Sparta June 17, 1854

Dearest,

Knowing that the mail will go to your "little city" to morrow, and presuming that, inasmuch as you requested an answer from me by that time, you will think hard if I do not write, I cheerfully and happily occupy this saturday evening in complying with your request. I say I do it happily. For, who would not be happy while addressing the person whom he loves above all others? I am sure to lose control of my feelings when I am writing to you. I trust that to this you will attribute that want of modesty some times exhibited in my previous correspondence. I hold, however, that I am entitled to greater freedom of speech than if the circumstances, respecting ourselves, were different. I have sometime intimated that you were cold hearted -- that there was little of that gushing affection which accompanies the writings of a lover seen in your letters to me. I do not say that that is so now. I do not complain on that account at all. But let me tell you what I did with your last letter.

Will Simpson and I went to the office together. Each received a letter from Spencer. I was anxious to know who was the author of his; he, likewise, was anxious to know who wrote mine. I read to him the whole of your letter, except that about "Cousin Lizza" and Amanda's matrimonial prospects. Do you think that it put him into the secret of our engagement? No. He did not think it a love letter at all. If he was to hear that we were engaged he would dispute it. He understood that there was a great falling out between us. I did not correct the impression your letter made upon his mind. There will consquently be one person surprised before long. He had believed before that we were engaged and I think he circulated it in town as his opinion. He will tell another tale now. I will stand some chance to "come in" among the girls as they will learn that my hand is at liberty.

This I offer as illustrative of your nonsentimental style. But I don't complain. I only ask that you write me a letter as soon as convenient filling "two sheets" embracing as they will the subjects which I before submitted to you, and any others you may think proper. The time is drawing nigh. You will not fail to speak of these things at an early day. You did not say whether it would be prudent or not for me to come out on the fourth of July. I want to see you very much and be pleased to witness the excercises, but in order to keep down all unnecessary talking, perhaps, we had better make out by writing. However, I leave this "sub-judice". Mr. Marquis' examination closed yesterday. I attended after 3 o'clock. I can't tell how I was affected. The thoughts of former days rushed upon me at every movement. O! I almost wished to be a schoolboy again. And believe me, Mary, I was not wholly unaffected by things in anticipation.

I will stop and let you talk some. Will you not write next mail? I am impatient as usual.

Peace be with you

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