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Description
PF2.1.122
Date
10-28-1833
Transcript
Kenyon College Oct 28th 1833
My Dear Mary
Do not suppose that my long neglect in in writing to you again, notwithstanding you expressed a wish, in your letter that I would write immediately, has arisen from the least want of will, but it is frequently the case, that when I have time to write I have not opportunity to, it is not vacation, and many of the students having but little to do, visit each others’ rooms so much there is very little opportunity for writing, and even now for the sake of omiting[sic] it no longer, I have neglected going to our evening prayer meeting. So far it is from my thoughts to forget you, that you may believe me, language can but faintly describe the pleasure I drive[sic] from the reception of that which comes from the very hand which I consider mine in promise. Nor does this pleasure arise only, from the mere idea, that the letters which I receive from you, were so recently in the hand of her whom I consider the supreme object of my affections, (that is) with reference to this world: but also because every line, and ever[sic] word, seem to testify to her intention to be as true to me, as I can be to her, and never under any consideration to think of renching[sic] those ties which bind us. I put all confidence in you my dear Mary, nor do I entertain a doubt that you will ever consider me more worthy of your love than any other, and for this reason I use that freedom of style in my letter, that I would not otherwise do. To correspond with you, I consider a satisfaction infinitely surpassing all other. And how often, when perusing your letters, does imagination bring near the time, which I delight to antisipate[sic]; the time when every anxious care shall be soothed by the tenderness of love, and the cause of every secret sigh, may unhesitatingly be submitted to a kindred heart, also when every [indecent] pleasure (if there are any which are worthy the name of pleasure while enjoyed alone) may be made better by being shared with one by far more dear, than they. You cannot conceive my dear Mary how often I read over your letters, and with how much delight but O, what would only one hour in your company be, compared with this! and what would that be, compared with the opportunity I once had, of seeing you so often, and being with you so long! How often does my mind [?] to those evenings when in your company, although admonished by the fleeting hours to depart, I lingered still unwilling to leave you; but when I enjoy them again, I shall be by far more happy, for then every wish of my heart shall concur with the will of my dearest. Rest assured that I shall never forget you, I shall never, no never cease to love you, I am enjoying probably better health than I ever have before but I had rather be unwell, than to hear that you are well.
Do not neglect to write, so long as I have done, and I will not do so again. I read every word of your letter without putting on my spectacles, but I think you will require a pair, when you read this. My compliments and greatest respect, I wish you to give to yout mother, and any others who may enquire concerning me
I am my, deares[sic] Mary, what I ever wish to be
Yours cincerely[sic]
Hiram L. White
Recommended Citation
White, Hiram L., "Letter from Hiram L. White to Mary Jane Davis" (1833). 19th Century Correspondence. 20.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/correspondence_19thc/20