To Miss E. M. Hunt

Dear Cousin,

When I shall have forgotten that we are related by con-sanguinity, the endearing ties of lineage, then, probably, I will refrain from writing to you, a distant relative; unless I am forewarned to cease by your own dear words. I anticipated, with dissappointed expectations, to receive a correspondence from you, during the past summer. Anxiously have I looked for a response to my epistle of January last. But oh? have you neglected the fulfilment of your promise to me, that you would write, which you have doubtly done from the boldness of my letter. But remember I submitted the subject in toto, to your consideration, and, if you could not encourage the propositions therein contained, if your heart had not been ignited by the pallidness of my cheek, with so unquenchable a flame, as that produced in my bosom, by your graceful and loving ways, and musical conversation; it would have been no detriment to you, to have given such information, with you determination only, to receive letters from me as a friend and cousin. Certainly you did not conclude from the substance of my letter, that I was non compos mentis, if you did, I must inform you, that I wrote secundem artem.

I will leave the subject. How much so ever I may desire the reciprication of your sentiments, if you deem it inconsistinent with your feelings to recognize me as a lover, I will submit to the decision with a self-resigna-tion characterized by a complacent mind. I have only expressed my thoughts E pluribus unum. If you are absolutely determined never to write to me again, or to receive letters from me even as a kinsman, I beg you to return this, and the rest of my letters, to me, but I wish to indellibly implant on your mind that, I never can, when my reminecense recalls your name to memory, think of it sang froid.

I am going to school at present and the studies I am prosecuting are philosophy, chemistry, oratory and composition. This is the last session of the school and it will expire in ten days. I design commencing a thorough collegitate course after Christmas. I desire to ascend the hill of science, until I shall obtain a knowledge wthat will render me useful to my country and my God. I am enjoying the sine qua non of health which I hope Omnipotency has overshadowed you, your Ma and Family with. Give the Family my best respects and condescend to receive the same.

"from"

L. L. Clement

N. B. Write or return my letters soon and by so doing oblige your friend and cousin L. L. C.