Dear Girl…
Elizth Town
Dear Girl
It is with sentiments of esteem that I express to you my mind[.] feeling it my duty to be plain with you in so serious a matter[.] and one which which so immediately concerns our present as well as future happiness It is with me a matter of serious consideration when I reflect upon the situation of your health. Were I persuaded that your health might be restored it would be a matter of rejoicing with me[.] but now it is a matter of mourning[.] you Miss are the only one that I think could make me happy in respect to this world. I have often wished to talk with you more seriously[.} But knowing that it would would wound your own feelings I have forbore, If I knew what was for the best i would readily do it[.] were I persuaded that it would be beneficial to your health to be united by the ties of matrimony I should feel it my duty to engage. I do not mention this as an insinuation that you wish to be married. I with to be sincere with you. I shall beg you to be plain and candid with me and tell me your opinion on this matter.
You Dear Girl who so well are acquainted with my intentions will please to tell me candid your opinion and now my Dear Girl you must readily conceive that I am in a situation that is not pleasant. this Miss is not to make you think believe that I am sick you or to lessen my esteem for you. I pray you will understand it in that way but it is merely to know your serious opinion— May the Lord who disposes of all things to his pleasure enable you and I to put our trust and confidence in himself, and pray that Lord would teach us our duty in this sollem thing
I am Dear Miss yours with esteem
DM Nov 2d 1811
