Augusta: John D. Imboden to Annie Lockett, December 8, 1870 — Letters

Summary

Imboden thanks Annie for her recent letter and discusses again the best date for their marriage. He also responds to rumors she has heard about his prior engagement to a woman named Miss Parke.

My own darling-

Your sweet letter of the 5^th has just been recd. and although I wrote you last night, I do so again, here in my office, send on this formidable looking business sheet of paper. You say you are going to Brunswick next week, and this may reach you before you start. I am so sorry your sister Ella's letter has unsettled your mind again as to the time. You now say May instead of March. Well let it stand till I see you, and I am sure we can agree. And if you are not a very firm and obstinate little woman I will argue you into my views or be greatly mistaken.

You have heard "jokes" on me? And want to know when I saw Miss Parke Perkins of Pr. Edward. I saw the lady you mention in Pr. Edward during the fall, though she does not live there. She & I were reported months ago to be engaged & have had a good deal of fun over it. We are the very best of friends - nothing more, & I hope we shall never be less. She is not a marrying woman - declares she never will marry any man upon earth, & I believe she will not. She certainly will never marry me. She is a Poet of a good deal of genius & I have several of her poems now in my hands to have published - besides she is very beautiful. Now ain't you jealous? She sometimes comes to Richmond & when you are mistress of my household I shall want you to invite her to visit us. If there had been any truth in our reported engagement, I shouldn't have so hopelessly fallen a victim in Mecklenburg last August. I dont deny that I felt once mighty tender towards Miss Parke, but it has all ended in nothing but an abiding friendship - and when I see her in Richmond this winter I'll tell her I belong to you, and ask her if she isn't sorry?

Now what are the other "jokes" - I am honest & own up to the truth like a man. I send you a slip from a Richmond paper of this week shewing how near you will have a church to go to.

Devotedly

J.D. Imboden

Why dont you write me a full account of the Concert. Tell me what you sung, & all the Compliments you recd. If I had been there I expect I should have run upon the stage and kissed you "right out in meetin." What are the "ugly words" you are mad about in my letter? I always try to use sweet words to my dearest little sweetheart. "Bye bye" with a kiss.

My own darling-

Your sweet letter of the 5^th has just been received and although I wrote you last night, I do so again, here in my office, send on this formidable looking business sheet of paper. You say you are going to Brunswick next week, and this may reach you before you start. I am so sorry your sister Ella's letter has unsettled your mind again as to the time. You now say May instead of March. Well let it stand till I see you, and I am sure we can agree. And if you are not a very firm and obstinate little woman I will argue you into my views or be greatly mistaken.

You have heard "jokes" on me? And want to know when I saw Miss Parke Perkins of Prince Edward. I saw the lady you mention in Prince Edward during the fall, though she does not live there. She & I were reported months ago to be engaged & have had a good deal of fun over it. We are the very best of friends - nothing more, & I hope we shall never be less. She is not a marrying woman - declares she never will marry any man upon earth, & I believe she will not. She certainly will never marry me. She is a Poet of a good deal of genius & I have several of her poems now in my hands to have published - besides she is very beautiful. Now aren't you jealous? She sometimes comes to Richmond & when you are mistress of my household I shall want you to invite her to visit us. If there had been any truth in our reported engagement, I shouldn't have so hopelessly fallen a victim in Mecklenburg last August. I don't deny that I felt once mighty tender towards Miss Parke, but it has all ended in nothing but an abiding friendship - and when I see her in Richmond this winter I'll tell her I belong to you, and ask her if she isn't sorry?

Now what are the other "jokes" - I am honest & own up to the truth like a man. I send you a slip from a Richmond paper of this week showing how near you will have a church to go to.

Devotedly

J.D. Imboden

Why don't you write me a full account of the Concert. Tell me what you sung, & all the Compliments you received. If I had been there I expect I should have run upon the stage and kissed you "right out in meetin." What are the "ugly words" you are mad about in my letter? I always try to use sweet words to my dearest little sweetheart. "Bye bye" with a kiss.