the parties" and "the consent of parents". One more thing is necessary - the actual celebration in due "form and place". I am anxious to hear some suggestions from you relative to this last finishing act. The precise time, place indeed the whole proceedings must be made out by you. I would like very much to have an interview with you if it could be so arranged. But my duties here will not allow me sufficient time. And as you remarked in your last letter, it is best the way it is I presume. I know that persons are backward in writing things they would not care to talk about. But I want you to lay aside this backwardness. Make out at some time when it suits you the order, as we might say, of the whole proceedings. But do not wait to do this before you write to me again.

You express a dislike to abandoning teaching. I don't want you to teach. Your notions about a person's living to do something are very correct. But can you not do good without teaching? I expect, however, if you were desirous of teaching you might make it profitable at Sparta. There is an effort making to get up a female school here. It is through Methodist influence though. Could you teach for the Methodists? You ask, "do you go to hear the other sects preach?" I attend them, almost, regularly. -- I have not been home within the last month. I want to go soon. --I have attended preaching at Bethlehem once I believe. But why these interrogations, Mary? Have you not some designs not disclosed? If so talk to me confidingly and without reserve.

I would like to talk to you about many things. But I (am) very tired of writing. Excuse me for this time. I would thank you for a letter as soon as convenient. Tell me how "Cousin Liz" and Mr. Rasco are making it - all other things of interest let me have.

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