Rushville, Ala
March 28, 1853
My Dear Sallie
You no doubt have ere this time come to the conclusion that I have forgotten that such a friend existed, but my long silence my dearest Sallie, was not for the want of the affection due you, neither was it for the proper appreciation of your letter but merely for something interesting or instructive which I will have to write without at last. This is a cold but beautiful moonlight night which a cheerful fire renders truly pleasant. Perhaps you are now seated by one with some dear friends to render your conversation doubly interesting, even more than in this silent way but what a pleasure in absence to think that we can converse through this medium. Sallie I am dependent entirely upbon imagination for some thing to interest you. I fear I will fail and my letter will be but a page of dull words and thoughts. Allow me while indulging in this to paint you in my weak imagination. Well I can see in the first place (which is most pleasant perhaps) see you seated as I have said by the family fire side, where the social circle is completed with the presence of your dear Mother and Sister. You, I see, have a book. Is it a novel or a --?--? No you lay it aside and looking around you see some sweet prattling child which you amuse. Your cheerful --?-- with. For some time after this your meditations are of the past and future. Taking the first, you are led back by a path that leads you with all its meanderings by some gentle stream where its waters flow gently along over its sandy bed. This reminds you of the part of life spent without one pain. Here you have playing upon your memory some of your pleasures even of school days where you met some kind of benevolent teachers, some dear affectionate schoolmates to whom you could relate many, many, interesting things and from whom you could receive sympathy from a warm heart. In these meditations do I ever arise before your bright imagination? I hope I still am remembered looking into the future. You are in anticipation of some pleasures, either of visiting or receiving some dear friends. My you realize all soo, Sallie. Allow me to take you when it is a calm still and warm evening, when the pale moon sheds her gentle light oer you. Have you not a companion, yes, even a gentleman. You are promendading, listning to his views that he is pouring forth, praying you receive. I see your sweet eyes sparkle, yes even dance. Almost can I see your bosom swell with emotion when he says he loves truly, fondly, loves you and none other. As you turn the silvery rays seem to solemnly say to you, trust not too far.. After this you retire to your room where you read a note of delicate writing. As you read you seem in perfect ecstacy. Then with your night dress on you have gone to bed not to sleep but to think if you shall or not. Now Sallie, don't say yes too soon. I know you are tired. I will stop very soon. I have some thing to tell you when I see if ever I do. I received a --?-- this evening from the gentleman to whom I gave you. He is well and --?-- fine spirits & Health.
Do write very soon. I am always so glad to hear from you. Some of my friends up there are agoing to stop the correspondence as they never write any more. Remember me to all inquiring friends if any.. Sallie joins with me in much love for you. She things she will see you all so soon. She don't care for any thing. Do come to see me if I go. I know you can if you try. As I sit up until one oclock last night I feel perter sleepy so Good night. I remain forever your dear
Mattie
P.S. What would --?-- if youwere to see --?-- in Ga. soon? Sallie expects to return very soon. I do not know what we will do when seperated. We have had quite a serious week past as Uncle has been at the point of death--he is now convalesence & I hope will continue until once more restored to his former health. We have had the mumps in th efamily. I have been rying to take them but it is only eathing tat causes ours. I anticipate visiting Carr in May. I hope I will not be disappointed. My friends are very anxious for my return. I heard you had several schools in the Valley. I hope you will all at last receive an education. If you don't it will not be for the want of instruction I hope. If I return with Sallie you must come to see me as I will have but a short time to spend up there. I hope to see you. I fear we will have a heavy frost tonight. It is very cold. Give much love to your Ma and Sister. Tell them I would like very much to see them.
Mattie