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PF2.1.122
Date
7-4-1833
Transcript
Kenyon College Gambier Ohio July 4th 1833
My dear Mary
Nothing but the privilige[sic] of enjoying your company, could have given me more pleasure than the perusal of your letter. I received it several days ago, but being much engaged with my studies, defered[sic] writing, untill[sic] this day, which affords a better opportunity. You wished me to write you, how I liked the place and people; There is probably no place in all the State of Ohio, more pleasant than this: The wild scenery of nature on every side presenting an appearance the must sublime, seems to smile, and invite the pensive heart to be cheerful: But ah! how expressive of my own feelings, is that part of your letter in which you say, “no spring returns to me,” were it not for the anticipation of soon enjoying again the company and smiles of my dearest Mary, this, would be my answer to your inquiry, “how can I like the place, while I am so far from you? Let us not dear Mary cultivate a desponding spirit, but let us rest assured, that as our hearts are united by the strongest tie of cincere[sic] affection, all things will work together for out good; For I am happy to say, that I shall see you again in about one half the length of tome, which I supposed I should be absent when I left you, this I know you will be pleased to hear.
Why do you so say, in your letter, that you have ever deserved my displeasure? It is I, who have often been forgiven by you. Had not my dear Mary possessed every trait of virtue and excelence[sic], calculated to win and bind my heart to her, then indeed, I might have had occasion at sometime or other to be displeased.
Now, when I take my evening walk, I meditate upon the happiness I formerly enjoyed about that time, in your company nor can you, my beloved Mary, think of me about the time, when all things seem to be summoned to rest and silence, by returning night, without being certain, that I am at that time thinking of you. Think not that your days will be comfortless: if they are so while we are seperated[sic], they shall not be so, long. I know that kind Heaven will ever reward the heart that is cincere[sic] with the object of its desires: it is a firm belief of this, which alone invigorates my mind, and prevents my present days from being vailed[sic] with one perpetual gloom.
As you do not doubt my fidelity and truth, so, do not suppose that I shall ever again, entertain a fear that you will be less constant and true than myself. No. I know that nothing but death can prevent us from soon being nearer and dearer to eash[sic] other than ever. And now, forgive me for concluding with a few words on another subject,. If you would be happy dearest Mary, make those who love our blessed Savior and his holy religeon[sic] your companions, appreciate those great opportunities which you have of becoming wise unto salvation, be careful not to follow the examples of those who are not wise for themselves, for they cannot be wise for you. Happiness and piety are inseperable[sic] from each other, and therefore, both are in the reach of every individual. May she whom I love as dearly as my own existence, possess this the most inestimable treasure; and also the object which she professes to be dear to her heart.
Send the order which I have enclosed, to Mrs. Shearman, and she will delver my portrait. I think the number of the house is 248, but I believe I gave you the number in my last letter, if she has removed, Mrs [Dolbeare] who keeps the store in the lower part, will know where she lives pardon me for not leaving it with you when I left N.Y.--it was not because I did not [wist] you in preference to any other person in the world to have it. Keep it, and my miniature dear Child, for my sake untill[sic] you possess the original. I now enjoy very good health. Write to me soon, and remember that you cannot write oftener than I would be pleased to hear from you, and do not be particular nor formal in writing to me, for you see that I am not so in writing to you, I soph you wil give my unfained[sic] thanks and respects to your Mother for wishing her love to be remembered in your letter to me and also my compliments to Miss [Ezabeth]; Miss Elmira and also to Mr. Aplegate[sic]. You must inform me in your letters, if Mr Persall or your Mother should move at any time, where to direct my letters
I will not write any more at present, but wait untill[sic] I again hear from her whom I shall ever remain true
Hiram L. White
P.S. If you will direct Mr Persall to deliver every letter to you without breaking them open, which he receives from Gambier, it will obviate the necessity of folding them in an extra sheet and thereby [removing] the risk of paying double postage. If you think it a better way, say so in your next and hereafter I will send them single, directed to her only.
Recommended Citation
White, Hiram L., "Letter from Hiram L. White to Mary Jane Davis" (1833). 19th Century Correspondence. 23.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/correspondence_19thc/23