Sparta May 27,1854

Much esteemed Mary

Allow me to trouble you with another short letter. I love to write to you, not because I have any thing good, but because it gives me grounds to expect an answer from you. You must pardon me for impatience with reference to our marriage. I can't help it. Do not think that I understood you to propose the fourth day of July. I did it because the end of the session seemed so long off. But it will come after awhile. You will pardon me when I tell that I shall be in a great degree unhappy until your hand is secured. Whether I mingle in the merry throng or linger in solitude it is still the same. I feel that I could be extremely happy with you: and, contrasting my present state with what it might be, I am impatient, discontented, miserable. I feel oppressed and bowed down. May I, ere long, lean upon the faithful bosom of Mary? That only can support me amidst the cares of life. But, Mary do not understand me to be begging the time to be shortened. I am simply telling my feelings.

I am very willing to fix the time you proposed. I do not know any suggestions I need make. I will be satisfied with any thing you may direct. Certainly, I will leave at any time to get you. I may come up on the 4th of July. Do you still think of going to Bethlehem? May I not look for a letter next Tuesday? Even a short one will be better than none.

We have but little to do in Bank now. I have not been reading much lately, owing partly to electioneering excitement around me. Next week is court week - we may expect a busy time. I need not write any more now. But will only ask another letter from you soon. Truly

Your lover

William 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