To My Canzada Gunter
My Dear Miss
With pleasure I attempt to send you a few lines to inform you that we are all well but brother Levie's wife. She is very low and has been a long time. We have had the dryest season here this year that I ever saw. Crops is very indifferent corn is worth $1.00 per bushel and in fact everything is high and wages is good so everything is about on an equality.
This being the first time I have attempted to address you by letter I hardly know how to begin yet my feelings is such that I am compeled to let you know that you possess my heart alone tho many miles do lie between us. And it has been my constant desire to see you ever since I left there and if God spares me and I can get a favorable answer from you I think I will see your fair face before long. But and if the answer should be unfavorable I am sure it will drive me mad for I am sure that I have never seen one half as lovely as yourself. I am compelled to say like the poet
I think of the sweet maiden fair--
Every hour in the day--
When the sun shines so sweetly bright,
And winds together play,
I think of thee at twilight hour
When all in calm and still--
And hope that some kind angel would
Keep thee from harm and ill.
I have no gold to offer thee,
And have a willing hand.
Lifes swift ebbing tide soon will cease.
The joys of life will flee
But all its dark storms I would stem
Having thy love and thee.
I want you to be sure to write me and let me know if my humble pleadings saveth anything or whether it is worth while for me to press the suit any farther but o do not let your answer be no for I fear I can not bear to live without thy smile, if it be yes I am sure I would pray for eagles wings to bear me swiftly and safely to thy side for I am like the lonesome dove, who moans the absent mate, from hill to hill I roam, my sorrows to relate.
Please be sure and write on the receipt of this direct to
Hamilton's Valley
Burnet County, Texas
So no more at present but permit me to assign myself your truest lover.
Israel M. Harkey