By Judy Liskey
Howards Lick, Hardy Co. W. Va.
June 11th, 1881
Dear Dorcas.—I have been thinking a great deal about those two kind words (“Dear Sir”) which you wrote to me on that paper, Saturday Eve. I certainly did not ask permission to correspond with you, to know simply whether you would allow me the happy privilege, as many fellows do some times; but because I truly wished to do so I was in good earnest in what I told you, and the hgh esteem in which I have always held you and the kindness of heart which you show toward every body, makes me have the sweet confidence in you, that you were in earnest too, so at least, that it would not be to your displeasure:–I did not feel very well over the way I did on last Sunday, & beg to be excused. I had a little writing to do in the morning and was a little too late. You had all gone to Church when I came up to Mr. Souder’s. Coming back or when preaching was out, I saw Charley wished to go and really expected to go; and as he had been going before that, I thought it better, & more pleasing to yourself at that time, to keep my intention a secret. I certainly enjoy your society very much, and would indeed be happy to know that you could say so for yourself in return. I tell you this, with the confidence of one who admires you, and hope sincerely, that you will be the same with me. If you would rather not correspond with me I will indeed thank you kindly to tell me so; as I do not wish to put myself into anyone’s society, or to correspond with them, contrary to their will & wish. You know the Ladies rule at all these things, –?—and they have a good a right & I believe it is their duty to assert their will as positively as the captain of any other ship—–
The last few lines above sound rather stern since I think over it. They ought to be careful, of course, and not break so many hearts. I trust you will. How did you get home yesterday? I had a sort of doleful time of it. There was so much rain & the water was so full at some places, that it was dangerous to cross. I am not teaching to day. The bridges were washed away, so the little boys and girls could not come to the school house. I saw the good little girl today whose name you guessed (or gave me the initials of it,) Saturday Eve. I thought she looked right sweet; and nothing but the thought, that I love you better, did I but know you to be affectionate toward me, could save me from loving her better than ever,–I hope to receive a favorable answer, and feel in my heart that whatever you write may be depended upon. You can scarcely imagine how good a letter from you would make me feel if “twere favorable,” nor how bad if to the contrary -I shall wait with as much patience as I can to hear from you, trusting you will give that pleasure ere long. – I have nothing more to write which I think would interest you, and must close: Believe me, kri–?–. What I have written for I would not for anything try to deceive one who is so generally respected as yourself by every body, and especially me, who is so dear to my.own heart.
Very truly your Friend
David U. Wittig
Address
Howards Lick Hardy Co W. Virginia
