Stevens, Oliver Winn. "Letter to Mary A. Stevens, 1837 January 15." In 1830s [Folder]. Valdosta State University Community Archives: Bennett Collection (CA-05), Box 1, Folder 03. Valdosta, Georgia. Retrieved from https://vtext.valdosta.edu/xmlui/handle/10428/7042.

Description:

Letter from Oliver Winn Stevens, in Walthourville, dated January 15th, 1837, to his betrothed, Miss Mary A. (Anna) Stevens, in Palmyra, in which he apologizes for not being able to see her due to his work obligations. He recounts how much he misses her and asks her to give his regards to her mother (Amarintha Munro Stevens).

Subject Headings:

Brooks County (Ga.); Quitman (Ga.); Georgia; Letters; Family histories; Genealogy;

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Transcript:

W. Ville Jan'y 15th 1837

Dearest M--,

When I left you a fortnight ago I expected to see you before this time; but circumstances have transpired to prevent the gratifying of my wish. I [fully?]intended yesterday to go down to [T?] and thence to P ? but I was prevented from the fact of Mr Lenard's unexpected discharge of both his clerks at once; the consequence is, that the principal part of the business devolves on me at present, and I suppose I must endure a more than ordinary degree of confinement ? until the services of a suitable person can be obtained, which, I presume, will be in a short time. 

You can imagine dear M-- how great a self-denial it must be for me to be deprived of the happiness of your society; but circumstances seem to call for this state of things; and I must submit as the more important should always supercede [sic] the less. After all, I am much more favored than I should have been had I gone to Athens. Since, then, I have been disappointed in my expected visit, and in even sending you a letter the last week, how can I refrain from writing you a letter now if it be but short, hoping for an opportunity to send it tomorrow. Notwithstanding we live twenty miles apart and see each other so seldomly, be assured, your image is before me at all times. In the busiest hour of the day as well as in the retirement of the closet; in the moments of midnight [revery?], as in the first dawnings of the morning; do I remember and behold the dearest object of my affections. And this is not of recent existence: for years past my pillow might testify to the many wakeful hours I have spent in thinking of my dear M--. What cause have I for gratitude if I have any reason to believe that those feelings, which I could not but cherish toward my M ? and which I have indulged for so long a time, are reciprocated by her. It is indeed difficult for 
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me to believe, even at this late hour, that so sacred and so endearing a relation as that of two betrothed, does exist between us. No doubt, on thinking of the importance of the step you have already taken, not infrequently you are shocked at the idea of having given your hand to another. This feeling is natural enough: and I [imagine?] every modest and prudent female will experience it at times. But I am encouraged with the [correction?] that this step has not been taken rashly: you and I have been acquainted a long time; and if indeed either of us should every [sic] repent of the choice made, this thought may afford some consolation. However this may be, we must leave it for futurity to determine: we must not forebode evil; let not the cup of happiness be embittered by the intrusion of a single [thought?] of this nature; but may it be unalloyed so long as our anticipated union shall continue. I know that I have weighed the matter well, and have determined to live for one object, and that is to enhance the happiness of my M--.

I often congratulate myself with the idea of having so excellent a mother as yours; how few are so highly favored. Since I saw you last, I have [often?] scolded you for withholding from her a fact so essential to her happiness. The apology you offered will hardly pass for a good one but I can make one for you [which?] may exonerate you. 

To [digress?] I presume you are ready to inquire how I am pleased with my new employment. I answer I am confident I shall like it much better than I anticipated. Thus far I have found it sufficiently active for the [enjoyment of?] health, and have had much time for reading. I am 
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pleased with my boarding place; find Mr. And Mrs. L. very pleasant. On the whole, I shall make the [Sand?] hills quite an agreeable place at which to live. The presence of one alone is requisite to make me happy at any place. Considering existing circumstances, I fear the present year - excepting for a few days - will appear a long one to me.

In regard to the proposal I made to you when I saw you last, I have been led to think differently since I have been here. However, there is time enough to discuss that subject together. A week ago, I received a letter from [?] bidding me to his wedding, and apologising [sic] for not visiting me. I presume you will go of course; I with I could accompany you, but it is out of the question. All the time that I shall allow myself will [letter torn] be to come [letter torn] you: this I will not and [letter torn] cannot reasonably be denied. Should you go, you [letter torn] probably see E. [Footman?] there, if you dare [letter torn] a be her a confidant, give my love to her. I wish you to answer this by the next mail, as, in the event of your being at home this week, I should make another effort to visit you. If not I should postpone my visit another week. Until then I bid you adieu.

My sincere regards to your mother, and believe me, dear Mary, your affectionate

Oliver W. Stevens
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[addressed envelope]
Miss Mary A. Stevens 
Palmyra
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