Sparta Feb.24, 1856

Beloved Mary

There is nothing at this time in which I could be engaged that would afford me as much pleasure as writing to you. By far the most happy moments I ever enjoyed were spent in your society. I have, through life, I think, maintained more than an ordinary degree of contentment and "good spirits" but my enjoyments, since I became connected with you have been of a more enlarged and ample character than I ever before realized. And as writing is the nearest a substitute for you society, so the most pleasant employment at present.

I was much gratified to receive your letter on friday night. I was thankful to learn that you and Eddie were as well as you were. Nothing would have afforded me more pleasure than to have "pressed your temples". I trust your health will improve. I shall be able to serve you before long, I think. I shall remain with Bro. Morgan this week. I think he will be able to proceed alone after that. I should like to go to Spencer saturday evening, but if it not convenient for you to send a horse for me then I can go out Sunday. I will leave that matter to you. Brother Forsyth talks of going with me. He still talks of moving to Spencer. I wish he could make it out. I encourage him because I think it would be an advantage to his family.

I wish you would send a pair of saddle bags when you send the horse if you can for I shall have more than I can carry conveniently. Perhaps it would be as good a time to carry the buggy as we will find if you can send harness. I suppose I can bind the slaves up so as to carry it, or if you prefer the expression, to draw it.

Mrs. Thumer or rather Mrs. Rice has resigned her situation in Nourse Seminary. Marrying seems to disagree very, seriously, with female School teachers. Mr. King started in the hack yesterday to Nashville to procure another teacher.

John Bell, the lunatic, who made an attempt to commit suicide, was removed to-day to the poor-house. He will die, I suppose, in a few days. Brother Morgan went home last evening so I have been in my room alone to-day except what time I spent at Sunday School and at church meeting. Our meeting was very sparsely attended. Brother Nelson says he is almost in despair. It is truly discouraging. I am glad that we shall have opportunities of meeting and associating with those who (are) more in earnest on the subject of religion.

I must not forget to get our letter from the church. Jack Hall has not yet moved into our old home. He says he is waiting to have it whitewashed. If old Sister Pierson had not taken away her chickens it would have been whitewashed before this time.

I expect you had better wait till I come before you make a contract about a cupboard. There are some other articles of that description that I shall need, so by making a contract for all at once they may come cheaper.

Brother Morgan has not told me whether he will be able to pay me now or not. I do not make much calculations upon it. It would suit me very well if he could, as I promised to pay Shackleford before he went to buy his goods.

Brother Kuykendall wrote for me to send some chalk, I have not inquired whether there is any or not in town. I will inquire in the morning and if I can get any I will send it by the Mail Boy if he will carry it.

You will not forget to write me a long letter for Tuesday. It seems so long between mails. I shall be very anxious to see you before the last of the week. If I had a horse I would have been with you to-day. Kiss Eddie for me and accept the purest love of you husband.

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