Matthew W Strickland to Martha H Clark Aug 19 1855
Wytheville Va July 19 1853
My Dear
Miss Martha,
I received yours on the 15th ...
bearing date the 13th, which gave me much pleasure to hear
from you. I was sorry to hear that you have been sick
since I saw you, though was much gratified at hearing
that you were well enough to go to the spring. I hope
before this time that your mother is also well. I am truly
glad to learn that her health is improving, for I have
always thought that for one to enjoy good health, was the
greatest blessings in this life, then certainly cannot keep
any pleasure or comfort without it. I have been quite
unwell myself almost ever since I left you, more so
than I have been since I have been in Wytheville. Though
have not been confined, but very feeble. I have spent
a few days at the Grason Spring. Since I saw you, I
got home last Sunday. I hope at this time and from now
out as the weather gets cold, that my health will improve.
I am generally in delicate health in the summer season.
You said in your letter Miss H that if your mother continued
to improve that she and yourself would start to the Spring
in a few days if I knew what time you would be there
I would certainly come down and spend a few days
with you as my health is delicate. You spoke in your
letter of being much pleased at my enjoying myself so
well since my return home. Particularly wish the Miss H ...
My Dear
Miss Martha,
I received yours on the 15th ...
bearing date the 13th, which gave me much pleasure to hear
from you. I was sorry to hear that you have been sick
since I saw you, though was much gratified at hearing
that you were well enough to go to the spring. I hope
before this time that your mother is also well. I am truly
glad to learn that her health is improving, for I have
always thought that for one to enjoy good health, was the
greatest blessings in this life, then certainly cannot keep
any pleasure or comfort without it. I have been quite
unwell myself almost ever since I left you, more so
than I have been since I have been in Wytheville. Though
have not been confined, but very feeble. I have spent
a few days at the Grason Spring. Since I saw you, I
got home last Sunday. I hope at this time and from now
out as the weather gets cold, that my health will improve.
I am generally in delicate health in the summer season.
You said in your letter Miss H that if your mother continued
to improve that she and yourself would start to the Spring
in a few days if I knew what time you would be there
I would certainly come down and spend a few days
with you as my health is delicate. You spoke in your
letter of being much pleased at my enjoying myself so
well since my return home. Particularly wish the Miss H ...
I spent a pleasant evening with them but this was all.
I was only carried from the store to ... which
is only about 150 yards .... They were agreeable,
polite, and graceful, nevertheless, I was not at all enamored
though I am much obliged to you for wishing me great speed.
Yet I regret making speed in a different direction of
which you are fully apprised of. You remarked
Miss H if you said or done any thing to wound my
feelings on the evening we last spent together. You
ask pardon you certainly did not do anything to
wound my feelings as a friend, but the remark which
you made to me saying that it would not be worthwhile
for to say any thing more to you on the subject
which which has been an agitation between us for 18 months
and one which I feel more interest in than all others
in this life, was well calculated to cast a shadow
of despondency or gloom, around my pathway
that would go down with me to the grave only
alleviated by you. You ask of me if I would accept
your good wishes. From one who wishes me well in
life and death. I most cordially do wish all
the felicity in this life, it appears from your letter
you are bidding me a long farewell. I do
not wish it to be very long Miss H before I see you
nor do I intend it to be from now and ever long
between my visits provided you will admit me to do
so. I am taking your advice bearing my trials and
afflictions with all the patience and fortitude that
I was only carried from the store to ... which
is only about 150 yards .... They were agreeable,
polite, and graceful, nevertheless, I was not at all enamored
though I am much obliged to you for wishing me great speed.
Yet I regret making speed in a different direction of
which you are fully apprised of. You remarked
Miss H if you said or done any thing to wound my
feelings on the evening we last spent together. You
ask pardon you certainly did not do anything to
wound my feelings as a friend, but the remark which
you made to me saying that it would not be worthwhile
for to say any thing more to you on the subject
which which has been an agitation between us for 18 months
and one which I feel more interest in than all others
in this life, was well calculated to cast a shadow
of despondency or gloom, around my pathway
that would go down with me to the grave only
alleviated by you. You ask of me if I would accept
your good wishes. From one who wishes me well in
life and death. I most cordially do wish all
the felicity in this life, it appears from your letter
you are bidding me a long farewell. I do
not wish it to be very long Miss H before I see you
nor do I intend it to be from now and ever long
between my visits provided you will admit me to do
so. I am taking your advice bearing my trials and
afflictions with all the patience and fortitude that
one could. I hope you are also. You must write to
me Miss H at reception of this and let me hear how
you are. For as to you telling me farewell forever is
something that I can never adhere to. Now just
fancy yourself in my portion. How would you like to
be hurled off forever from one whom loved
better than all others in the world besides. You as a
good lady can never act as such with one who
stands ready at your defence under all circumstances
in life, and my one source of happiness between
this and the grave depends upon you. As my whole
affections are concentrated on thee and courtesy
forbids that I should say much more at present
as I am getting lengthy. if it be agreeable. I shall
be over to see you Miss H soon after our next County
Court which will be 2nd Monday in next month
10 of September.
Fare thee well yet think a while
On one whose bosom bleeds to doubt thee,
Who now would rather trust thy smile,
And die with thee than live without thee.
M. W. Strickland
P S If this should reach you before you leave for
the Springs, will you please write to me what time
you will be there as I want to see you more than I ever did.
I have a great deal to say to you…
Good evening, Miss Martha.
M. W. Strickland
me Miss H at reception of this and let me hear how
you are. For as to you telling me farewell forever is
something that I can never adhere to. Now just
fancy yourself in my portion. How would you like to
be hurled off forever from one whom loved
better than all others in the world besides. You as a
good lady can never act as such with one who
stands ready at your defence under all circumstances
in life, and my one source of happiness between
this and the grave depends upon you. As my whole
affections are concentrated on thee and courtesy
forbids that I should say much more at present
as I am getting lengthy. if it be agreeable. I shall
be over to see you Miss H soon after our next County
Court which will be 2nd Monday in next month
10 of September.
Fare thee well yet think a while
On one whose bosom bleeds to doubt thee,
Who now would rather trust thy smile,
And die with thee than live without thee.
M. W. Strickland
P S If this should reach you before you leave for
the Springs, will you please write to me what time
you will be there as I want to see you more than I ever did.
I have a great deal to say to you…
Good evening, Miss Martha.
M. W. Strickland
Miss Pierce is quite well and sends her best
Respects to Miss Ann ...
... to all the ladies.
Please excuse bad writing
MWS
Respects to Miss Ann ...
... to all the ladies.
Please excuse bad writing
MWS