A TRUE ROMANCE 
 
 REVEALED BY A BAG OF OLD LETTERS 
 
 Being the Love, Courtship 
 and Marriage 
 
 of 
 MARK ANTHONY 
 
 and 
 NANNIE L. MARSH ANTHONY 
 
 In the Palmy Days of Sceamboating in the Middle 
 
 West in the Fifties. A Real Romance 
 
 Given in Letters of Living Characters 
 
 Edited by their Son 
 
 Harold Gordon Anthony 
 
 THE 
 
 press 
 
 PUBLISHERS 
 
 114 
 
 FIFTH AVENUE 
 LONDON NEW YORK MONTREAL 
 
 tA
 
 Copyright, 1901, 
 
 by 
 THE 
 
 Bbbes press.
 
 To 
 
 the memory of 
 
 my Father and Mother 
 
 to whom I owe all that I am as a man, 
 
 morally, intellectually, religiously, 
 
 whose beautiful lives of love and devotion 
 
 set the standard of excellence 
 
 to which their children 
 
 seek to emulate 
 
 21341G7
 
 PREFACE 
 
 IN publishing the following letters of the 
 romance of my father and mother, I de- 
 sire to reveal and show that the greatest 
 source of happiness in this world is found in 
 the love and devotion of man and woman; in 
 every sphere of life the pure love that wins and 
 carries through life a pure constancy that 
 neither time nor circumstance could dim its 
 lustre. The letters themselves bring out a rich 
 devotion that I hope may help others whose 
 lines fall in like manner as the authors of this 
 romance, that they may give to others an in- 
 spiration in all their love affairs to live pure, 
 devoted lives to one another, and in a measure 
 learn what is pure and noble in the relation- 
 ships of lovers, man and wife, father and 
 mother. To this end I give these letters, a rich 
 legacy, as my mother writing to father in after 
 years says:
 
 vi Preface 
 
 I have been conning over all your letters. I 
 have been wanting some time to arrange them 
 and gather together all from the first until now. 
 I was kept busy from five o'clock in the eve- 
 ning until half past eleven last night ; lived over 
 old times, found all endearing names that could 
 be given to so unworthy a mortal as myself. I 
 prize them above all things I have, and they 
 shall be a legacy to our children; we will look 
 over them together in a convenient time. 
 
 Also in later years wrote : 
 
 Our love has stood the test of years and 
 storms of life that time nor circumstances can- 
 not alter. As there has been a great deal writ- 
 ten of late on the subject of love and matri- 
 mony, and the real love letters of men and 
 women who stand high in the public mind, we 
 have in these letters, the outpourings of the 
 heart and soul of two beings who had a high 
 sense of the honor of the sacred relationships 
 of life, which, carried out from a proper stand- 
 ard, make the sum of life a rich whole, that 
 smoothes the rugged roads, and paves the way 
 to a rich heritage, that bring blessing and pros-
 
 Preface vii 
 
 perity to its posterity. The richest legacy any 
 parent can bequeath to their offspring is the 
 moral and religious atmosphere of the home 
 circle, where mother and father set the stand- 
 ard; the associations of early life, the books 
 and companions, set the standard for weal or 
 woe of the future life. While many break out 
 of their environments of early years, the safe- 
 guard of our children lies in the care and edu- 
 cation of early years.
 
 A TRUE ROMANCE 
 
 IN the year 1814 Samuel Marsh came from 
 New York to Pittsburg, Perm., with his 
 family; there he descended the Ohio 
 river, in the only vessel known to the Ohio in 
 the beginning of the century a flatboat. He 
 located at a point on the Ohio river now known 
 as New Albany, Ind., just below Louisville, 
 Ky. He located pefTnanently and lived as 
 pioneers did in those days. The State of 
 Indiana was yet a territory with about 50,000 
 inhabitants. Thomas Posey was Governor, 
 Corydon was the State capital. Mr. Marsh 
 built the first brick chimney, and put in the first 
 glass windows in the history of the city. The 
 Marshes were of the celebrated Marsh family 
 whose line can be exactly traced for a period of 
 two and a half centuries, and through seven, 
 eight or nine generations. "The Marsh Family 
 Association of America " held their last annual 
 gathering at Springfield, Mass., in 1895, at-
 
 2 A True Romance 
 
 tended by persons from the Canadian Domin- 
 ion, and various parts of the United States. 
 Colonel Lucius B. Marsh, of Boston, Mass., 
 President. Ode No. 3, by Rev. D. W. Marsh, 
 D.D., of Amherst, Mass., with numerous other 
 odes, are sung at the family gathering. 
 
 ODE 3. 
 
 TUNE AMERICA. 
 1663-1895. 
 
 From England's sea-girt land 
 By God's high guiding hand, 
 
 Our fathers sailed. 
 They laughed at ocean's roar, 
 They found a broader shore, 
 And here forever more 
 
 They freedom hailed. 
 
 John Marsh was one of them, 
 Those ancient, stalwart men, 
 
 Their God their King; 
 His Bible was his chart, 
 With wisest master-art 
 He put it in his heart, 
 
 More light to bring.
 
 A True Romance 
 
 And George of Hingham came, 
 And many a queenly dame, 
 
 And lovely bride: 
 And Marshes as the leaves, 
 Or golden harvest sheaves, 
 Or drops that drip from eaves, 
 
 They multiplied. 
 
 The women toiled and spun, 
 A daily task was done 
 
 By girl and son. 
 The Marshes grew and spread, 
 The Marshes loved and wed, 
 The Marshes fought and bled, 
 
 And freedom won. 
 
 Now Marsh be merriest man, 
 That ever walked or ran; 
 
 Or kissed a bride; 
 Let Marshes none be queer 
 And none be known to leer 
 No Marsh must ever sneer, 
 
 Nor ever chide. 
 
 In truth we live and die 
 As others far and nigh, 
 For Marsh is man.
 
 4 A True Romance 
 
 The Marshes come and go 
 As come the rain and snow, 
 The Marshes ebb and flow, 
 A little span. 
 
 We boast no nobler name 
 No bluer blood we claim 
 
 Lest pride should fall ; 
 Yet love we this our tree 
 And come from land and sea, 
 One gathering here to be 
 
 And honor all. 
 
 Two hundred years have taught 
 That every Marshman ought 
 
 To live for right, 
 To spend his little span 
 In doing what he can 
 To serve his God and man 
 
 With all his might. 
 
 Miss Nannie L. Marsh was a daughter of 
 Edwin Marsh, who was a great grandson of 
 Thomas Seabrook, Major First Regiment, 
 Monmouth County, N. J. Lieutenant-Colonel 
 of Colonel Read's Battalion, State troops,
 
 A True Romance 5 
 
 whose son Stephen was private in the Light- 
 horse. The battle of Monmouth, N. J., was 
 partially fought on the Seabrook farm and 
 around the house and in the yard. Stephen 
 the son, was carrying a despatch from General 
 Green to General Washington, and told his 
 folks they had better vacate as the British were 
 coming and the battle was to be fought near 
 by. 
 
 Major Thomas Seabrook represented the 
 New Jersey Assembly in 1780-1781. From 
 Year Book of Indiana Society, Sons of the 
 American Revolution. 
 
 Edwin Marsh, a son of Samuel Marsh, was 
 a prosperous coal merchant at New Albany, 
 Ind., was considered well to do. He built the 
 then finest three-story brick mansion in New 
 Albany, on the river bank, with brown stone 
 trimmings and grand stone steps, ending with 
 fluted columns on the top landing, iron rail 
 and banisters, with spacious yard, noted for its 
 fine moss beds and beautiful roses, and fancy 
 iron fence running along the front. Miss 
 Marsh, being the only daughter, had all she 
 desired of this world's goods, was idolized and 
 pandered too. At the age of twelve years her
 
 6 A True Romance 
 
 mother died. She was put into the custody of 
 
 her aunt Add VV d, whose husband was 
 
 a prosperous and well to do merchant. She at- 
 tended Georgetown, Ky., Female Seminary, a 
 then famous seminary and boarding school of 
 its day, where all the elite of the Southern and 
 Middle Western states attended. The college, 
 Science Hill, was located in a beautiful grove 
 of trees on a hill, and equipped with the ablest 
 faculty of teachers money could secure, among 
 them Prof. Farnum, President, and Prof. J. H. 
 Kappes, a German music teacher and composer. 
 Miss Marsh was put under his instruction. In 
 a letter to her after leaving school the profes- 
 sor's wife wrote her that the professor wished 
 he had some more musical enthusiasts like her, 
 and the height of the ambition of the college 
 girls was to play like Nannie Marsh. In the 
 fifties steamboating was in its palmiest days. 
 Before the railroads traversed the river banks, 
 all the traffic, both passengers and freight, was 
 done on the river. Fine palatial steamers, 
 running from Cincinnati to New Orleans daily, 
 passed New Albany. The river character and 
 the tremendous traffic was famous in its day; 
 all the wealth of society from the South and
 
 A True Romance 7 
 
 West were continually passing up and down 
 the river. Each boat had its quota of officers 
 from pilot, captain, head clerks, mate, engineers 
 and deck hands, and money was plentiful in 
 those days, and good salaries were paid the 
 allotment, especially the officers. The accom- 
 modations were elaborate and palatial, and the 
 cuisine was unsurpassed. Often bands of 
 music, and steam calliopes, and the whistling 
 of the steamboats was a thing that attracted 
 the attention of the inhabitants of the river 
 towns. In the year 1854-5, Mark Anthony 
 was head clerk on the steamboat Sultana. He 
 stopped occasionally at New Albany while the 
 boat was loading, which would be a day or two, 
 as it was the head of river navigation in low 
 water, on account of the Ohio falls. He was 
 known somewhat socially among the society of 
 New Albany, being somewhat tall, with black 
 hair and beard, a perfect Apollo in figure, a 
 good dresser, a very versatile and genial gen- 
 tleman of the old school, and Chesterfieldian in 
 manner to every one he met. He was born in 
 Zanesville, Ohio, son of John Anthony, whose 
 father was Paul Antoine, born on the Rhine, 
 whose wife was Cornelia Van Buskirk, of
 
 8 A True Romance 
 
 Knickerbocker stock. He is also a cousin of 
 Susan B. Anthony. His mother, Eliza Peas, 
 whose mother was Jarusha Hall, whose brothers 
 Samuel and Abram Hall were in the Revolu- 
 tionary war. He was educated at St. Gene- 
 vieve college, south of St. Louis, on the Missis- 
 sippi, spoke French, a lover of the classics, 
 whose favorite poets were Pope, Shelley, 
 Keats, Pollock, Milton and Byron, the last- 
 named being his capital favorite. 
 
 On one occasion he met Miss Marsh's aunt, 
 who said she had a favorite niece just from 
 school she wanted him to meet. He called one 
 evening. As he entered the room she was sit- 
 ting playing the piano. He said to himself 
 there is the little woman I have been looking 
 for all my life. After a pleasant evening Cupid 
 had sunk his arrow deep. As is quite natural 
 he called at every opportunity, and notes and 
 letters were passed between them. An attach- 
 ment was seen, which displeased her aunt, and 
 something must be done to stop it. She was 
 but fifteen years old. but only a school girl, and 
 still at school. Lovers will always find a way 
 to communicate, and notes and letters followed 
 her to school. She received the following
 
 A True Romance 9 
 
 letter from her uncle while at school at George- 
 town, Ky. : 
 
 NEW ALBANY, Sunday Eve., Oct. 2, 1854. 
 DEAR NANNIE: 
 
 I have just returned from hearing Brother 
 Sears. Our church has undertaken a revival, 
 I hope the day is not distant when you shall 
 take as deep an interest in such matters as did 
 your sainted mother.* Always recollect that 
 you are not too young to die, and how painful 
 will be the reflection that those relatives and 
 friends who have gone before should occupy a 
 place different from ourselves, when it is our 
 privilege and duty to strive to be with them in 
 heaven. Bear in mind ; to love and serve God 
 is the beginning of wisdom. 
 
 Since you have left the beaus have left, a 
 death-like stillness has come over the house, the 
 piano remains unopened, and all musical no- 
 tions have been laid on the shelf. I was not 
 at all astonished to hear you had a great desire 
 to come home, but you must give up all such 
 thoughts and apply yourself closely to your 
 studies. As far as music is concerned you al- 
 
 * Her mother had lately passed away.
 
 io A True Romance 
 
 ready have arrived at an enviable position. I 
 would not have you let go any acquirement 
 you have made in music, but practice daily, and 
 occasionally take a new piece. But let other 
 things now 'occupy most of your time; there 
 are studies such as History, Geography, 
 Natural Philosophy, and many other studies to 
 which I hope you will devote your time, the 
 acquirement of which will make your society 
 highly interesting. My Dear Nannie, recollect 
 most of our knowledge is derived from books, 
 cast from you those yellow-covered trashy, love- 
 sick tales, that leave persons more ignorant 
 after their perusal than before, and rob them of 
 time never to be recovered. There is one thing 
 you must do if you would be happy in this life, 
 and that is read your Bible every day if you 
 read but one verse. Just promise me you will 
 do this. If you will pray God to forgive your 
 sins night and morning you may be assured he 
 will, then you will be happy hereafter. I am 
 happy you have nice room mates and a good 
 room. I need hardly tell you that a letter from 
 you would afford me much pleasure. Good bye. 
 
 My best love, 
 
 J. K. W D.
 
 A True Romance 1 1 
 
 One cannot but help think of the necessity 
 in the education and culture of earlier years as 
 the foundation in a measure of the building of 
 character, manners and disposition as a basis 
 for future life. The surrounding influences of 
 companions and books, and the education one 
 has sets the standard for which the life is 
 molded into its ideal. Surrounding circum- 
 stance may alter these conditions in middle life, 
 but the obligation is discharged by parents, 
 when they jealously guard the earlier career of 
 their children. 
 
 The following letter Mark Anthony received 
 from his mother on his twenty-first birthday, 
 1846, a touching and remarkable document. 
 
 ZANESVILLE, OHIO, Dec. i, 1846. 
 MY DEAR SON : 
 
 I hail with pleasure and gratitude this the 
 anniversary of your birthday, may you have 
 many happy returns of the same, each witness- 
 ing to your self and the world that you have 
 not lived for naught. But as a useful member 
 of society, exercising an influence that shall 
 descend blessing upon your posterity. You are 
 this day my son, twenty-one years of age, you
 
 12 A True Romance 
 
 have arrived at that eventful period in life to 
 which every young man looks forward to with 
 deep interest, as bringing with it some new era. 
 in his existence. What hopes, what plans, 
 what high resolutions you may have formed, 
 I know not, doubtless you have some; ask 
 yourself then my dear boy what they are. 
 Whatever they may be, make, oh. make them 
 not in your own strength, alone. But go to 
 God, he has been the guide of your youth, and 
 if you trust in him will be the support of your 
 manhood and consolation in the decline of 
 years. 
 
 You have already been for years engaged in 
 business and know its trials and perplexities. 
 Few of your age have so great a knowledge of 
 mankind, yet few, very few have bought their 
 experience so dearly, you have had friends to 
 caress, flatter and cluster around in prosperity. 
 But in the hour of adversity when the chill 
 hand of penury pressed heavy upon you, have 
 fled and passed away like the fantastic visions 
 of evening, leaving you naught but the biting 
 sting of benefits forgotten. Let then your past 
 experience in the choice of friends make you 
 more watchful for the future. And now my
 
 A True Romance 1 3 
 
 son it might be profitable to recall some few of 
 the pleasing recollections and painful thoughts 
 which crowd upon my mind at this time. 
 Twenty-one years. What changes ye have 
 wrought, I go back through the vista of time 
 to that day which introduced you an immortal 
 being to this world of sin and sorrow, when, 
 with a love and joy so full, new and sweet, did 
 I clasp you, my first born, to my bosom, and 
 with all a fond mother's affection invoke God's 
 blessing upon your infant head. At the age 
 of ten months your parents offered you at the 
 baptismal font, though strangers then to the 
 saving grace of God ourselves we hoped to 
 secure its blessing to you and show our inten- 
 tion to train you for usefulness and heaven. 
 That ordinance was performed by a clergyman 
 of the Baptist church at our own house. We 
 were frequently reminded by your delicate 
 health that you were only lent to us, liable at 
 any moment to be snatched away and trans- 
 ported to another and a better world. Little did 
 I think I was nursing one who in after years 
 was to be my only earthly support. How mys- 
 terious truly are the ways of Providence, but 
 oh, how wise.
 
 14 A True Romance 
 
 And I trust while life lasts you will remem- 
 ber a fond mother's last injunction. Obey your 
 parents that your days may be full of useful- 
 ness and long in the land of the living. Of this 
 I must say I have had no reason to complain, 
 you have always been ready to sacrifice per- 
 sonal comfort and enjoyment for my gratifica- 
 tion. We have passed through many vicissi- 
 tudes and trials together, and the promise of 
 Jehovah has been meted out to us. " I will be 
 a guide to those who trust in me;" and my 
 life has been spared to see my children arrive 
 at years of discretion. But sad solemn thought 
 without God and without heaven. Grant oh 
 my Father, that these eyes may yet behold them 
 walking in wisdom's ways. Then like Simeon 
 of old will I say, " Now let thy servant depart 
 in peace." One thing my dear boy. I must 
 painfully allude to broken vows at God's sanc- 
 tuary made, I believe in sincerity at the time 
 but in total ignorance of your deceitful heart, 
 yet there they stand registered in heaven, how 
 my son oh! how will you meet them on that 
 great day when the searcher of all hearts is to 
 judge between the unfaithful and the just? 
 
 And now my ever dear and only son, my
 
 A True Romance 15 
 
 earthly hope and stay, I this day proclaim you 
 are a freeman, and parental authority over you 
 ceases. I tremble when thinking of what has 
 been my influence, and call high heaven to 
 witness, though feeble, yet have I ever en- 
 deavored to teach you the way of eternal life 
 and guide your footsteps unhesitatingly firm 
 in the path of rectitude and virtue. You can- 
 not, dear boy, forget a mother's admonitions, 
 you cannot forget how often we have knelt to- 
 gether in prayer, how often read that holy book 
 marked with the seal of high divinity, forever 
 beseeching us to read, believe and live. Oh, 
 my son, if you will forget now, there will be 
 a time in after life when that mother lies be- 
 neath the clods of the valley, when these scenes 
 will return and as a well spring of life I hope 
 bring joy and peace, or on the contrary like a 
 flood of despair o'erwhelm the soul with an- 
 guish. God knows in a mother's love I have 
 never been wanting, with a mother's weakness, 
 through a too fond idolatry, doubtless I have 
 erred. If so forgive then my dear boy any past 
 unfaithfulness, and be assured that affection 
 which welcomed you to this world, has been for 
 twenty-one years, growing deeper and stronger,
 
 1 6 A True Romance 
 
 but trust my child you need no assurance of 
 that fact. Oh, that you could fathom the 
 anxiety of my heart at this moment, and know 
 how earnestly it prays for your peace and pros- 
 perity in this world and that which is to come. 
 And now permit me my dear Mark, while the 
 sacred duty and high privilege is yet mine, to 
 give some advice for your future conduct. May 
 the blessing of heaven attend it. The first 
 thing is to be temperate in all things, shun the 
 intoxicating bowl in every form as your dead- 
 liest foe. How many young men with hopes 
 as bright, with prospects as fair, and reputation 
 as dear as life, has fallen a prey to this dread- 
 ful sin. Oh ! how many homes have been made 
 desolate, and fond parents, affectionate sisters 
 and devoted brothers' fond wishes have been 
 blasted and lay withering in the dust from grief 
 brought on by an erring one being fatally 
 tempted by that monster alcohol. Shun ardent 
 spirits my son, and I shall have no fears for 
 you. Never, oh my God, never let these gray 
 hairs go down to an untimely grave through 
 affliction from such a source. But I hope and 
 believe differently though I thus speak. The 
 next thing, shun all evil associates. Your too
 
 A True Romance 17 
 
 liberal disposition has always given me uneasi- 
 ness on this score. It is difficult for you to re- 
 fuse, and harder still, having joined them to 
 break away; be firm then in resisting this 
 temptation, for 
 
 Approaching vice is decked in charm, 
 
 And smiles with promises of gain; 
 No sooner past than all its joys are fled 
 
 And its transient pleasures turned to pain. 
 
 The next thing is Sabbath breaking. Young 
 men of business are particularly in danger of 
 this sin. Yet if there is one more than an- 
 other upon which God hurls his wrath it is this ; 
 read the Bible, it is full of awful denunciations 
 against the Sabbath breaker. Next thing do 
 not neglect the house of prayer; do what you 
 can for the support of the Gospel; and though 
 not least, be faithful to your employers, make 
 their interests dear as your own; this is your 
 duty, and by so doing you will never want a 
 friend. You may think, dear Mark this letter 
 a gloomy one, but I have not so intended.' I 
 desire under these peculiar circumstances our 
 mutual benefit, and should you think these 
 feeble lines worthy of preserving, and in one
 
 1 8 A True Romance 
 
 instance you should be made a better and hap- 
 pier man by following its advice, I am quite 
 recompensed ; and in after years when the hand 
 that penned them shall be cold in death, I trust 
 you will look at this and the blest volume that 
 accompanies it as a sacred memento of a fond 
 mother's undying love. I have no wealth to 
 offer you as I once had, but accept my son this 
 Bible, and may you ever be guided by its pre- 
 cepts. It will be a lamp to guide your foot- 
 steps unhesitatingly firm through this dark 
 world, as the polar star of truth to twinkle be- 
 fore you; then shall you be free and happy. 
 And when in the solitude of your room, next to 
 God think, oh think, of your affectionate and 
 
 devoted 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 While at school Miss Marsh was evidently 
 very popular, from the following letters from 
 school girls that have some romance in them : 
 
 FRANKFORT, KY., Aug. 15. 
 
 DEAR NANNIE: 
 
 Procrastination is generally considered the 
 thief of time, and as to myself it has generally
 
 A True Romance 19 
 
 proved such, but I am determined it never shall 
 be so again as I can make no good excuses now 
 since I left school and laid aside the books and 
 cares of a school girl life; and then again, why 
 should I wish to make excuses for not writing 
 to one who I prefer corresponding with above 
 all others, excepting my nearest relatives. 
 Nannie you are well aware that you have been 
 my bosom friend for many a year, and I hope 
 you may still continue to be such, and be as- 
 sured, Dear Nannie, you shall have a place in 
 my memory amid the numerous others who 
 have gained a lasting remembrance by one who 
 is unworthy of such pure and lasting love which 
 has been bestowed upon her by many. Dear 
 Nannie, I am thought to be cold hearted, the 
 reason why I do not know, without it is be- 
 cause, I would not give my hand to those where 
 my heart can never go and be happy and con- 
 tented, I have been thinking all morning that 
 perhaps the advice which I have been giving 
 you of late is not altogether proper, as perhaps 
 it may change your warm heart to a cold one 
 like my own, but Nannie, you are well ac- 
 quainted with this cold heart, and so you think 
 it is true, the rest may think as they please,
 
 20 A True Romance 
 
 although I would prefer it. if it were possible, 
 for every one to think so. This is a strange 
 world, any way you can arrange it, while we 
 are enjoying its pleasures it is preparing us for 
 its sorrows, so have I found it, and I think my 
 pathway through life so far has been strewn 
 with flowers, as to what many others have had 
 to endure, although numerous little troubles 
 have darkened my pathway for a short time, 
 casting the fleeting sunbeams from my view 
 but, I fear they were but momentary when 
 compared to the many trials which may yet be 
 in store for me in later life. As to whether it 
 will be proper for me to embrace that oppor- 
 tunity which was to present itself in the follow- 
 ing thirty-six hours, I cannot make up my mind 
 or come to the conclusion what to do. Al- 
 though I would willingly see him, yet I fear 
 his constancy, as to deceiving mother I know 
 it will be wrong, my own conscience tells me so, 
 but what can I do, how can I act, in this case? 
 I cannot tell, I know my own feelings, and 
 where my happiness depends, but yet at the 
 same time is it right to deceive one who has 
 loved me fondly and truly, who has taken care
 
 A True Romance 21 
 
 of me from infancy and guided my steps aright 
 so far over life's tempestuous sea? Perhaps 
 she may be right, he may not be worthy of me. 
 But my mind is made up, I cannot think him 
 anything else but true, and I will think none 
 the less of him till he proves false ; and then I 
 will discard and scorn him, and not till then. 
 No one knows how well I love my mother. 
 She has always been good and kind to me. I 
 would give everything I possess in this world 
 to please her in the selection of a companion 
 whom I take for life, but I fear that will be 
 impossible, provided I study my own interest 
 and happiness. But I will say no more on this 
 subject at present, except if matters can be ar- 
 ranged and he still desires an interview it shall 
 be granted to him as soon as I return home, at 
 the risk of my life. I am enjoying myself finely, 
 far beyond my expectation. I did not expect 
 Frankfort to be as gay and fashionable as it 
 is, for generally it is gayer in the winter. If 
 it were not for my teeth, which should not be 
 neglected any longer than can be prevented, I 
 would not come home for a month or six weeks, 
 as I am surrounded by devoted admirers, which
 
 22 A True Romance 
 
 suits me exactly. You know I was awakened 
 last night from my slumbers by some of the 
 best music that I have heard lately, it was de- 
 lightful ; the gentlemen here go out serenad- 
 ing most every night, and they play very 
 well. I am invited to a wedding on Thurs- 
 day. It is a Miss Stout, but not my rival ; 
 she is going to marry a Mr. Cannon, of Louis- 
 ville. From what I can hear it will be a large 
 wedding. Nannie, I promised Kate and Mattie 
 Plummer that as soon as I come home I would 
 get you and Mr. Anthony to go spend the 
 evening with them, and you must both go. 
 You must give my respects and compliments 
 to Mr. Anthony, and also tell him I fear I 
 never can repay him for his kindness towards 
 me excepting by giving him my " Dearest 
 Friend; " name unmentionable. I have just 
 received an invitation to dine with the Gover- 
 nor to-day at two o'clock. There is to be a 
 large cotillion party, or rather a prize ball to- 
 night at the Mansion House. I have not made 
 up my mind whether to go or not, as it is so 
 warm and disagreeable that there would not be 
 much pleasure in dancing, and you know that 
 I could not be a spectator and not a partaker
 
 A True Romance 23 
 
 of all the enjoyment without a great deal of 
 presence of mind. 
 
 Yours as ever, 
 
 She writes from school a note. 
 
 LIZZIE : 
 
 I thought I would write you a note to ask a 
 great favor of you, which I hope you will grant. 
 I want you to make me some nice pies, pound 
 cake and pickles, and all such things. Cheese, 
 crackers and everything nice, and put in a box 
 and send it to me. I do get so hungry, and 
 that would be such a treat. Nearly all the girls 
 receive boxes from home with nice things to 
 eat. You box them up carefully and direct the 
 box to Nannie L. Marsh, care of J. E. Farnum, 
 Georgetown, Ky. 
 
 And received the following: 
 
 NEW ALBANY, Mar. 54. 
 DEAR JOHN DAVID NANCY : 
 
 How are you off to-day for bread. I hope 
 you are not starving for some, are you ? Lizzie 
 laughed when she received the note and said
 
 24 A True Romance 
 
 she would send the cars full, for poor Nan. 
 Nan, I'd give this world if you were here; the 
 water is all up like it was last year, and Hy 
 Mallery and Bill Jackson, built a flat and I go 
 riding all the time. I told them about your 
 riding in the tub, and they laughed I tell you. 
 I told them about Julia falling down and break- 
 ing the floor loose, and about the boots and, 
 oh my, but they laughed ; they all say there 
 would have been no fun if it had not been for 
 me. Sunday Uncle John and John Alexander 
 came down to our house and went riding in 
 Uncle Gus's flat, so I took sick and like to 
 fainted, and Uncle John, Emma and I got out, 
 and John stayed in and got about a dozen little 
 boys in with him. Judge Hooper had some 
 logs tied across from two trees and John got 
 across the ropes and couldn't get back. Well, 
 the poor fellow tried about an hour; and he 
 was most dead. I was up stairs laughing at 
 him, and never laughed so much in my life at 
 one thing, so John tied the flat at grandma's 
 door and got Aaron McDoodle to help him, 
 and we kept telling Emma what to say to him. 
 She hallooed, Mr. McDoodle take care of him, 
 don't get away from him, and Mr. Alexander
 
 A True Romance 25 
 
 the great commander shot a goose and killed a 
 gander. John Alexander says he will never 
 forget that boat ride. Minerva came down and 
 Uncle John went to shore with the boat and 
 brought her over, and when she went to go 
 back I went too, and so went to jump out of the 
 boat it slipped back and I jumped right in the 
 river up to my knees. Johnnie Creed and John 
 Payne, and John Lewis were all standing right 
 by the land, and seen me, and everybody around 
 there laughed, and I was mad. I got in the 
 boat and went back home and wouldn't speak 
 to them. Nannie, what do you think, your Pa 
 is coming to see you as soon as he gets his 
 business settled, and he is going to bring me. 
 I did not want to let you know it, but when 
 you see somebody dressed in light green you 
 will know who it is, then the girls will think 
 I am a green Hoosier sure enough. Never 
 " mind next " September I will begin to help 
 you fight for the rights of Hoosierdom. Nan, 
 will you believe me if I tell you I have fallen in 
 love with a preacher ? Well it is so. He preaches 
 at our church. He lives in Louisville, and is 
 the editor of the Baptist Courier. He is a 
 young widower, now what do you think of
 
 26 A True Romance 
 
 that. They plague me nearly to death about 
 him at home. Uncle John says we will make 
 such a nice little couple, for he is not much 
 taller than I am, and oh, so handsome. I told 
 Uncle John I was going to send some poetry 
 to his paper, and he says he is going to tell 
 him. His name is Ford. Now Nan don't tell 
 anybody a word of it, for I don't want the 
 
 girls here to find it out. Mr. W has not 
 
 come home yet, but Minerva hears from him 
 very often. I believe he writes to her. My 
 Lord ! I could kill her for taking him. I hate 
 him now worse than ever, and I don't believe 
 she loves him either. Read the note. 
 
 Your cousin, 
 
 S . 
 
 Miss Marsh was but fifteen years old when 
 this was written. 
 
 GEORGETOWN, March u, 1854. 
 To MARK ANTHONY. 
 DEAR FRIEND: 
 
 I received your interesting letter some time 
 since, but I have been so engaged I have not 
 until now had an opportunity of answering it.
 
 A True Romance 27 
 
 As you have never visited Georgetown I sup- 
 pose you would be interested to know what 
 kind of a place it is. Well, as I am not skilled 
 in writing descriptive style, I hope you will ex- 
 cuse me if my composition does not suit your 
 taste. 
 
 Georgetown is quite a pleasant little town 
 situated on a branch of the Elkhorn river. It 
 is remarkable for the energy and industry of its 
 inhabitants. For its schools; both male and 
 female, and for its intelligent and refined so- 
 ciety. It has several churches and dwellings. 
 It possesses two curiosities. One is the Big 
 spring. It is beautiful indeed, and so romantic. 
 I think if I should ever have occasion to write 
 my farewell to Georgetown I would choose a 
 place beside the Old Spring, where all is still 
 and quiet save the music of the waters beneath 
 my feet. It is in such a place as this I love to 
 go and think of home and of the pleasures of 
 bygone hours spent with friends, whose sweet 
 faces perhaps I never more will see. Ah ! how 
 sad it makes me feel to think of it; but I am 
 digressing, General Flourney is the other curi- 
 osity. He is one indeed. I cannot describe 
 him. You must come here and get acquainted
 
 28 A True Romance 
 
 with him yourself. I must tell you something 
 of my school. Science Hill is situated in the 
 suburbs of the town, rather a retired place, but 
 by no means unpleasant on that account; 
 we have a very large yard, highly orna- 
 mented with shrubbery of all descriptions. In 
 a retired part of the yard is a beautiful monu- 
 ment erected over the remains of one of our 
 school girls. It is such a sweet place to visit. 
 It always awakens in my mind when I see the 
 fair flowers as they bloom o'er the grave, of 
 the time when I too shall pass from this earth, 
 and when I am gone will the flowers bloom 
 over my grave nourished by the hand of affec- 
 tion ? Ah ! I hope I will have some friends in 
 whose remembrance I will ever live. 
 
 My dear friend, as I have a great deal to do 
 this morning I hope you will excuse a short 
 letter. I am very sorry I have not time to 
 finish a description of this place, but I will 
 write you another letter soon, and will try to 
 write a longer. Julia sends her love and says 
 she would like to hear from you, write soon. 
 Your devoted friend, 
 
 NANNIE.
 
 A True Romance 29 
 
 From Mrs. S. R. Kappes, wife of the Ger- 
 man professor of music of Georgetown college. 
 
 GEORGETOWN, April 2, '55. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE : 
 
 I did not intend to allow so many weeks to 
 slip by before sending you that promised letter. 
 Time here always passes rapidly, but this year 
 has been unusually short, twelve more weeks 
 and we all, like you, will share the luxury of 
 leisure. Probably, however, you find abundant 
 and interesting employment with your piano, 
 guitar, books and friends. Eliza Waller in- 
 formed me you were very happy in the enjoy- 
 ment of health, home and social pleasures. 
 But do not, dear Nannie, forget all your old 
 friends here, for there are many who think and 
 speak frequently of you and to play like 
 Nannie Marsh is the standard which I often 
 hear music pupils propose. I really wish they 
 would manifest the same interest and persever- 
 ance. Mr. Kappes would enjoy teaching a few 
 such enthusiasts. But a word on the subject 
 of books, for you have very wisely determined 
 to devote a portion of your time to the perusal
 
 30 A True Romance 
 
 of improving literary works. Here you find 
 an almost unlimited field from which to select. 
 Not always, however, is the most tempting 
 fruit that which is most agreeable to the unex- 
 perienced. Most suited to promote intellectual 
 improvement, and hence the importance of 
 yielding to the judgment of some one older and 
 wiser. 
 
 In giving you some advice, relative to the 
 selection of books, I feel greatly at a loss to 
 know where I should commence, your own taste 
 perhaps like that of most young persons would 
 be better suited with a more frivolous kind of 
 reading than would be altogether beneficial. 
 
 If it has no other evil effect, it prevents an 
 individual from acquiring that amount of use- 
 ful information, the want of which sometimes 
 makes them appear very ridiculous. It is very 
 necessary to know something of the principal 
 events in history, especially in that of our own 
 country. This department of our 'literature 
 has been made very interesting by the efforts of 
 such men as Macaulay, Bancroft, Prescott, 
 Abbott and others, all of whose works you 
 might read with great profit; you should also 
 have a general acquaintance with the character
 
 A True Romance . 3 1 
 
 of our most distinguished authors, you will 
 then be better able to appreciate their writings; 
 you must not fail to know something of our 
 great poets, Milton, Shakespeare, Young, 
 Pollock, Thomson, and many others. Works 
 of travel are numerous, and some of them very 
 useful. Stevens, Bayard Taylor and Admiral 
 Clinton, I have enjoyed reading very much, 
 also N. P. Willis' " Pencillings by the Way," 
 and " Health Trip to the West Indies," and in 
 this connection I must not omit Miss Sedg- 
 wick's " Letters from Abroad." For beauty of 
 style and purity of sentiment none can exceed 
 Washington Irving. He has just opened a 
 new work, probably his last, as he is a very old 
 man " Wolfert's Roost." Among the light 
 literature which has recently engaged my at- 
 tention, and which I can recommend to all my 
 young friends, is " The Lamplighter," " The 
 Newsboy," " Ruth Hall," " Beauties of Fanny 
 Fenn," " The Jesuits in Your Homes," or 
 "Stanhope Burleigh," "The Lost Heiress," 
 " Fashion and Famine." Some of these have 
 a fine moral tendency, and none of them are 
 objectionable on that score, but as I shall hope 
 to have the privilege of answering your letters
 
 32 A True Romance 
 
 often I will add no more on this subject at 
 present. Before I close I am compelled to add 
 one sad piece of intelligence. Mr. Harvey 
 Graves' * house was burned literally to the 
 ground on last Wednesday night, nothing save 
 the brick walls remain. The family speak of 
 removing to town until they can build. Isadore 
 of course feels rather sadly, not because she 
 will ever really feel the loss, but more espe- 
 cially for the breaking up of old associations. 
 Nannie, will you not be in Georgetown at com- 
 mencement? We would all be happy to see 
 you. Mr. Kappes desires a kind remembrance, 
 and says you must let him know how you are 
 progressing in music, what learning. All 
 would send love if they knew I was writing, 
 but I cannot wait to ask so many. 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 
 S. R. KAPPES. 
 
 The following was received at school f from 
 relatives and friends. 
 
 * The Graves' House was noted for its social functions 
 in those days among the elite of Kentucky. 
 
 t These letters are necessary to show the position in 
 life and the many acquaintances Miss Marsh had and all 
 knew of the romance of her and Mr. Anthony and the 
 opposition she had from her aunt and father.
 
 A True Romance 33 
 
 NEW ALBANY, January n, '55. 
 
 MY DEAR FRIEND NANNIE : 
 
 To confess the truth I am really ashamed to 
 attempt a letter at this late hour and could 
 scarcely blame you for accusing me of all im- 
 aginable sins and badness. Well Nannie, I 
 was very much surprised upon returning home 
 from a trip up town one day at finding a piece 
 of music directed to Miss Carrie W. Imagine 
 the surprise when upon further examination 
 I found and recognized your handwriting and 
 also discovered a gentleman's name which I 
 immediately attributed to your estimable music 
 teacher Mr. Kappes. Besides esteeming, it is 
 quite an honor, I wish you to accept my warm- 
 est thanks, presenting if you please, the same 
 to your teacher, and of this I am quite confi- 
 dent, that if he can compose a piece of music 
 wherein is such beautiful harmony and com- 
 plete and perfect chords, he cannot help but be 
 thoroughly acquainted with the science, and 
 capable of imparting it to others. I know your 
 first question would be if I were talking to you, 
 What's the news ? 
 
 Well, as usual, New Albany is deplorably 
 wanting in that article, and were it not for
 
 34 A True Romance 
 
 choir rehearsals and musical associations, we 
 would become almost annihilated with " En- 
 nui " or in other words (King's English) the 
 blues. You have of course heard of our Han- 
 del and Haydn, or as some are pleased to 
 dub it " Spade and Handel." Notwithstand- 
 ing such scandalous name it has so far proved 
 a most pleasant association. Your Aunt Add 
 has become safely and securely installed in 
 her new house, which, although I have not 
 been there, I hear is a model of beauty, 
 comfort and convenience; it ought to be, I 
 think for the comfort and convenience of per- 
 sons as your agreeable Uncle John, Aunt Add 
 and their respective children, Emma and the 
 cunning little Kiddie. I see Minerva Jones 
 occasionally; through her I heard your in- 
 quiries concerning me and the piece of music.* 
 May I hope for a speedy answer to this letter. 
 I wish my paper was longer and I would ask 
 
 you when you heard from your friend M 
 
 A . Would you tell ? 
 
 Yours as ever, 
 Miss CARRIE W . 
 
 * " A piece of music composed and dedicated to Nannie 
 L. Marsh by her music teacher. From J. H. Kappes."
 
 A True Romance 35 
 
 Another received at school : 
 
 LOUISVILLE, KY., 1854. 
 MY DEAR FRIEND AND COUSIN: 
 
 Sallie Miles spent a few days over to our 
 house and I returned home with her. I thought 
 I would embrace the present opportunity of 
 writing you. I was up to your Aunt Add's 
 and helped fix the clothes. Nan, tell me did you 
 get your clothes? How did you like them? 
 Did you like the white dress and did it fit you 
 well ? I want you to answer all my questions 
 immediately, for we are very near crazy to 
 know. Nan, let me describe the day the clothes 
 were sent. Imagine yourself an actor there. 
 First Mrs. Tucker sewing the edging on the 
 lining of your white dress (after I had gone in 
 the store and turned everything topsy-turvy to 
 find some that would do), second Aunt Add 
 sitting on the floor singing, Nancy Till, ironing 
 your white bonnet, Estelle winding the ribbon 
 around her waist, and then cutting the paste 
 board slips for the bonnet. Aunt Add was 
 ironing and me trying on the gaiters and inter- 
 rupting Aunt Add's song to know if she thinks 
 they will fit you. At last the box is packed and 
 sent to the express office, and I am almost
 
 36 A True Romance 
 
 ready to cry for joy, for Nan, if you only knew 
 how much trouble I had with them, you could 
 not blame me at all. Tell me how you liked 
 the gloves and handkerchiefs, how the shoes 
 fit, and all about it. Nan, show Julia the post- 
 mark and make her believe it is from Frank. 
 Direct your answer home as usual. All are 
 well. 
 
 Your cousin, 
 SALLIE R T. 
 
 As there was considerable opposition to 
 Mark Anthony and Nannie Marsh's continu- 
 ing their acquaintance and correspondence, the 
 following letter was written by one who helped 
 all through this courtship to receive letters and 
 notes, and slip them in and out to Miss Marsh 
 while she was a veritable prisoner at her 
 Aunt's. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, January, 1855. 
 
 To MARK ANTHONY, 
 
 MY FRIEND : 
 
 Although I deem myself unworthy to be 
 called thy friend, yet I fain would make amend- 
 ments in the future, for the past. Procrasti- 
 nation is truly the thief of time, or at least I 
 have found it so. I intended to have answered
 
 A True Romance 37 
 
 your long and interesting letter ere this, but 
 negligence and things prevented me. I sup- 
 pose you have often heard of my illness, as I 
 hear you have quite a number of correspond- 
 ents in our city, of which I hope are all my 
 friends as truly as I am theirs. I have no rea- 
 son to complain and especially of the gentle- 
 men, as they proved themselves to be more than 
 summer friends to me. My illness has been of 
 a protracted nature, yet I do not allow myself 
 but seldom to get low spirited, and why should 
 I when I look around me and see the number 
 who have been confined to a sick room for 
 weeks. And now I suppose you are anxiously 
 waiting to hear something about Nannie. 
 Well, she did not arrive when I was expecting, 
 her; nor, when she expected to return; reasons 
 I do not know. She will be home next Wednes- 
 day as I mentioned to you in a note, if you re- 
 ceived it, that there has been but little said 
 between Nannie and self for fear of displeas- 
 ing those who are opposed; neither have I de- 
 livered the presents * yet that are in my pos- 
 
 * Wedding ring and picture as I learned of late years 
 she had to wear the wedding ring around her neck to keep 
 her aunt from seeing it.
 
 38 A True Romance 
 
 session; as I thought best to retain them till 
 she arrives home. Then she shall receive them, 
 and as far as I remember the messages which 
 were left for her. And now, Mark, for fear I 
 forget, I wish to inform you that after Nannie 
 arrives home I am not going to have anything 
 to do with this subject. But never mind now, 
 by the time I get an answer to this Nannie will 
 be home and then I will know more about the 
 state of her feeling towards you and judge 
 what to do for the best. We none can read the 
 future, no not one except our Heavenly Father. 
 It is separated from us by a dark and impene- 
 trable veil which beyond we cannot gaze, and is 
 it not a blessing that it was so ordained that 
 we cannot read our future destiny, for perhaps 
 we might tremble at the thought; whilst only 
 now a few dark clouds are scattered here and 
 there to darken our sunny pathway which soon, 
 very soon, vanish, and in their stead are seen 
 happy, joyous sunbeams; causing the unhappy 
 past to be forgotten. If I understand the 
 meaning of those dark clouds which sometimes 
 often appear it is to call us to do our duty, to 
 teach us what we are; for there is but one way, 
 and narrow it is, that leads to happiness. We
 
 A True Romance 39 
 
 are left to choose our way; there is no com- 
 pulsion to make us select the right or wrong. 
 I cannot tell you how to bring the time nearer 
 when you can call her your own; it is not in 
 my power. But wait patiently. It will all 
 work out for the best. I hope, Mark, you will 
 forgive me for prolonging this paragraph to 
 such a length. I have enjoyed myself finely, 
 taking into consideration my indisposition, but 
 still that does not altogether prevent me en- 
 joying myself. I am still gay and lively as 
 ever and have spent several evenings lately 
 with the doctor, and I need not tell you how 
 much I enjoyed myself in his society, as you 
 are well aware how lively he is. Just the kind 
 of company that pleases me; the doctor is a 
 particular favorite of mine, although I am de- 
 prived of his society at home you know the 
 reasons. I considered it all a joke and passed 
 the evening very pleasantly; and regret that he 
 cannot visit me, provided he wished to. And 
 now consider this a friendly letter, although it 
 is rather lengthy and far from being interest- 
 ing. As you are a friend of mine I know you 
 will look over all errors and bad writing. Re- 
 member to answer immediately, and believe me
 
 40 A True Romance 
 
 ever to be your true friend. My compliments 
 to self and all inquiring friends. 
 
 MINERVA T. J. 
 
 Some of Mark Anthony's letters to Miss 
 Nannie L. Marsh: 
 
 ii April, '55. 
 DEAR NANNIE: 
 
 I wrote you last from Napoleon under 
 cover to our mutual friend Miss Minerva 
 which should be at hand long ere this. Of 
 that date we ascended the Arkansas river with 
 but a faint hope of getting our destination. 
 Sadly and truly was that idea realized. The 
 next day were compelled to lay by for want of 
 water. In a wilderness, no human creature 
 having a habitation within miles of us, so we 
 were lonely and desolate, no facilities to even 
 procure the most coarse and humble necessi- 
 ties of life, hence we were compelled to hunt 
 and fish for a maintenance; not a solitary pas- 
 senger on board, and all gloomy, disappointed 
 and lonely, cut off from those sacred ties of 
 family, friendship and society, and this seems 
 ever to be the marked fate of the river charac- 
 ter. Truly, dear Nannie, we are through cir-
 
 A True Romance 41 
 
 cumstances and destiny scattered over the wild 
 waste of waters to be tossed by every fickle 
 wind and wave. But hope buffets the threaten- 
 ing storm, and yet points me to the laurels of 
 bliss so long as I retain thy young, pure and 
 lasting affection. So, like the brave and trusty 
 of old will I nobly endeavor to struggle through 
 these trials which might crush many men, and 
 live for thy present and future prosperity and 
 happiness alone. Now, my dear Nannie, do 
 not deem me weak or superstitious. But your 
 Daguerrean picture, the ideal of all I hold 
 dear and sacred on earth, save yourself the full 
 and perfect embodiment of reality, is nearest 
 my heart by day to be the talisman which shall 
 guide my erring footsteps unhesitatingly firm 
 through all the temptations and vicissitudes of 
 life, and by night under my pillow, the bright, 
 hallowed oracle that will bring to my dreams 
 joy and peace. Oh, Nannie, in solitary's lonely 
 hour for without the smile of thy bright 
 countenance and the council of thy wisdom all 
 time seems lonely God grant that the day is 
 not far distant when we shall meet face to face, 
 then will this wildly throbbing joyous heart un- 
 bosom itself and tell more than feeble thoughts
 
 42 A True Romance 
 
 on paper can now essay. So live Nannie, in 
 the confidence of this assurance for yourself 
 and me and not for the opinion of a cold, un- 
 grateful world, who neither know nor can ap- 
 preciate our high resolves or noble purposes. 
 " Thy mind the music breathing from thy face." 
 The idea of this quotation, suggested from the 
 memory I hold of thee, Nannie, and not from 
 imagination for faithful remembrance. That 
 mirror which affliction often dashes to the earth, 
 and in looking down upon the shattered frag- 
 ments only beholds the reflection multiplied. 
 Hence, my dear Nannie, it is thus I think of 
 thee while others would wish to poison your 
 mind against me, and in mentioning these few 
 words on a subject on which all persons are 
 supposed to be fluent and none very agreeable, 
 you must pardon the weakness, Nannie, for our 
 sakes. I have been patient to those who know 
 not my motives, nor the acts that prompt them, 
 and will be so yet for thy sake. I have forgot- 
 ten all I would not forget, yet that sweet virtue 
 revive a generous feeling in my soul to forgive 
 all those who would bid me dwell afar off from 
 thee. Go where I will, be what I may, thou 
 art to me the same, a loved one which I cannot
 
 A True Romance 43 
 
 resign. A world to roam through, and a home 
 with thee, the first were a mere bauble; had I 
 still the last it would be the acme of my happi- 
 ness. For thee, my own sweet Nannie, in thy 
 heart and soul I feel myself secure as thou shall 
 ever be in mine, creatures who nearer each 
 other can yield up the same together or far dis- 
 tant. From my first acquaintance to this hour 
 which entwined our hearts together appreciated 
 thee, and let Death, weal or woe come soon or 
 late, that tie which linked me with you shall 
 endure forever. Oh, Nannie, that thou wert 
 with me in this hour. But why did I become 
 the fool of my own wishes, knowing at present 
 they cannot be realized, yet it would cause me 
 to forget the solitude which now pervades my 
 spirit. I am not usually of the plaintive mood, 
 but at times feel a decline in my philosophy, as 
 now the tear glitters in moistened eye, what 
 has been the great sin or weakness which has 
 caused those of your family to endeavor to 
 blot out of your heart and memory the interest 
 you have for me and make us strangers unto 
 each other. It was not so once, previous to the 
 knowledge of our mutual affection, and even on 
 your first arrival from Georgetown last July.
 
 44 A True Romance 
 
 I think your aunt Mrs. W d had sent for 
 
 me and stated that a favorite niece of hers had 
 just got " Home," to whom she wished to 
 introduce me. Now, my dear Nannie, there 
 seems to be an inconsistency in the acts which 
 followed so short a time afterwards, when she 
 began to discern there was an attachment form- 
 ing between us, when I prior to this event was 
 at all time a welcomed guest to the full com- 
 munion of her hospitality and kindness, and 
 hope to be hereafter when, a revolution of cir- 
 cumstances takes place and other persons and 
 time will do justice to character. Perhaps one 
 of my greatest sins is that of poverty, in being 
 so presumptuous as to asking your hand and 
 heart. 
 
 Thank God I have some characteristics which 
 are above the grovelling, sordid impulse of 
 wealth which will outlive sordid gold, for in 
 the language of Holy Writ lay not up that for 
 which thieves break through and steal and 
 moth doth corrupt, but trust that in the com- 
 mon course of life, should I meet with that 
 honorable pursuit to be able to at least provide 
 comfortably for those who may trust their des- 
 tiny in my keeping. This, Nannie, has been an
 
 A True Romance 45 
 
 unpleasant theme for me to discourse you upon. 
 I have' done; this subject will never again be 
 reverted to by me and hope you will pardon this 
 occasion. Although I may not yet go un- 
 scathed, these lips shall be mute, this hand pal- 
 sied ever to raise again in my defence or their 
 unkindness. All is over on this score, let the 
 world say what it may., 
 
 " Here is a sigh to those who love me and a 
 smile to those who hate : " 
 
 Yours, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 ST. BT. LUCY ROBINSON, 
 
 May 18, 1855. 
 
 This brief note will be handed you by our 
 good friend Miss Minerva. In addressing you 
 this the third time, and the two former unan- 
 swered, I am at a loss what to say that would 
 be of interest beyond that I am yet in the wil- 
 derness, in good health though poor in spirit, 
 and live alone and bear with life to think and 
 pray for you. In the last, the longest and most 
 gloomy letter, I have written you, be pleased, 
 Nannie, to forgive the weakness and the sorrow 
 it dwelt upon, for your heart is already sur-
 
 46 A True Romance 
 
 charged with troubles enough without my 
 writing that which would still add to that 
 poignant and holy affliction. Though it was 
 the outpouring of a heart and soul that could 
 find no relief but in sending forth its errands 
 of mercy and forgiveness. I threw my fingers 
 hurriedly over heart strings and would fain 
 bring forth tones of melancholy beauty that 
 might die away upon chords of sweetness and 
 find an echo in thy soul. The last two letters to 
 Miss Minerva were the poorest and most mis- 
 erable attempts to send to a lady of mind and 
 education I have ever been guilty of. So you, 
 dear Nannie, will excuse me to her by saying, 
 for the future I will endeavor to do better. 
 In addressing you, Nannie, I don't feel quite so 
 punctilious. Etymology and I look for rather 
 more charity and less criticism. I always 
 write hastily upon the impulse of the moment 
 and rarely punctuate. On my arrival at New 
 Orleans, if we ever do get out of this river, 
 I design having another Daguerrean picture 
 taken it will please you better than the one 
 you have. If perfectly agreeable, my dear 
 Nannie, have yours taken in any manner that
 
 A True Romance 47 
 
 may suit your own good taste and judgment as 
 regards style of dress or harmony of colors. 
 By the by, I want to know if your suit of hair 
 that auburn hair has grown massy and long, 
 and if your height has not increased. Nannie, 
 no doubt you laugh at this idle curiosity. I 
 ask all the foolish questions simply for amuse- 
 ment, it is so natural for me to be inquisitive, 
 not for a moment that I would have you one 
 jot or tittle taller, for everything pertaining to 
 your mental and physical nature is perfect, and 
 would not have you otherwise lest it was the 
 decree of Providence. I trust your family are 
 all well, they have my best wishes. What will 
 be the destination of our boat when out of the 
 river I know not. She may be ladened with 
 cargo and bright hopes for your city. Hope 
 you have written my sister at St. Louis. It 
 would afford her much pleasure to correspond 
 with you. My dear Nannie, answer this note 
 immediately and hand it to our best friend Miss 
 Minerva. Of this date I have written Dr. 
 Flacke and Mr. Seabrook, either one or the 
 
 other will wait upon Miss M and get her 
 
 letter and place under cover to me as they have
 
 48 A True Romance 
 
 the instructions where to address. God bless 
 you and may heaven's protecting power watch 
 over you. 
 
 Yours with affection forever, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 Her aunt forbids her writing him. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, IND., June 9, 1855. 
 
 DEAR MARK : 
 
 I have no doubt that by this time you have 
 given up all hope of ever hearing from me 
 more, but when you hear my excuse you will 
 be fully convinced that it has not been because 
 you were forgotten, and I hope to be forgiven, 
 as you think, for my negligence. 
 
 You are aware that my Aunt Add has many 
 objections to you, and has said there should be 
 no correspondence between us, and has par- 
 tially extracted a promise from me not to write, 
 but for all that I intend to do just as my heart 
 dictates no matter if they think it may be 
 wrong. I was more than happy at the recep- 
 tion of your note, and assure you. dear Mark, 
 that nothing in this vain and fickle world could 
 be more gratifying than in hearing from you.
 
 A True Romance 49 
 
 I have been but a short time from Georgetown 
 and am not contented now, because one is 
 missed from the circle and really I believe that 
 during my stay at school was the most unhappy 
 period of my life. I was greatly disappointed at 
 finding the boat was not running the upper 
 trade, as I expected on my return to have the 
 pleasure of seeing you often; and Minerva, 
 under the circumstances, was fearful of even 
 mentioning your name in our correspondence. 
 I have been waiting patiently for your answer to 
 Minerva's letter, though never dreaming it con- 
 tained a note for me, which shall be promptly 
 answered, to the best of my ability, though I 
 confess I do not expect my letters to prove very 
 interesting. Well, I am at loss to know what 
 to say, but why, Mark, have you reason to 
 doubt my constancy, as you wish to know if 
 you are " remembered or forgotten." Never 
 fear that I should prove false although there is 
 one daily striving to succeed in making me dis- 
 like you, but to no avail. The ring would be 
 accepted with pleasure, but you know it could 
 not be worn without being quickly perceived, 
 and is now under Minerva's charge, but the 
 Daguerreotype is safe and in my care. I live
 
 50 A True Romance 
 
 in hopes of seeing you ere long, as I understand 
 the boat intends making a trip to our city in a 
 few weeks and I hope to be situated in such a 
 manner as to have an interview, as I contem- 
 plate boarding with Aunt Sarah where I shall 
 be more free to act according to my own judg- 
 ment. I shall expect an answer soon and tell 
 me when you intend returning. Accept the 
 renewed assurance of my affection as I shall 
 always remain 
 
 Your own 
 
 NANNIE. 
 
 ST. BT. LUCY ROBINSON, 
 NAPOLEON, June 22, 1855. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE : 
 
 Your long looked for and welcome letter 
 came to hand this day under cover from our 
 mutual friend Miss Minerva. It has seemed an 
 age since I last received one and hence it was 
 doubly accepted. I had almost thought you 
 had forgotten me. The reflection was harsh, 
 ungenerous, and made mention of in my last 
 to Minerva, under the impulse of the moment, 
 for I was aggrieved in not hearing from you, 
 and would have given worlds a moment after-
 
 A True Romance 51 
 
 ward. Had it not been said you must forgive 
 me, Nannie, for I knew in the honesty of my 
 heart you had not forgotten me. Doubtless the 
 remark wounded your feelings at the time, but 
 let it pass and be buried in forgetfulness. We 
 have been over a month at this desolate, lonely 
 place. Oh, Nannie, how my heart yearned to 
 see you. I was tempted to go to New Albany 
 several times, but could not tell what moment 
 the river might rise, for I was deprived that trip 
 to Louisville this winter. As for conjecturing 
 when I may visit your city is at present beyond 
 my power. It may be in a few months, it may 
 be never. The hopes of this transitory life are 
 so uncertain, yet with the will of Providence, 
 who rules our destiny, I trust to see you soon, 
 and meet to part no more. Then, my dear 
 Nannie, will I unbosom my heart and soul and 
 lay bare its hidden thoughts, secrets and treas- 
 ures and find a consolation in knowledge of 
 those joys, that the cold unfeeling world know 
 not of. Oh, dear Nannie, why are the fates 
 thus cruel with us ; why do they pour their vials 
 of wrath on my devoted head and say I shall 
 not see thee. Rest fond one, rest patiently, 
 until I come in July or August. I will set all
 
 52 A True Romance 
 
 things to right. I will be in New Albany by 
 that time whether the boat comes or not. On 
 our last trip at New Orleans I was frequently 
 with your Uncle Alfred. I had but a short 
 conversation relative to ourselves. He is on our 
 behalf all right. I hope, Nannie, that you will 
 make arrangements so as to board with your 
 Aunt Sarah, then you will be somewhat beyond 
 the control of Aunt Add, and more at liberty to 
 act in accordance with dictates of your heart. 
 
 Mrs. W d seems uncompromising towards 
 
 me, wanting that one sweet "weakness to for- 
 give, yet I know of nothing whereby to claim 
 her pardon, doing no evil, claim not the charity 
 of her silence. For to all vice; yet hardly vir- 
 tue's friend, for virtue pardons those she would 
 amend. But for the love I bear and still must 
 bear, I will endure everything for your sake, 
 Nannie, though it is painful and mortifying 
 to a sensitive and proud spirit. Dear Nannie, 
 I write more in detail again soon; the boat is 
 about leaving Napoleon. Write soon and at 
 this place, so I can get it on our down trip. 
 Good bye.. God bless you and may the benig- 
 nant powers watch and protect thee is my prayer 
 night and day. Excuse all errors in this note;
 
 A True Romance 53 
 
 it was written in 4^ minutes and I scarcely 
 knew what I said or how I punctuated. That 
 is no matter; in my next I trust to have more 
 time to comment more worthily for you, I 
 myself. Adieu. 
 
 Yours faithfully forever, 
 
 MARK. 
 (Destroy this.) 
 
 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 
 
 ST'M'R SULTANA. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE: 
 
 Grief like ours has almost snatched the 
 little joy which life hath yet to lend. But 
 hope in the last dark hour, with all its sweet 
 promises and smiles, stands forth like a mes- 
 senger from heaven and says Be of good cheer, 
 for all shall yet be well. Last evening- I took 
 tea at Mr. Seabrook, Sr., and afterwards vis- 
 ited your Aunt Sarah's and had a long conver- 
 sation with Harriet, Mark,* Estelle and all. 
 
 They are very indignant at Mrs. C 1, Mrs. 
 
 J., K. W. and others. Harriet says, those men- 
 
 * This Mark Anthony is a cousin of Miss Marsh. 
 Same name as Mr. Anthony but no kin. Often men- 
 tioned.
 
 54 A True Romance 
 
 tioned, she never can forgive for their inhu- 
 manity and base treatment towards us, Nannie. 
 Mrs. Anthony (her aunt) is much troubled 
 about your imprisonment and the inhuman 
 treatment of your present position and fre- 
 quently wishes you were any other place than 
 where you are, and says the only way to settle 
 matters and find a way out of these unhappy 
 and troublesome wrecks to raise in and cease 
 this war is for us to get married as soon as 
 possible, for Harriet says the affair will be no 
 better in two years or ten years. I echo the 
 same sentiment and know you do also, Nannie. 
 This trip down I will do everything to get the 
 license so on my return we can consummate 
 that mutual wish which with me is all I hope 
 or live for on this earth, so the sooner the 
 better, for, Nannie, I cannot endure the an- 
 guish of your remaining long in a position or 
 circumstances which now surround you. It is 
 too hard for your already crushed and troubled 
 heart and soul to bear. Mark will arrange 
 everything to get you away, so soon as we get 
 the documents right, in order that there may 
 be no afterclap to foil our purpose, and may 
 the blessing of heaven attend us. Endeavor,
 
 A True Romance 55 
 
 my dear Nannie, endeavor to rest in quiet 
 until that bright and best .hour singled out from 
 time shall arrive. It shall be late before the 
 brave and those who have justice on their side 
 despair. I sent you yesterday, through Mark, 
 a present, but learned last evening you had not 
 received it. Your Aunt Sarah has it for safe 
 keeping, sad fatality that you cannot with 
 prudence receive it now. But no matter, Nan- 
 nie, there will be a time ere long when you shall 
 win and wear it proudly without fear or favor 
 in my behalf and in the sweet remembrance of 
 one who until the latest time will endeavor 
 never to demerit the holy trust of the giver or 
 the recipient which prompted the gentle, affec- 
 tionate motive. It seems, Nannie, as though 
 we will be denied the high privilege of having 
 an interview during my stay this time. But let 
 it go; we shall soon meet when the vile faction 
 shall be powerless to every law of God and man 
 to put asunder those whom fate and destiny 
 have created for each other, of every feeling 
 of heart, soul and passion, that ever pervaded 
 earth-born creatures, yet Nannie, they would 
 torture you until link after link is unloosed 
 which bound up the heart in its first and purest
 
 56 A True Romance 
 
 throbbings and thus wear out the pleasures of 
 the world and sap at length the springs of life. 
 But, thank God, you have too much heroism 
 and high purpose to attain to be thus influ- 
 enced by their petty intrigues and vile asper- 
 sions. Let them reign or multiply themselves 
 and misery and wretchedness. For what else 
 have they made. Were their will supreme this 
 fair earth with all its fair flowers and noble 
 aspirations would be withered and blasted. 
 
 Mrs. W d's tyranny and ambition is to 
 
 rule or ruin; and in this instance she has failed 
 to rule, so she would now wish to ruin every 
 hope and joy which you lived for to attain her 
 ends. But, thank God, Nannie, with your ac- 
 quiescence, here are two beings over whom she 
 cannot cast her withering influence. Never can 
 I without doing violence to every principle of 
 right and retribution forgive or forget her 
 treatment so contemptuously recreant to every 
 tie of blood, sympathy and kindred which 
 should have otherwise adorned her nature. But 
 all are not human that wear that form. As for 
 myself, Nannie, her shafts of malice fall harm- 
 less at my feet, but may ere long turn upon 
 herself with keen remorse.
 
 A True Romance 57 
 
 Wednesday Evening. 
 
 I have just returned from your Aunt Sarah's. 
 Mark and I are at the Depauvv House discuss- 
 ing the best merits of our case, yet it is a sub- 
 ject which all persons arc fluent, but few 
 agreeable. As for Mrs. W d have no mer- 
 its of her own to speak of, so words on that 
 score are idle, and even reflection vainer still. 
 
 Nannie, God bless you. Oh, how my 
 troubled spirit yearns to be with you at this 
 moment, but it seems it cannot be. Write a 
 note to me if possible. I have a lady friend 
 who will call upon you and get it to-morrow. 
 Met Miss M. Jones at Aunt Sarah's last eve- 
 ning. She said, Mark, if there is anything I 
 can do to serve you or Nannie, I will if I am 
 thrust out of the house the next instant. Cap- 
 tain Bently is agoing to depart to-morrow eve- 
 ning, Friday, the I4th inst. I will write you 
 under cover to D. C. Anthony, who has kindly 
 volunteered to hand you this note and all others 
 that I may send you. He can with more impu- 
 nity call to see you than many others, so, Nan- 
 nie, don't fail to write me soon ; have the letter 
 all fixed up so at the earliest and best oppor- 
 tunity you can get it to him. May the benig-
 
 58 A True Romance 
 
 nant powers watch over, protect and sustain 
 you in this dark hour. 
 
 And believe yours forever, faithfully, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, IND. 
 MY DEAR MARK : 
 
 This brief note is to assure you there is no 
 change in my feelings and never will be through 
 the influence of others. I had hoped to see you 
 before you departed, but I think it all the best, 
 as perhaps it would have caused another dis- 
 turbance which could have been no greater. 
 
 Mrs. W d has done me an injury that I can 
 
 never overlook; it has been made known to 
 Aunt Sarah about your visit here on Sunday 
 night and she seemed pleased to think that you 
 would come to me and vindicate your own 
 character. Pa has not yet come for me and I 
 believe will not. I called on Minerva yesterday 
 for some notes she still retained to show to Pa, 
 that you, my dear Mark, have been greatly 
 
 wronged by no one but Mrs. W d. I hope 
 
 that he may be convinced, but not much matter 
 now if not, so long as I am so well assured of 
 your lasting affection for me. If I am not taken
 
 A True Romance 59 
 
 from Aunt Acid's by the next trip of the boat, 
 you, my dear Mark, are allowed the privilege of 
 seeing me, as Pa shall exact no promise. It 
 would be a pleasure for me to visit your sister 
 and will, if possible, under the circumstances. 
 Good bye, dear Mark. Let me hear from you 
 as soon as possible- 
 
 Yours as ever, 
 
 NANNIE. 
 
 ON B'RD ST'M'R SULTANA. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE : 
 
 The pleasure of meeting you with our friends 
 upon the occasion of last evening was beyond 
 what I had hoped for, but in the sad pilgrimage 
 of life which for a long time we have been com- 
 pelled to journey over, there will at times, 
 through the interposition of fate, some bright, 
 sunny spots loom up in our pathway like an 
 oasis in the desert, to cheer us to a goal of a 
 still better destiny; and the first one for many 
 months threw its gratifying influence over us 
 last night, and my heart was so full that the 
 tongue failed to perform its duty and syllable 
 forth what it otherwise would have done under 
 less exciting influence. Suffice to say I was
 
 60 A True Romance 
 
 more than recompensed, and trust that commu- 
 nion may not create the difficulty which has 
 heretofore taken place, thereby causing your 
 heart to bleed afresh from wounds which I had 
 hoped in a measure had healed. But, dear Nan- 
 nie, the best and purest virtues of this life are 
 like the grape which must be crushed ere they 
 yield their worth. Even gold becomes more re- 
 fined after passing through the crucible, and 
 thus, dear Nannie, will our hopes, our affec- 
 tions, be tested and more purified by these 
 many trials which we have ?lready passed 
 through, and yet may have more. God forbid. 
 But hope, hope on. It is the bright particular 
 star before whose cheering rays the cares of 
 life are endured even to the last. As yet I am 
 unable to say whether the boat will get off to- 
 night. If so, I may not have the pleasure of 
 meeting you until my return, and let me speak 
 of all that I have ever felt, and dream of it in 
 my tears, for I have loved you with an affec- 
 tion which common mortality cannot possess, 
 and into every feeling of life there purely came 
 a thought that we might never part. I never 
 gazed on heaven above without a prayer to bless
 
 A True Romance 61 
 
 thy existence. There is no ill which for thy 
 sake would not be welcomed, nor no force nor 
 circumstance cause me with your love to part. 
 Good bye; it is the heart's farewell, but only 
 for a time. Should the packet lay over until 
 morning I will visit your city and attend the 
 Presbyterian church. Keep sister Annie with 
 you and take her also to church. Remember me 
 to all. I must set my seal on this sheet, for 
 here comes business to attend to. Would say 
 more but time prevents. 
 
 Yours as ever, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 Once and only once let me speak 
 
 Of all that I have felt for years; 
 You read it not upon my cheek, 
 
 You dreamed not of it in my tears. 
 And yet I loved thee with a love 
 
 That unto every feeling purely came. 
 I never looked on heaven above 
 
 Without a prayer to bless thy name. 
 There is no shape that pain could take, 
 
 No ill that would not welcomed be 
 If suffered but for thy dear sake. 
 
 But they must be unshared by thee.
 
 62 A True Romance 
 
 And yet we part this very hour, 
 
 Oh ! only if my beating heart 
 Could break for both, there is no power 
 
 Could force me with your love to part. 
 Farewell, 'tis the heart's farewell, 
 
 My summer shine of love past o'er, 
 Only the keen pang of death can tell 
 
 That of the words, we meet no more. 
 
 ST'M'R SULTANA, 
 Tuesday, 5 o'clock p. m. 
 MY DEAR NANNIE : 
 
 I will be unable to visit your city this eve- 
 ning, and perhaps not have the pleasure of see- 
 ing you once again ere my departure. I must 
 see sister Henrietta. She loves me much, and 
 at times thinks it hard I don't spend more time 
 with her. But were it not for yourself, my 
 dear Nannie, I would visit her more frequently. 
 But my heart and soul fondly turn to thee first, 
 and Mrs. Ladd and Annie afterwards. I think 
 and hope after my departure your father will 
 not determine on taking you to his house. I 
 would wish to say home. Tis a mockery and 
 idle word. So let it go. Mark, Jr., has kindly 
 visited me to-day and I thank him gratefully
 
 A True Romance 63 
 
 for the act. You, Nannie, Estelle and Mrs. 
 Anthony, endeavor, if you can make it con- 
 venient, to spend a day or two with sister 
 Henrietta. It will gratify her much, and you 
 will be as kindly welcomed as myself. Let 
 Mark also from time to time go over and see 
 how Annie is getting on. Cheer up, my dear 
 girl, all in the course of events will go well. 
 Present my kindest regards to all of your 
 friends and believe 
 
 Me yours as ever, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 M ore anon. 
 
 Destroy this. 
 
 ST'M'R SULTANA, 
 MEMPHIS, August 26, '55. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE : 
 
 Your much welcomed and gratifying note of 
 the 22nd inst. came to hand through the kind- 
 ness of your cousin Mark, and were it not for 
 him we would be deprived the pleasure of occa- 
 sionally meeting face to face and renew those 
 happy times of last summer. The brightest and 
 best that ever left the sky on my deep soul to 
 beam, and by the aid of pencil and paper,
 
 64 A True Romance 
 
 though time and space divide us, we can be 
 rendered near unto each other. Rest, my dear 
 Nannie, in quietness if they will permit you 
 the sweet consolation of hope the world cannot 
 take away, and in the sad, trying hour of afflic- 
 tion, Oh! how its soothing influence sustains 
 the spirit upon the wings of unsullied joys. 
 
 Touching the defence of character which 
 your Aunt Sarah speaks of I shall ever feel 
 grateful for her interposition in our behalf. 
 But, Nannie, what is virtue or character if it 
 needs a victim, and it seems as others have 
 singled us out for their revenge. But in the 
 fulness of time they shall fail in their purpose. 
 Must it depend upon men's or women's idle 
 words to make or unmake it. A dying Roman 
 once said 'twas but a name. It were indeed no 
 more if human breath could mar or make it. 
 Actions speak louder than words, so Mrs. 
 W d can neither give nor take away char- 
 acter, name or fame. I love all noble qualities 
 which merit affection. For that I love you, 
 who first taught me what we should appreciate 
 in others and to subdue all tendency to lend the 
 best and purest feelings of our nature to baser 
 passions. Well, let them go, their words are
 
 A True Romance 65 
 
 idle, and I have already wasted too much time 
 and patience on subjects who should prove 
 worthier of a better cause. Nannie, on our 
 return, I will call upon you openly and without 
 fear or favor. Let fate do her worst. My life 
 cannot be more than the forfeit and what is it 
 worth to me if we are to be apart. The deep 
 root of sufferance takes its abode in bare and 
 desolate bosoms and mine was not created for 
 that tenant, for I love you and companionship 
 too well to have room for any other guest. 
 The lion is alone and so am I without thy love 
 or sorrow, and may the first ever be our good 
 fortune. We have now got our full cargo on 
 board after a hard time. I have scarcely slept 
 since we left, being up night and day. From 
 that fact am almost worn out, but have a heart, 
 will and constitution to brave and endure all 
 things for the best. We are full to overflowing 
 with passengers. I have been turned out of 
 my room to accommodate them, and sleep any 
 place that I can get. The report is that the 
 fever is largely on the increase at New Or- 
 leans, so most of our passengers are destined 
 for points this side. Some of our officers feel 
 a dread of going into the city, but for my part
 
 66 A True Romance 
 
 I feel none, as I am acclimated, yet we should 
 not be too sanguine, for disease and death are 
 inevitable and take us unawares. May God 
 in His Providence protect me. Should I fall, 
 farewell, we shall meet in a better world. For- 
 give me who has been to thee a fond but unfor- 
 tunate one. Love my memory, I ask no more. 
 But you, Nannie, can judge of me more kindly 
 than the world. Besides all the good fruit of 
 this life I had hoped to gather up some wealth, 
 power, fame and name, which generally leave 
 some flowers to bloom over the grave of fallen 
 worth, and to extract a little love, friendship 
 and esteem to adorn an epitaph. I have up- 
 rooted all my former life and would outlive 
 everything except thy heart, the pure, the good, 
 the gentle, which will oft with unimpaired but 
 not clamorous grief, remember me. But 
 enough of this sad foreboding. I regretted 
 Nannie, being compelled to forego the pleasure 
 it would have otherwise afforded me in seeing 
 you and Mrs. Anthony's family, but as it is it 
 may be for the best. Do not, if possible, neg- 
 lect to visit my sisters in Louisville. They 
 will be right glad to see you. 
 
 I am under the impression your father will
 
 A True Romance 67 
 
 not remove you from your Aunt Sarah's. I 
 think he led you to believe so more to intimi- 
 date and coerce you into his measures. Write 
 me a long letter immediately on receipt of this, 
 and let Mark hand, under cover, to Mr. Bush- 
 nell of wharf boat and forward so I may in- 
 tercept at Cairo on our up trip. Be pleased, 
 my dear Nannie, to remember me in the kind- 
 est manner to your aunt's family, also Miss 
 Minerva and others. Mark will write me at 
 the mouth and enclose your letter with his. I 
 hope since my departure the " Tormentors " 
 have allowed you a little peace of mind. Be 
 just and fear not, corruption wins not more 
 than honesty, and like me, carry in your right 
 hand gentle peace to silence envious bitter 
 tongues. Good bye, my dear Nannie. God 
 bless you, and may all angels watch over and 
 protect you is the fervent prayer. 
 
 As ever yours affectionately, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 ^September 16, 1855. 
 MY DEAR MARK : 
 
 While I have the sacred privilege of once 
 more addressing you, I embrace that opportu-
 
 68 A True Romance 
 
 nity, although my mind is so confused I can 
 scarce find words to express my true feelings. 
 Dear Mark never doubt my affection, come 
 what may, as long as I have the fullest convic- 
 tion that your character is what I think it to 
 be, and your intentions toward me are pure, I 
 shall never change. I reflect sometimes my 
 dear, and think it strange that my love for you 
 could be as pure and lasting when I might have 
 been led to believe you the basest of all men ; 
 and why did I think otherwise, because I had 
 surer proof than those who call themselves my 
 best friends, and the attachment I formed for 
 you is not a " school girl's fancy," as it was 
 termed, and I would wish you and others to 
 know I have more pride and respect for myself, 
 dear parents, to not deign to notice one I con- 
 sidered unworthy of me. I am a prisoner, hav- 
 ing no one to relieve my o'er-fraught heart, 
 and it almost breaks. I see none of my friends, 
 and can only find consolation in solitude, where 
 I can picture for myself a bright and happy 
 future which I hope ere long to realize; but did 
 not think so until to-day, as Estelle is near me 
 and told all. I contrived by means of the alley
 
 A True Romance 69 
 
 to find my way to Mrs. Stoys, where I met 
 E . No one knows of my coming. If de- 
 tected I fear the consequences, but I am well 
 paid beyond my expectations. Pa says give 
 him opportunity and he will prove your char- 
 acter to my satisfaction. I wait patiently, but 
 no effort on his part is made to do so. I really 
 believe he is not going to or does not wish to. 
 I put unlimited confidence in your affection, 
 and should it be that some day we may be 
 united, I do not for one moment doubt that I 
 would always be cherished as one you could 
 not ill-treat. I trust no one around me. I 
 fear one whom I have placed the utmost con- 
 fidence will prove false. How could I ever be- 
 lieve my old friend M to betray me. I 
 
 could write more but am in great haste, as it is 
 time I was getting home. Arrange matters to 
 suit yourself, and it will suit me. May heaven 
 preserve my dear Mark, lead you, guide you, 
 so shall you ever be safe is the daily prayer of 
 your affectionate 
 
 NANNIE. 
 
 Excuse writing.
 
 70 A True Romance 
 
 ST'M'R SULTANA, 
 MEMPHIS, September 19, '55. 
 
 This will be handed you by our friend Mark. 
 I have but a few moments left to drop a line. 
 God bless you, cheer up, for I will do all to 
 return with the documents which will put an 
 end to all the strife which has so long caused 
 us to meet so seldom. Let the world and the 
 faction do and say what they will. The time 
 is not far distant when we will meet to part no 
 more, and renew those better feelings of head 
 and heart which we have been so long deprived 
 of. If possible please write me and hand to 
 Mark in time for me to intercept at Cairo or 
 on our up trip. 
 
 My prayers hourly ascend to heaven for pro- 
 tection and nerve through all these trials, shall 
 meet ere long with their just reward. Good 
 bye, and may the benignant powers watch over 
 and protect you is my prayer for ever. 
 Yours until the latest time, 
 
 ANTHONY.
 
 A True Romance 71 
 
 ST'M'R SULTANA, Monday 29, 1855. 
 
 7 o'clock, p. m. 
 FRIEND MARK: 
 
 I wrote you, Nannie and Alfred from Mem- 
 phis on our down trip, and was somewhat dis- 
 appointed in not hearing from you at Cairo, 
 but presume my letters came too late to admit 
 of sufficient time to answer so as I might in- 
 tercept at that place. At Memphis I received 
 one from Alfred, sad news to learn that Mr. 
 Marsh had taken Nannie home. I had scarcely 
 expected it, though he had threatened to do so. 
 Well, I suppose now the last act of this unfor- 
 tunate tragedy on his part is closed, but with 
 me it has not, nor never shall, so long as 
 Nannie's feelings remain as they have been. 
 They seem determined to crush the last rem- 
 nant of happiness and life from out her already 
 poor bleeding heart. Would to God it were 
 not so. 
 
 There will yet be a day of deep retribution 
 for those who thus endeavor to blot out all the 
 best and purest impulses of a woman's exist- 
 ence, the only shrine of feeling which they can 
 turn and kneel to with fond idolatry, hope and 
 live. Why would they break the charm of
 
 72 A True Romance 
 
 youth's first brightest dream, and thus wear out 
 the pleasures of the world and sap at length the 
 very springs of life. All of the officers have 
 been well but James Seabrook. He is now re- 
 covering, fell from off wharf boat at Natchez 
 and came very nearly being drowned. \Ye 
 learned at New Orleans of the death of your 
 Uncle Alfred. I deeply sympathize with you 
 all. He was a friend of mine always, and re- 
 gret those social ties of relatives, friends and 
 all should so soon be snapped and laid wither- 
 ing in the dust. 
 
 Mark, I will be unable to visit your city to- 
 night, as I am compelled to go to Louisville 
 with the mails and other things of business. 
 Come over soon in the morning. I am anxious 
 to see you and have much to say. See Nannie 
 in the meantime, and say to her I will write 
 her a note to-morrow. Enclosed find one mor- 
 tal dollar. Ferryage. Give my best wishes to 
 all your worthy family. 
 
 Your friend in haste, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 This note Miss Marsh sent to her cousin 
 Estelle.
 
 A True Romance 73 
 
 DEAR ESTELLE: 
 
 This will be the last time I ever expect to ad- 
 dress a note to you for fear of being detected. 
 Just as I left you at the gate and got at the 
 corner of the alley ; saw Pa crossing the street. 
 He passed us and never spoke, and I looked 
 back and saw him go in the alley. He went 
 for the purpose of seeing if I met any one, but 
 you must have arrived safely in the house by 
 that time. Grandma and I came home as quick 
 as possible and we puzzled our brain in vain, 
 to arrive at a conclusion that we knew would 
 satisfy him, but fortunately he came in and 
 went right to bed without noticing us. This 
 gave us ample time to conjecture what we 
 should say to him without telling a direct false- 
 hood. This morning he went down stairs ear- 
 lier than usual and asked Mrs. Heaton if I was 
 not at Mrs. Anthony's, that he saw us come 
 out of the alley. She told him no, I was not, 
 and that I had seen a light at the dining-room 
 window and had gone to peep in to see if I saw 
 any of the family. She told him I saw Uncle 
 Jake sitting by the table and Clara reading, 
 which I did. He then wanted to know how 
 near I went to the window, and if I commanded
 
 74 A True Romance 
 
 any one's attention in the room. No; was her 
 answer. Then he came up in my room to see 
 if we told the same story, which had been 
 agreed upon the night previous. I believe he 
 does not think but what we told all that was 
 true, but still he told Mrs. H. he ,had lost all 
 confidence in me. He said to me he thought 
 grandma had been running to your house too 
 often of late, and if she wanted to stay about 
 the house would have to keep away, therefore 
 she will have to be very cautious. He did not 
 ask me if you were with us, and does not sus- 
 pect us, but if he does, I shall tell him yes, but 
 that you brought no notes to me, which you did 
 not. I hope the boat is going to lay up. Ask 
 Mark if I must go down the river, I do not 
 want to go and do not know what is best for 
 me. Contrive some means to let them know 
 soon. If it is pleasant I will be past your house 
 this evening between five and six. I am afraid 
 Mrs. H. can do nothing more for us as she 
 will be absent. 
 
 It is necessary I should know soon what he 
 thinks about me going down the river. I am 
 in great haste, so excuse writing and paper, 
 composition, etc. Grandma said to Pa, If he
 
 A True Romance 75 
 
 proves his character Nannie says she will not 
 have him until he asks your consent. Pa says, 
 " That is a likely story." I never said that I 
 would not have Mark if he did not ask consent. 
 I cannot tell you how you will receive this, but 
 it will not be grandma that puts it under the 
 door. My love to all. Oh, I hope the boat is 
 going to lay up. 
 
 ST. Bx. SULTANA, Oct. 9, 1855. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE: 
 
 Your affectionate and much welcomed note 
 of the last ultimo came duly to hand through 
 kindness of our friend Mark, and also the one 
 of the 2d inst., which you were coerced to write 
 through the dictation of others, I know all 
 about it Nannie; the sentiments were wrung 
 from you through tyranny, which has had no 
 equal in the history of Inquisition, and of 
 course came only from the hand and lips, not 
 from the heart; so my dear Nannie I under- 
 stand your position perfectly and rest assured 
 all is well. Our friends too, see the policy of 
 your thus acting, and do not censure you at 
 all. For under the rigid, shameful circum- 
 stances you could not do otherwise. Touching
 
 j6 A True Romance 
 
 your visit to the south as the protegee of the 
 " Immaculate W- d," permit me, dear 
 Nannie, to suggest some ideas which may 
 prove successful to our best wishes and highest 
 aims, since you have given tnc the go by, and I 
 am compelled to yield my just right and title 
 to your hand and heart. You know what I 
 mean, Nannie. " Ah Hem, for the time being, 
 play the game out just as you have started it 
 
 and lead the W d " to infer that you have 
 
 yielded to her wish. Your Aunt Sarah will 
 see you soon after our departure and explain 
 all, which will be gratifying to us. Endeavor 
 my Nannie to be cheerful and make the best 
 out you can ; they have had their day, and say, 
 and ours will come next, should you arrive in 
 New Orleans previous to us address a note to 
 me through the post-office,- care Alexander 
 Norton & Co., which will be immediately taken 
 out and held for me at their store, and state 
 name and number of street. In Louisiana there 
 will be no difficulty in procuring license, and 
 should we get half an opportunity, day or night, 
 we can give them the slip, without fear or 
 favor, and immediately come up the river on 
 the " Sultana." Your friends, Captain Bently,
 
 A True Romance 77 
 
 James Seabrooks, all will be with us to watch 
 over and protect us. 
 
 When a proper time arrives 1 will meet 
 Mrs. T. face to face, and cause her to take 
 back all she has said against me, which is 
 as false as Hell itself, and cause her cheeks 
 to burn and corrode with shame at the 
 infidelity of her right of truth. Be of good 
 cheer, Nannie, the day of their rule of bribery 
 and corruption is fast drawing to a close, then 
 will ours loom up bright and pure to meet the 
 reward which has so long been withheld. Sis- 
 ter Annie goes home on Monday the I5th inst., 
 and will visit New Albany on day previous to 
 her departure, and says she is bound to see you ; 
 so when she comes over, the first place to call 
 will be upon you, and on entering the gate will 
 loudly call: "Nannie, Nannie." You come 
 quickly to meet her, even if but a few moments. 
 She loves you Nannie as dearly as myself, and 
 will brave all dangers to serve us. Alas, Nan- 
 nie, it is my weary destiny to be a nestler of 
 life's leafless bowers. Still ever to thee flies my 
 bleeding heart to weep and brood over the silent 
 sepulchre of joys, for the time being, wrecked 
 upon the night-shrouded sea of years, yet still
 
 78 A True Romance 
 
 passion there bends in sorrow over the bright- 
 est hopes of its fond realization. But faithful 
 memory keeps its vigils there to watch the wan- 
 ing sunlight of its fantasies. But in the hours 
 of loneliness, how often like a bright meteor 
 came thy fair form of love and purity, as it 
 were an angel's visit, to breathe its blessings on 
 this child of sorrow they have ever found kneel- 
 ing and worshiping to catch the whisperings 
 of thy sleepless mind, for it was no intrusion 
 on my solitude to blend the echo of their vesper 
 songs with the wild music of my heart's lyre. 
 But, Nannie, I am forced to go far far away 
 from thy pure spirit, who has made, and shall 
 ever make, the morning of my years as beauti- 
 ful and happy as a fresh coronal of Eden's 
 flowers, and thou too art one on whom I have 
 gazed and remembered until my soul has drunk 
 up the goodness of its divinity to give my heart 
 a portion of thy soft unwavered purity. Yet 
 with all these high hopes and glorious aspira- 
 tions, I am compelled to be a wanderer through 
 the dim decaying flowers that deck life's desert 
 garden, where the eye often looks back and 
 sparkles bright with sympathy's tear. So then, 
 amid the silent wreck of wasted time, as some
 
 A True Romance 79 
 
 fair temple, thou shalt ever rise, where my 
 heart will dwell on dreams of ecstasy, to weep 
 and worship, and where passion's voice will 
 breathe thy unforgotten name as if it would 
 impart devotion to its prayer; and my own 
 Nannie, thou wilt fondly be remembered until 
 the sun of my existence goes down and sets 
 amid the stars that tell us of the coming night- 
 time of life's weary day, so we shall be free and 
 happy hereafter. My Nannie you will hear 
 from me again at Memphis, through Mark ; do 
 if possible write me a few lines and hand him 
 to enclose for me. Now Nannie, be of good 
 cheer, all things will be O. K. for us in a short 
 time. Do not permit your meek spirit to be so 
 unhappy. Let the fiends go on and taunt, our 
 time is coming for peace and happiness. 
 
 Yours as ever, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 Let no one see this and burn it up. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, IND., Oct. 28, 1855. 
 
 MY DEAREST MARK: 
 
 The note is received, and I need hardly say 
 it was a source of great consolation. It is proof
 
 80 A True Romance 
 
 enough for me of the fidelity and constancy of 
 your love, but to satisfy others, dear Mark, I 
 would have you call forward those pretended 
 friends and compel them to own the truth. Pa 
 says : " Do you suppose I would let a man 
 slander my character as I have Mark Anthony's, 
 and not resent it. This is all he can talk about 
 now, and pretends to say that if you have a 
 character he does not wish to deprive you of 
 it. Have no scruples, dear Mark in having him 
 prove what he asserts. It is right and proper 
 that he should. Do so, and I shall be doubly 
 content. It appears he has had a conversation 
 with Captain H. Smith, and from what he tells 
 me I assure you my dear Mark is not much to 
 your credit, and as for what Mrs. Smith has 
 said, how could I believe it when it has been so 
 positively denied by your sister Annie, I sup- 
 pose you have heard ere this of the success of 
 her visit. I was surprised and delighted as it 
 afforded me an opportunity of hearing from 
 you, and I love Annie as dearly as a sister. 
 
 Mrs. Heaton is our friend, and I feel under 
 many obligations to her for her kindness to 
 me, which if it had been otherwise would have 
 rendered me twice as unhappy. But as it is,
 
 A True Romance 81 
 
 I have one to relieve my overburdened heart 
 in speaking of the past joys and those to come, 
 and oh, how she sympathizes with you, and 
 says how unjust the world is in its suspicion. 
 I am allowed to roam at large, but it would 
 be imprudent just now for me to speak if I 
 should chance to meet you in the street, which 
 I shall strive to do when the boat arrives. I 
 
 still think of going south with Mrs. W d. 
 
 Oh, Mark, it grieves me to think that Pa 
 will act in such a manner when I believe he 
 knows in the honesty of his heart he has no 
 just cause, and we obliged to act clandestinely 
 that our highest hopes in the future may be 
 realized; but dear Mark, this heart and hand 
 is all thine own till the last. I know my heart 
 gives to thee a love which time shall not es- 
 trange and absence cannot alter. You will 
 ever be remembered while the pulse of life beats 
 warm and free. Would you, dear Mark, think 
 it proper to ask Pa's consent to our marriage, 
 or no. Do as you please, for it is certain you 
 would be refused. I will be content as it is. I 
 hope to hear from you soon, dear Mark. 
 Faithful till the last, 
 
 NANNIE.
 
 82 A True Romance 
 
 October 30, 1855. 
 MY DEAR NANNIE : 
 
 Your last note is duly at hand, the most af- 
 fectionate, comprehensive, and best one that I 
 have ever received. In reply this head and 
 heart has a thousand things to say, but is so 
 troubled that I scarcely know when or how 
 to begin. 
 
 Touching Nannie, the sincerity of my love 
 for you, the honesty of my intentions, take 
 every note, letter, act or thought, and have they 
 breathed aught but sentiments which tend to 
 elevate us in the scale of being, my first, last 
 love, with you it began, with you it shall only 
 cease when I am no more. Nannie, should it 
 be our sad fatality never to be united, know 
 that this heart, soul, blood, passion, and every 
 pure feeling which God has given shall go 
 down to the grave unchanged. Even then will 
 it turn finally and hope for a reward in the 
 next world, which had been so unjustly denied 
 me in this. Relative to my character, it was 
 never stained nor dishonored, nor never shall 
 be, although that packed, petty court-martial of 
 judges, jury, witnesses and old women have 
 endeavored to interdict a paradox striving to
 
 A True Romance 83 
 
 torture every trivial act or thought into some- 
 thing wonderful. They have failed thus far 
 and always will, outside their immediate clique. 
 The just in the course of time meet their 
 reward, so we shall yet have ours, and a day 
 of retribution will sooner or later overtake 
 those who have flagrantly violated every sense 
 of right and charity. So far as getting a state- 
 ment from those who have known me best in 
 a business and social nature, say Captain Mal- 
 bon. Captain Bently, James Seabrook, and a 
 host of others, they will, without hesitating, 
 satisfy you and others who and what I am. 
 I dishonored, Nannie, no! never! They are 
 dishonored. As for getting a certificate to this 
 
 effect to gratify Mrs. W d, never. To 
 
 please you I would quickly, and to-day in men- 
 tioning this matter to Captain Malbon and Mr. 
 Seabrook they hooted at the idea. I stated I 
 wished it alone for you, I also spoke of Mr. 
 Lanham, having said something which was 
 construed detrimental to me, Captain Malbon 
 said it was a falsehood. He, Lanham, he knew 
 never did, and had always spoken of me in 
 favorable terms ; as for Captain Henry Smith's 
 statement, you know, Nannie, that is not so,
 
 84 A True Romance 
 
 because Miss May told the truth and it re- 
 dounded to my credit. But other influences, 
 
 through Mrs. J and the whole faction, the 
 
 honest truth was crushed to earth and false- 
 hood usurped for the time being, base, weak, 
 subterfuge and tyranny. It seems strange 
 that these persons treat me so respectfully 
 when thrown together, it is certainly a lack 
 of independence or fear that they should asso- 
 ciate with one who is so unworthy. No, Nan- 
 nie, all this fudge and wonderful tirade won't 
 do so far as I am concerned. It does not affect 
 me one jot or tittle, other than the mortification 
 and grief it causes you. As for the rest of the 
 world, I care not whether I am remembered or 
 forgotten, only in your estimation I would 
 wish to live. My merit has thus sustained me 
 and shall ever, for I have no wealth to sustain 
 me. But thank God, a peace above all earthly 
 dignities, a still and quiet conscience. I have 
 neither outraged the laws of God or man. That 
 I am no saint, or paragon of piety or perfection 
 is most true. I have never made any preten- 
 tions that way, who is free from sin or frailty. 
 Tis mortal to err, it is divine to forgive, and 
 the errors of my life are perhaps many, but
 
 A True Romance 85 
 
 they are those of the head, not heart, and lean 
 to the softer side of the heart, where they should 
 ever meet with palliation. There are some in- 
 discretions of life which are made venial by the 
 occasion. But the gods of fortune wait upon 
 the gods of fate, and such is our destiny to 
 those who have endeavored to injure me, for 
 it has only been an attempt. I have charity 
 enough to send them to the recording angel, to 
 have their sins purged away. Nannie, so soon 
 
 as I can meet with Captain S , I will make 
 
 him show his hand, and as for Mrs. T , 
 
 will do myself the felicity of waiting upon her 
 immediately on my arrival in New Orleans. 
 Now my dear Nannie, one last request at your 
 hands. Hold to the love and confidence you 
 have for a time, until a fitting season will give 
 me an opportunity to prove to you and the 
 world I am not the unworthy creature others 
 would wish you to believe me. As for your 
 father, why does he not go to Captain Malbon, 
 Captain Bently, Captain Smith, or James Sea- 
 brook, and ask them their opinion of me. No, 
 he does not want to do it, he knows full well 
 what answer he will get. The ring I pur- 
 chased for you is in Estelle's charge, also the
 
 86 A True Romance 
 
 kerchief. It would be imprudent perhaps for 
 you to wear either. But the ring * perhaps 
 with less danger than the other, so if you wish, 
 my dear Nannie, take it from Estelle and wear 
 it for my sake. The design is somewhat appro- 
 priate, " a knot," may our hopes, love and hap- 
 piness be like unto its circle, being typical of 
 eternity, having no end. But what, alas ! gems 
 or jewels to you or I who have almost beheld 
 the hopes, the cherished hopes of life well nigh 
 crushed and lain withering in the dust, when 
 it should have been fresh and green garlanding 
 our brows. You ask, Nannie, for me to be 
 honest, frank, faithful, how can I to you be 
 otherwise; can I forget to love and serve you 
 and be prosperous and happy? No, never. 
 Can the soul forget its immortality and live? 
 Can the Christian forget his God and hope for 
 salvation? No, Nannie, mark the oracle, for 
 
 * Miss Marsh was wearing the wedding ring around 
 her neck. She had on a low-necked dress. Her aunt 
 saw the string to which it was attached. She jerked it 
 out and took it from her, and said, " Did Mark give you 
 that? " She said," Yes." Her aunt said, " You shan't 
 wear it." " I don't care if I don't; you give it back to 
 me or I will leave this house this instant"
 
 A True Romance 87 
 
 I now swear before heaven's high chancery that 
 never * from these lips shall aught but kind- 
 ness and consolation murmur forth. For your 
 happiness and comfort from this heart, mind 
 and body shall their best and faithful efforts 
 go to promote your interest in every sense. 
 What base heart told you that I would be un- 
 kind and neglectful to you. That never was 
 in my nature under any circumstances, much 
 less when I love and cherish as I do you. Live 
 Nannie, if you can, in the confidence of these 
 facts, for they are true ; neither time or circum- 
 stances that unspiritual God can make no 
 change in me, although perhaps you may be 
 taught at length to forget. Wherever should you 
 go this heart will turn to thee like a faithful 
 pilgrim to the mecca of the East. Even though 
 I am spurned and forgotten, I will not com- 
 plain of my lot nor cherish aught for you, Nan- 
 nie, but peace, happiness and prosperity in this 
 world and the next. I am so pressed with 
 business that my mind is ill prepared to write 
 a finished piece of rhetoric or diction as I would 
 
 * She said after forty-three years of married life, he 
 was the same gallant lover and gentleman he was from 
 the first.
 
 88 A True Romance 
 
 otherwise do were my mind more calm. In all 
 the notes and letters you have ever received 
 from me they speak the one holy wish of heart 
 first and last for you Nannie. I would resign 
 home, family, friends and all that you might 
 live alone in " the book and volume of my 
 brain, unmixed with other ties or interests." 
 This dome of thought, the palace of the soul, 
 would make your image the temple and shrine 
 where I would ever kneel with truth and purity 
 in preference to all else this world could offer, 
 and pour its oblations forth with an unceasing 
 fountain. God bless you Nannie. My prayer 
 hourly ascends to heaven for its protective 
 power over you. 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 P. S. You must destroy this or give to 
 Mark. 
 
 Oh, tell me how and by what means may I 
 control, to bring the hour that calls thee mine. 
 How may I teach my drooping hope to linger, 
 until that blessed time when thou art mine. I'll 
 tell thee for our sakes, I will lay hold of all 
 good deeds each moment that is mine, while
 
 A True Romance 89 
 
 thou, fond one, art far from me. So may this 
 doomed-time build up in thee a thousand 
 graces, which may yet be thine, so may my 
 honor, love and longing hallowed be, and thy 
 dear thoughts create an influence divine. 
 
 A. 
 
 " Better trust all and be deceived 
 And weep that trust and that deceiving 
 Than doubt one heart, which, if believed, 
 Had blessed one's life with true believing." 
 
 To NANNIE. 
 
 Give me the hand that firmly in mine 
 Speaks in its grasp I am worthy of thine. 
 Though wild be the path as onward we stray, 
 I'll hold that hand dearer, the darker our way. 
 If such be our ties and such be our life 
 Mingling on earth, may they mingle above. 
 A true heart hath its own in fondness and fears, 
 And seeks that one home in joy or in tears. 
 
 ON BOARD ST. BT. SULTANA, 
 
 November i, 1855. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE: 
 
 Your doubly welcomed note of the 28th 
 ultimo, came to hand yesterday, and deeply;
 
 90 A True Romance 
 
 regretted in one cause, that the allied powers 
 still continue to traduce and slander me, and 
 from that fact you were rendered still more 
 unhappy. So far as I am concerned personally, 
 let them go on and multiply themselves in sin 
 and misery, for what else have they created, 
 " In the pride of place." I calmly smile in the 
 proud consciousness of innocence at the design 
 of their false, recreant attempts to sully a name, 
 character and fame, which is too proud to be 
 incisive, and too unyielding in its nature to 
 gratify their wish. In their opinion I am a 
 villain, a sot and a libertine, accusations which 
 are as false as Hell itself. 
 
 My dear Nannie, none but the actions of the 
 just smell sweet and blossom in the dust, yet, 
 it seems difficult for you to disbelieve them, 
 and in the freest, fullest, and most independent 
 sense of my own innocence from those charges 
 I will stand alone, remembered or forgotten. 
 But my dear Nannie, for your satisfaction 
 alone, in order to reconcile a degree of doubt, 
 which may lay heavily upon your heart and 
 soul, I have procured the signatures of Captain 
 Sol. Malbon, of St. Bt. "Lucy Robinson,"
 
 A True Romance 91 
 
 and Mr. James Seabrook, of this boat, setting 
 forth what they know and believe of me as a 
 gentleman, and smiling with contempt at the 
 baseness of their dark, malicious, and unjust 
 accusations. 
 
 My dearest Nannie, oh how this poor ago- 
 nized heart vibrates and beats with sorrows, 
 throbs at the idea of your lonely and hard fate, 
 and I be so near and debarred the high privi- 
 lege and pleasure of extracting you from so 
 much misery. But dear Nannie, be yet patient 
 and go cheerfully to New Orleans with the 
 
 \V ds. Then I can get the license, and 
 
 only want but ten minutes start of the whole 
 pack to consummate our only good and perfect 
 wish. You must endeavor to send me a note 
 at New Orleans, through the post-office. Ad- 
 dress to the care of Messrs. Alexander Norton 
 & Co., so I may intercept, and all will go well. 
 I have been so pressed with business, having 
 but just yesterday arrived, and depart to-day, 
 that it was with difficulty I could snatch a few 
 moments to transport these few feeble but 
 honest, disjointed sentences. When more 
 time permits I will write at length, say from
 
 92 A True Romance 
 
 Cairo. Good bye, may God watch over and 
 protect you is my fervent prayer. 
 
 Yours forever, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 ON BOARD ST'M'R SULTANA, 
 NEW ORLEANS, November 7, 1855. 
 
 MY DEAR NANNIE: 
 
 Thank God this is the proudest and happiest 
 moment of my life, and I know you feel so too. 
 Clinton's despatch came to hand a day or two 
 since, and its purport took a weight of 
 wretchedness from off my heart and soul, which 
 had for so long a time nearly crushed me to 
 the earth. 
 
 But phoenix-like I have risen, and truth and 
 justice have at length met with their reward. 
 Dearest Nannie, my heart is so full that I 
 scarcely know what to say, so you must excuse 
 brevity of this note, and in a few days I will 
 write you more in detail. The boat is laid up 
 for the present, and all parties paid off, and I 
 am at a loss what to do, whether to come up 
 immediately or remain a week or two. James 
 Seabrook seems to think I had better wait, as 
 the boat may possibly start up in that time.
 
 A True Romance 93 
 
 So far as my own feelings are concerned I 
 would start this evening; but perhaps it is 
 better that I should forego that pleasant wish 
 to see what will next arrive for the mutual bene- 
 fit of all parties. Captain Bently expects me to 
 remain on the packet, so if I should start up 
 some one would have to make a trip for me. 
 I should have answered Clinton's despatch ere 
 this, but the wires are broken, but will be work- 
 ing by Monday, when I will send forward 
 mine. Nannie, every day we lay here seems 
 an age, and I live in hope that the captain will 
 not repair the boat here and put her up for 
 Louisville soon. Then I will soon meet you 
 face to face, and heart and hand together ; then 
 will this heart unbosom itself and tell more 
 than feeble thoughts on paper have power to 
 convey. As it is we must abide a future oppor- 
 tunity. May God in his providence ordain that 
 the day may not be far 'distant. Nannie, the 
 book and volume of heart and brain are too 
 full of love and sympathy, for you my dearest 
 to admit of any other tenant to lodge there. 
 Hence I do not feel disposed to comment upon 
 that which has caused this happy reconciliation 
 lest it should mar the pleasure which it affords
 
 94 A True Romance 
 
 me in knowing that it is so; and that is glory 
 enough at present for me. Remember me 
 kindly to all. May the benignant powers watch 
 over and protect you, is my fervent prayer. 
 Yours affectionately and faithfully, 
 
 Forever, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 
 ON BOARD ST'M'R SULTANA, 
 NEW ORLEANS, November 17, 1855. 
 
 FRIEND CLINTON : 
 
 Your despatch of the loth inst, came to 
 hand a day or two since, and would have an- 
 swered ere this but was at a loss what to say, 
 as our captain is undecided about laying up the 
 boat, and the wires are all down. I do assure 
 you the purport of the despatch was the most 
 gratifying news I ever received, and so sur- 
 prised too as to scarcely know what construc- 
 tion to put upon it. But although reconciled 
 in my mind, the doubt, and rejoiced that the 
 unfortunate war had closed, the allied powers 
 had withdrawn their forces, and peace once 
 more reigns supreme; and may the day be far 
 distant when those social, friendly and sacred 
 relations may be again interrupted. Here
 
 A True Romance 95 
 
 Clinton is a hand to give and a heart to forgive, 
 and to those who have so unjustly been blinded 
 in their prejudices towards me. I am willing 
 to forgive, and send them to the recording 
 angel that a tear may be dropped upon the 
 memory of their acts and be blotted out for- 
 ever. I too will nobly cast over their erring 
 deeds and thoughts the broad mantle of forget- 
 fulness, and lull to sleep in its ample folds those 
 wounds which they too hastily had created, 
 and if indulged in again would cause to bleed 
 afresh which no aftertime might heal. 
 
 I do not know as yet whether the captain 
 will lay the boat up one, two or three weeks, 
 and from that fact I am undecided what to do ; 
 will despatch you in a day or two. The steamer 
 " S. F. J. Trahie " has been sold to run in the 
 Yicksburg trade, so Captain T - and Mr. 
 Pigman are overboard. The captain's family, 
 I understand, are on a visit at present to 
 Florida, otherwise I would have called upon 
 her ladyship and had an explanation to her 
 statement derogatory to my character. But let 
 it go, as words are idle now, and bitter recrim- 
 inations vain. Enclosed please find a letter to 
 Miss Nannie, which please do me the kindness
 
 96 A True Romance 
 
 to hand her soon. Touching the friendly in- 
 terest Clinton you and your estimable family 
 have manifested towards me in this association, 
 be pleased to accept my most hearty gratitude, 
 and may it soon be in my power to reciprocate 
 the kindness. Remember me in kind regards 
 to the family, and believe 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 A penned epistle to an admirer. 
 To Miss W 
 
 Well I wish I was a painter I should die 
 At thirty of my three score years and ten 
 It would distil my life so why to sit 
 For hours and gaze on Innocence, to look in 
 Beneath a lifted lash upon an eye 
 And drink up its expression till my skill 
 Could breathe it into color to be set, 
 To imitate a spell that in my veins 
 Was thrilling like the music of a sphere, 
 To gaze and gaze upon a ripe red lip, 
 Till I could make one like it and arrest 
 A smile that could make angels loiter 
 And not be children Hang me E
 
 A True Romance 97 
 
 If the thoughts don't burn me up. 
 I'll go to Italy, will you go along? 
 
 AN ENTHUSIAST. 
 
 THE BRIDESMAID. 
 
 The bridal's glittering pageantry is o'er, 
 Dancing is weary, and the joy of song 
 Tired with its own wild sweetness, dies away; 
 Music is hushed, the flower arcaded halls 
 Cease to prolong the bursts of festive glee; 
 For even luxury itself is satiate, 
 And pleasure's drowsy train demands repose; 
 But see the dawn's gray streaks are stealing 
 
 through 
 
 The high-arched windows of a stately room, 
 Shedding a pale light on the paler brow 
 Of one who, with a breaking heart, hath stol'n 
 From the gay revels of that jocund night 
 To vent freely unpitied agony alone; 
 In fearful immobility of frame 
 And feature sits she in her blank despair, 
 Like the sculptured mourner on a tomb, 
 When silent woe but oh, not woe like hers, 
 Whose every pulse doth vibrate with a pang 
 Too stern for tears; Her dark, dilated eye 
 Is fixed on things she sees not nor regards;
 
 98 A True Romance 
 
 Her silent lute lies near, its chords no more 
 Shall wake responsive to her skillful touch. 
 For he who praised its sounds and lived to see 
 Her white hands busy with its murmuring 
 
 strings 
 
 Hath made all music discord to her soul. 
 Gems that a princess might be proud to wear 
 Are sparkling at her sight but what alas 
 Are gems to her who hath beheld the hopes, 
 The cherished hopes, of life forever crush'd 
 And withering in the dust like yon gay wreath 
 Which she hath in her bitter anguish torn 
 From the sad and aching brow it lately gar- 
 landed, 
 
 And bade her maidens hang it on her tomb. 
 Invidious eyes were on her when she stood 
 Before the altar with bridal train. 
 Of her false love aye those who coldly 
 
 scanned 
 
 Her looks and bearing, eager to detect 
 The struggling pangs which woman's tremb- 
 ling pride 
 
 In that dread hour had nerved her to conceal 
 Beneath the haughty semblance of disdain 
 Or calm indifference, when the man she loved 
 Plighted his perjured vows to other ears.
 
 A True Romance 99 
 
 A knell to hers at which life's roseate tints 
 Fled back affrightened never to return 
 To her pale cheek, whose marble hue betrayed 
 The tearless bridemaid's secret agony. 
 The task is o'er, and she is now alone 
 Musing o'er memory of hopes that were 
 But are for her nothing but vanishing dreams. 
 Are they for which she mourns, she'd mourn 
 
 no more 
 
 Could she behold him as he really is, 
 Stripped of the veil in which too partial love 
 Hath dressed its idol, she would turn away 
 And marvel that a heart so pure as hers 
 Had wasted tenderness on one like him. 
 
 Thus ends the love letters of courtship to 
 one whose love never diminished, but contin- 
 ued with a fire and enthusiasm that was never 
 quenched while life lasted. Thus runs true love 
 that was real, that fiction writers cannot imi- 
 tate, and is the spontaneous outpouring of the 
 heart to the object of his affections. Evidently 
 from the following letters it was a runaway 
 after all. They were married at St. Louis, 
 Mo., by James L. Watts, a Methodist minister, 
 I having the certificate in my possession. One
 
 ioo A True Romance 
 
 year after, stopping at the hotel, in St. Louis, 
 he comments on the sacred vows they avowed 
 a year previous. We have yet in store a rich 
 lot of letters that will show to the world a man, 
 though married, should never cease the gal- 
 lant, gentlemanly courtesies that are due the 
 wife of his bosom that make up the sum of life 
 a rich whole; that makes life with all its varied 
 experiences a haven of rest to the tired, weary 
 soul, for " no man ever yet hated his own flesh, 
 but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as Christ 
 the church." 
 
 Miss Marsh's father was so opposed to her 
 marrying that he offered her a thousand dol- 
 lars in diamonds and a trip to Europe not to 
 marry Mr. Anthony. 
 
 They were married December 7th, 1855. 
 
 First letter after marriage : 
 
 ON BOARD ST'M'R FLORIDA, 
 VICKSBURG, December 17, '55. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND AFFECTIONATE WlFE : 
 
 I trust, my dear Nannie, your sojourn at 
 our good sister Henrietta's has been pleasant, 
 and all your expectations fully realized.
 
 A True Romance 101 
 
 Doubtless many of your New Albany friends 
 have waited upon you, with the usual mani- 
 festations of long life full of usefulness and 
 happiness. The presumed anticipations hoped 
 for by those who have just entered upon a new 
 state of existence, which life only once may 
 know with all its sweet promises and smiles. 
 Ere you will have time to intercept another let- 
 ter, the drawing of a new year will have risen 
 upon us. Permit me, my dear Nannie, to wish 
 you and all of us a very many happy returns 
 of the same, each one witnessing to ourselves 
 and the world that we have not lived in vain, 
 but as useful and worthy members of society 
 exercising an influence which shall descend in 
 blessing upon ours and our posterity. You 
 have met with your father, perhaps, and I in- 
 dulge the fond hope that you were received 
 kindly, at least respectfully. As for your aunt, 
 I do not care a straw whether she does or does 
 not ever visit you. But as far as I am con- 
 cerned I am willing to forgive them, and in the 
 language of Holy Writ, exclaim, " Go and sin 
 no more." We laid ty a few evenings since in 
 company with St'm'r " Antelope." Mr. Beeler 
 the clerk, and Captain Brown visited our boat
 
 io2 A True Romance 
 
 and was not aware that we were married, but 
 said New Albany was in quite a furor touching 
 the runaway scrape, and a small individual 
 about your name and size associated with an 
 Anthony had been the instigation of a deal of 
 excitement and gossip, which, by the way, was 
 some relief from the dull times. I cannot as 
 yet inform you whether we load for the Ohio 
 or not. I hope so. At any rate, you will hear 
 from me often. Answer this at Memphis. 
 Will get it on the up trip. Boat about leaving. 
 Good bye and God bless you is the prayer of 
 Your affectionate husband, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 
 ON BOARD ST'M'R FLORIDA, 
 
 AT NEW ORLEANS, 
 
 December 21, '55. 
 DEAR NANNIE : 
 
 Enclosed please find thirty dollars pin money. 
 Use as you like, according to your good wis- 
 dom. Last night, much against my inclination, 
 I was induced to visit the Orleans theatre with 
 our Captain and Mr. Steele. The opera upon 
 the occasion was " Jerusalem" with an ele-
 
 A True Romance 103 
 
 gant cast and a fashionable audience. The 
 elite of the South and West was well repre- 
 sented, and when the gorgeous curtain arose 
 and the music pealed forth its seraphic swell, 
 the garlands, the roses odors, the sparkling 
 eyes from fair women, flashing ornaments, 
 white arms, raven tresses, braids and bracelets, 
 sfwan-like bosoms, flashing betwixt our gaze 
 and the stars, all the delusion of the giddy 
 scene, art and nature in its false and true en- 
 chantment, such, my dearest Nannie, was the 
 adventure of last night; and only one regret 
 pervaded my soul, that you were not with me 
 to realize and appreciate the scene. Oh, how 
 I sympathize with those who have not the op- 
 portunity nor senses to see the perfect and 
 beautiful works of nature and art, nor hear the 
 sweet symphonies of nature, nor have powers 
 of speech to carol forth the best and purest 
 aspirations of the heart and soul. Our mutual 
 friend and cousin, James Seabrook, is here 
 sends his best regards to you, but does not go 
 on the St'm'r " Sultana." From that fact his 
 better feelings are crushed, but phoenix-like, 
 his worth and excellence will still rise above
 
 104 A True Romance 
 
 the sordid and recreant acts of this world and 
 meet with its just reward in the fulness of 
 time. 
 
 Call upon his wife. Rebecca is one of the 
 noblest of natures. My disappointment is 
 poignant in not being able to meet you at 
 Louisville, but trust to do so ere long. In the 
 meantime, my fondest and best, be reconciled, 
 though the struggle is keen, and when the 
 realization of best anticipation is developed, 
 the joy will be doubly sweet. 
 
 Ever your devoted husband, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 
 My prayers through all time circumstances 
 ever are offered up for heaven's protecting 
 power. 
 
 ON BOARD ST'M'R FLORIDA, 
 AT MEMPHIS, December 29, '55. 
 
 MY DEAREST, AFFECTIONATE WlFE : 
 
 I am pleased to learn of your good health 
 and contentment at sister Henri's, and trust 
 you may continue so until we meet. Then a 
 joy beyond that shall be realized to us. When 
 that wildly welcomed time may come, I at 
 present cannot prophesy. Time, although con-
 
 A True Romance 105 
 
 sidered rapid in its flight, seems, my dearest, 
 to pass wearily by, when absent from all I hold 
 fond and sacred on earth. Cheer up, my little 
 one. Hope points its irradiating beams to 
 better days and a bright future. Borne of sad 
 circumstances, or wafted by the waters far 
 from you, be thou the star that guides the 
 wanderer. Thou, thou, my sweet Nannie, 
 share and bless my humble lot, the dove of 
 peace and promise to my heart, the rainbow of 
 the storms of life to soothe each sorrow, share 
 in each delight, blend every thought of happi- 
 ness in one. Nannie, I never gazed upon thy 
 sweet face, so wildly spiritually, intelligently 
 bright, and turned away to the cold world with- 
 out regret to think that happiness was so brief. 
 Even now I wish for wings to flee away and 
 be with you and commingle my love with yours 
 eternal. But such for the present is imperative 
 destiny, yet, my dear Nannie, all is well that 
 ends well. Permit me to wish you, our fam- 
 ily and friends a merry, a happy Christmas 
 and New Year. 
 
 What has been our fondest hopes, our high- 
 est aspirations, since the closing of the last year, 
 we at least have been successful in the great
 
 io6 A True Romance 
 
 wish of our hearts and the grand scheme of 
 life in being united, and that is Christmas and 
 New Year enough for me. Then let us banish 
 every cloud of sorrow from within the sphere 
 of our actions and let the bright sky of happi- 
 ness beam bright over our future career on 
 these great days and all after time, is the earn- 
 est prayer of your own Anthony. The weather 
 has been bitter cold all the way up. At Natchez 
 it snowed, it is predicted we will have a 
 cold winter; what will become of those poor 
 creatures who have no fire, no clothing, and 
 but little food. I pity them, and had I the 
 wealth of Croesus would make them all com- 
 fortable. The immaculate and incomparable 
 Mrs. W arrived at New Orleans the even- 
 ing before we left and had sent for cousin James 
 to escort her to lodging. She asked if he had 
 seen our new relative, and he replied in the 
 affirmative. He is well and hard at work. She 
 said she hoped I would prosper and be happy; 
 regretted we had run away, and remarked if 
 we had waited a time and got married respect- 
 ably she would have given us a grand wedding 
 party, and you my dear Nannie, an outfit, to 
 say an elegant wardrobe. What a pity you got
 
 A True Romance 107 
 
 cut out of all those good clothes. Hem 
 \veugh wardrobe. Perhaps the $100 diamond 
 ring which you did not get upon a former 
 occasion, would have been forthcoming, well, 
 I don't think you will go uncomfortably clad, 
 nor get in a state of nudity for want of those 
 envious jewels or rustling silks. James gently 
 rebuked her in the stubborn and unnatural 
 stand she had taken in our affairs, and she wept 
 tears of anguish. Poor woman, I have yet 
 charity enough to wish her peace of mind and 
 content, but conscience does make cowards of 
 us all, and that faithful monitor has but little 
 consolation for her. I had gone on board the 
 NYhite to get a Louisville paper. There I ob- 
 served the lady in the distance, perhaps it lent 
 enchantment to the view. She doubtless saw 
 me, but made no manifestation of recognition. 
 If she had I would have treated her respectfully. 
 As it is no matter, all further comments or re- 
 flections upon her are idle, let her go and may 
 she be happy. All I would claim from her is 
 the charity of her silence. Do please stir up 
 your letter-writing qualities, for they are not 
 limited, and see if you cannot send me a mortal 
 long document. You need not be particular to
 
 io8 A True Romance 
 
 make them like angel's visits, few and far be- 
 tween, but the more the better; our boat is 
 famous for its quiet, no passengers, men nor 
 women, to bother us. As for solitude we have 
 our fill, and think I would make a very good 
 Zimmerman No. 2, as my mind is less free 
 from the excitement of hum of crowd, I can 
 have consolation in thinking of home and thee, 
 my little Nannie. A grand occasion to wear 
 out old clothes. No stewardess to wash, no 
 barber to shave, no barkeeper to deal out vil- 
 lainous poison; so there is a fine opening to 
 reform and make good men out of us. I hope 
 my dear Nannie, the statement relative to your 
 father burning our letters unopened may prove 
 untrue. I have a better opinion of him than 
 to suppose he could be so totally lost to every 
 sense of charity, forgiveness, and affection, as 
 not to at least deign to hear what we had to 
 say on a subject so important, and one which 
 I had hoped now would, after so long a family 
 feud, be wrapped up in the mantle of forgetful- 
 ness. It is time this war should close, it has 
 been protracted already too long, we have done 
 no wrong, should fear no harm, be just then 
 and let approving conscience harmonize the dis-
 
 A True Romance 109 
 
 pensation with us. Bitter recriminations, strife 
 and contention were never tenants of my head 
 or heart. They have no business there ; Peace, 
 Peace, thy ways are pleasant, and may our 
 footsteps be ever guided lightly and cheerfully 
 through all her paths. My dear Nannie you 
 write at times as though your mind becomes 
 touched with skepticism and your heart a sus- 
 picious sanctuary, relative to my pure love and 
 disinterested idolatry, have no fears, my best 
 one on that score. In giving you my hand I 
 gave you a heart with its true, loyal, and honest 
 impulses, which was all I had, and then deemed 
 the gift but as poverty, because I had no more 
 to give. In return you gave your all, the im- 
 mediate jewels of woman's existence, love and 
 constancy. 
 
 TO MY WIFE. 
 
 Give me the hand that firmly in mine 
 Speaks in its grasp, I am worthy of thine. 
 Tho' wild be the path as onward we stray, 
 I'll hold that hand dearer, the darker our way. 
 If such be our fond ties and such be our love, 
 Mingling on earth, may they mingle above. 
 A true heart hath its own in fondness and fears, 
 And seeks that one home in joy or in tears.
 
 no A True Romance 
 
 When you visit New Albany, the first and 
 last scene of our sorrows and joys, remember 
 me to all our relatives and friends in the kindest 
 manner. I may as well set my seal upon this 
 sheet. 
 
 Your 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 LOUISVILLE, January 5, 1856. 
 
 MY DEAREST HUSBAND: 
 
 I have been so uncertain in regard to the boat 
 getting to this place that I have not attempted 
 to write. I had cherished the hope that in a 
 few days I would meet you. Would I could 
 see you to-day. It seems a long, long time 
 since we parted. I have now the assurance 
 that I can see you in the course of time, and I 
 trust ere long; but there was once a time my 
 soul yearned toward you, and could only in- 
 dulge a fond hope of meeting you, but all has 
 not proved to me a delusion, and how happy 
 and content I am. I have no other thought but 
 of you, and how I should retain your devotion 
 by pure motives of my own, for my own Mark, 
 your welfare and happiness are dear to me; and 
 if I could ever add to your comfort in any
 
 A True Romance 1 1 1 
 
 sense, believe no effort could be too great I 
 spent my Christmas holiday with my New 
 Albany friends, where I was kindly greeted 
 during that time. I never once met father. I 
 would go to him Mark, if I could avail any- 
 thing. But he is singularly disappointed, that 
 I think the less he is approached the better for 
 us. He has said perhaps he had treated me 
 harshly; but he forms his conclusions and is 
 obstinately tenacious of them. I have no doubt 
 that in time he will discover his own error in 
 taking such a position. Do you think, dear 
 Mark, that if Aunt Add should exhibit any in- 
 clination to become our friend it would be 
 through disinterested motives. I may judge 
 her wrong, but I cannot think so. When she 
 premeditatively sought to destroy my peace and 
 happiness. I never could deny any one for- 
 giveness, but I cannot forget all. Mr. and 
 Mrs. M have gone to Wisconsin, and re- 
 gretted leaving until they could meet you to 
 congratulate you upon your good success in 
 " church and state affairs." I accept your 
 humble acknowledgment, and trust the real 
 with the ideal will be duly at hand ere long, I 
 wish the quietude of the boat would in some
 
 112 A True Romance 
 
 degree be the means of your leading a good 
 life, for we should all try to be as good as pos- 
 sible. I heard from your sister Annie, she had 
 just received the papers containing our mar- 
 riage notice, and your father had just received 
 your letter dated from St. Louis. Annie is 
 rejoiced to hear of our marriage, and also your 
 father and mother. Think of me often, dearest 
 Mark, as one who will strive to prove worthy 
 of your love. Good bye, and may I always 
 be to you a fond affectionate wife. 
 
 NANNIE L. ANTHONY. 
 
 DIAMOND ISLAND, 
 ON BOARD ST'M'R FLORIDA. 
 
 Here we are at this place frozen up, and the 
 ice gorged fifty yards on each side. Boat is in 
 a very critical position, the rudder cut away, 
 hog chains broken, careened over and leaking. 
 No boat can get to us to render assistance, so 
 we have all got the horrors. No money and 
 but few provisions. Have left our down trip 
 unsettled at New Orleans, having but a few 
 dollars on board, otherwise some of the officers 
 would go to their homes. Rest content until 
 you hear from or see me. It does seem, my;
 
 A True Romance 113 
 
 dearest Nannie, as though fate warred against 
 us. We were separated almost from our earliest 
 acquaintance, through our courtship, and after 
 our marriage, sad destiny. But these vicissi- 
 tudes, coming so early now, I think may be 
 the precursor of a better and happier hereafter. 
 Beware of prosperity and firm in adversity, you 
 will be cherished and protected I trust until I 
 meet you. May it not be long. Your ever de- 
 voted and affectionate husband, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 
 Miss Marsh was sixteen years and a few 
 months old when married. 
 
 MOUNT VERNON, January 13, '56. 
 
 MY BELOVED AND HONORED WlFE : 
 
 Mr. Steele and myself are here after a cold 
 walk of ten miles from our boat laying above 
 to procure provisions, having run short of cof- 
 fee, sugar, meat, etc. Our packet still lies in a 
 precarious position. The ice is now gorged 
 and frozen on both sides, for one hundred 
 yards, the river has fallen some four or five 
 feet since we first grounded, and the weather 
 yet very cold, with but a faint prospect of
 
 ii4 A True Romance 
 
 moderation. The boat is leaking freely, and 
 has damaged considerable freight in the hold; 
 nothing short of a general break up and rise 
 will do any good. From thence we will be 
 o >mpelled to go on the way at Paducah for 
 repairs. It may be few days, may be months. 
 Could I predict that result definitely at any 
 future time I would venture to Louisville to 
 see you, my dear Nannie, at any cost or diffi- 
 culty. We paid off half our deck crew with 
 due bills yesterday, and the officers under half 
 pay. Tight papers, but cannot be avoided. 
 The Captain, Mr. Steele, myself and all hands 
 half dead with the blues in the middle of the 
 river, with the most dangerous difficulty to 
 make the shore on urgent business. No town 
 above or below us, nearer than eight or ten 
 miles. I met with an individual, Mr. Ferris, 
 of Nashville, on the steamer " Lebanon," 
 which boat lightened off part of our cargo, 
 who seemed to be acquainted with many per- 
 sons of New Albany. Among the rest I in- 
 terrogated him relative to a lady of the name 
 of Miss Marsh, who ran away recently with a 
 gentleman by the name of Anthony and was 
 married. He stated he was not acquainted
 
 A True Romance 115 
 
 with the Anthony, but had met you but a few 
 days previous at your aunt's, little dreaming 
 I was the aforesaid benedict. It was quite 
 amusing, and from the fact of his meeting you 
 in New Albany, I was at a loss to know 
 whether you were located there or only on a 
 visit. Hence, I scarcely knew where to direct 
 my letters. Well, my great little good woman, 
 I have received but one letter since I left you 
 last. Doubtless you have written several to 
 be interrupted at points below, so they will be 
 doubly welcome when they come. Write im- 
 mediately on receipt of this, for I am nearly 
 crazed to hear from you, the only creature on 
 earth whom I am interested in and linked to by 
 ties the most sacred and dear, ties such as a 
 perfect existence in all its joys and sorrows 
 may once know, and rounds up the sweetest 
 harmonies of life into a perfect bliss, which 
 -nothing here below can give or take away. 
 But the bright particular creature itself with 
 all its promises, smiles and holy oracles. Thus 
 you, my dearest Nannie, are the talisman 
 which, like oil on the tempestuous billows of 
 life's stormy sea, calms and soothes its troubles, 
 and without the consolation of knowing there
 
 1 1 6 A True Romance 
 
 was an eye that watched my coming and would 
 look brighter when I came, and a fond heart 
 which throbbed in unison with mine in weal or 
 woe, this world with all its high hopes and 
 noble aspirations would moulder cold and low. 
 But as it is, I entwine my hopes with thine my 
 fond one, and thus lend an additional charm to 
 all the manifold circumstances of a transitory 
 existence, which makes up the sum of happi- 
 ness and prosperity, the chief aim and end of 
 all mortality. Answer and address, Mount 
 Vernon, Ind. To-morrow, Monday the I4th, 
 Mr. Steele and I foot it back to the boat, hav- 
 ing sent our groceries up on an ox team, a 
 cold weary pedestrian feat, but we are warmly 
 clad and will get bravely over it in a few days. 
 It seems as though all travel on the packet's 
 business devolves upon us to accomplish well. 
 We will endeavor to prove worthy and compe- 
 tent for all calls of emergency, as Richelieu 
 famously says in the bright lexicon of youth, 
 there should be no such word as fail. My dear 
 Nannie I should have written the Judge, Mark, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ladd, and all our family, but the 
 fact is, under existing circumstances I am at a 
 loss what to say to them that is amusing, use-
 
 A True Romance 117 
 
 ful or witty, so concentrated all in writing to 
 you, which affords me more pleasure than all 
 else. Yet a just sense of duty and courtesy 
 should prompt me otherwise. Say to them not 
 to think I have forgotten them nor their kind- 
 ness, for no continued effort on my part could 
 fully reciprocate the many generous acts which 
 I have been the recipient of. Present my very 
 best regards to all, and believe ever your de- 
 voted and affectionate husband, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 
 LOUISVILLE, January 16, '56. 
 
 MY BEST BELOVED HUSBAND : 
 
 I am thankful I find a favorable opportunity 
 of writing you a few lines, for if you anxiously 
 awaited intelligence from one beloved as I 
 have strived patiently to hear from or see you, 
 a letter would be extremely gratifying, which 
 I have no doubt my dearest Mark such is the 
 case with you. But a few moments ago I re- 
 ceived your letter from Mount Vernon. 
 Thanks to the papers which have in some de- 
 gree enabled me to learn a few particulars of 
 the situation of the boat, and I assure you 
 have been carefully watched every morning to
 
 1 1 8 A True Romance 
 
 gain further knowledge. For a time I in- 
 dulged a fond hope of meeting, but each morn- 
 ing brought no cherished form whom I might 
 welcome from my inner soul. Why is it, my 
 beloved Mark, that cruel fate serves us. \Yhen 
 will the long wished for time arrive when we 
 shall meet, would to heaven that time were 
 here now; but I will not murmur, and banish 
 each regret hoping all is for the best. What a 
 dreary, monotonous time you have spent amid 
 ice and cold weather. How I longed to be 
 with you to share your solitude, and relieve 
 you of that dreadful malady, the " blues." I 
 can truly sympathize with you from experi- 
 ence. I feel light-hearted this evening my own 
 dear one, which always is the consequences of 
 the reception of a letter from my husband, who 
 is far dearer to me than all earthly beings, and 
 I wish I could at all times find sentiments to 
 express my real and true feelings, which seem 
 to fail me at the time most wished for. In 
 future I will give evidence by actions if not by 
 words, my dear Mark, of my devotion, affec- 
 tion, love. On last Wednesday the thermome- 
 ter stood at twenty degrees below zero at six
 
 A True Romance 119 
 
 o'clock in the morning. The river at this point 
 yesterday was entirely frozen over. 
 
 THURSDAY MORNING. 
 DEAREST MARK : 
 
 Bedtime came before I finished your letter, 
 and after a long and pleasant dream, awoke 
 and find t'was but a dream ; would I could real- 
 ize it, for I was with you. Be assured, dearest 
 Mark, I am constantly thinking of you and 
 your desolate place, where there is no one to 
 cheer you or sympathize with you. Good bye 
 my best loved one. Heaven protect you from 
 all danger. 
 
 Your faithful and devoted wife, 
 
 N. L. ANTHONY. 
 
 EVANSVILLE, IND., February, 1856. 
 
 MY DEAR AND MOST AFFECTIONATE WlFE : 
 
 On my arrival here at hotel the first person 
 I met was the partner of my St. Bt. career, 
 Mr. Steele, anxiously waiting my arrival. I 
 was right glad to see him. Steele is one of the 
 noblest of nature. He enquired particularly 
 kind after my (better half) and hoped you
 
 I2O A True Romance 
 
 were blessed, happy and healthy in being the 
 partner of an unfortunate river character. Of 
 course I replied we should ever be the two 
 former, as for the latter I did not say anything 
 about your being as fat as our friend Miss 
 
 J . Met Mr. and Mrs. Faucett, with whom 
 
 I had a long conversation about New Albany 
 and ourselves in particular. She warmly con- 
 gratulated me in my final triumph and success 
 in marrying (an estimable young lady for 
 whom she had a very high regard.) On 
 Tuesday weather became quite cold. Had I 
 have known the result I could have remained 
 with you longer, my dearest Nannie, which 
 would have afforded me infinite pleasure. But 
 orders must be obeyed if owner are broken 
 and hearts well nigh too. I did not fully real- 
 ize the idea of parting with one to whom I 
 had treasured up in my heart of hearts the fond 
 hope of being with in this transitory life, and 
 forever in eternity, hereafter until I had gone. 
 The full force and realization flashed sadly and 
 keenly on my heart and soul, and gave vent to 
 tears in secret and in silence, which were too 
 sacred to be made the gaze and comment of 
 cold, vulgar subjects who have but little sym-
 
 A True Romance 121 
 
 pathy in common with the better attributes of 
 refined natures. But to me it was relief which 
 naught else could give, but the presence and 
 appreciation of her for whom they were shed. 
 It is a weakness which the world usually smiles 
 upon, but in my estimation a manly virtue, and 
 nature's mark to know an honest heart by. My 
 fondest, best Nannie, do not forget to send 
 Mr. Woodruff his " Byron," nor the other gen- 
 tleman, " Bronson's Elocutions," and my ac- 
 knowledgment for their kindness. And, oh, 
 how I love thee Nannie. There is not one 
 single glance of thine, absent or present, but 
 that looms up in this dome of thought and 
 palace of the soul, but that wanders to a heart 
 whose fountain is deep and pure, and seeks for 
 a mingling response in thine. Why are dreams 
 of night denied me, which otherwise in thy 
 form and face would meet with brightest pic- 
 tures, that fancy's magic power ever mantled 
 the heart and soul with, bliss ineffably sublime ; 
 oh, I would have thee Nannie soar above 
 earth's narrow, sordid impulses and associa- 
 tions until thy bold, unfaltering onward march 
 would tread unaided in the Heavens, and in 
 thy little griefs and sorrows be the moon shed-
 
 122 A True Romance 
 
 ding its calm light to dispel the dark troubled 
 sky, or as some fixed star whose irradiating 
 beams should ever meet thy upward vision in 
 sweetest rays. 
 
 Upon the inspiration wrote this apostrophe 
 to you, so the spell is broken for the moment. 
 My dear Nannie, make it convenient if possi- 
 ble, to meet your father and have a good long 
 talk with him. It would do you both good. 
 Give my love to all the Anthony family, and 
 kiss the female portion, and children. 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 
 APOSTROPHE TO THE HEAVENS 
 
 Tis midnight on the mountain's brow, 
 The cold round moon shines deeply down ; 
 Blue roll the waters, blue the sky 
 Spreads like an ocean hung on high, 
 Bespangled with those isles of light 
 So wildly, spiritually, beautifully bright. 
 Who ever gazed upon them shining, 
 And turned to earth without repining; 
 Nor wished for wings to flee away 
 And mix with their eternal ray, 
 Rapt in the fond forgetfulness of life, 
 Nannie the Indiana girl is all a wife,
 
 A True Romance 123 
 
 With no distracting society to call her off 
 From love, with no hollow hearts to scoff 
 Of coxcombry; in admiration loud, 
 Or with lascivious whisper to alloy 
 Her duty and her glory and her joy, 
 With faith and feeling, perfect as her form, 
 She stood as stands a rainbow in a storm, 
 Changing its hues, with bright variety 
 But still expanding lovelier over the sky, 
 How e'er its arch may swell, its colors move, 
 The cloud compelling harbinger of love 
 
 NEW ALBANY, February 20, '56. 
 
 MY DEAR HUSBAND: 
 
 Your letter received yesterday, and oh, how 
 I regretted your stay could not have been pro- 
 longed. It appears we can doubly appreciate 
 one's society after their presence can enhance 
 our enjoyment no longer. So I ever find it 
 with you. My dear Mark, the time of your 
 departure could not be realized until it was too 
 late to recall a dear one to console an almost 
 bursting heart, but when you come again mo- 
 ments will be more precious still. It seems I 
 am destined not to meet Pa, for I think it is 
 all that is necessary to effect a reconciliation.
 
 1 24 A True Romance 
 
 I can assure you, my dear Mark, there can be 
 no greater desire on my part to meet him and 
 have us restored to his favor. Prospects are 
 very favorable on that score, for he sent my 
 music to me, the book at home, and said I 
 could have the other if I could get it. I sup- 
 pose too, when I visit grandma again, I will 
 get my clothes, as he told her he did not care 
 if I had them. When Mrs. Heaton brought 
 the music she came to see you, and was very 
 much disappointed at not finding you here, and 
 sends her best respects, and declares I must not 
 neglect to send for her next time. You must 
 
 write H , Mark, if you find an opportunity, 
 
 for I wrote and told her you intended to do so, 
 and in a letter I received a few days since she 
 expressed a wish that you would write to her. 
 
 Poor H , there are no circumstances in life 
 
 that can render her as happy as if she had mar- 
 ried her heart's choice. Her life is a perfect 
 mockery, and to all appearances she seems to 
 lead a life of peace; but how often has she 
 said to me that memory will forever garner the 
 fragments of affection for the lost and loved 
 one. How sincerely happy we should be in our 
 love to know that we are beloved, for when we
 
 A True Romance 1 25 
 
 love truly the image of the loved one is always 
 present and we can do naught but what is sanc- 
 tioned by that being. My heart yielded its best 
 impulses to one who I knew could best appre- 
 ciate its purest and noblest sentiments; may my 
 confidence meet with a just merit, and I am 
 fully recompensed. I obeyed your injunction 
 in returning the books, and calling on our im- 
 mediate friends. Write soon again for I am 
 always eager to hear from you. Accept dearest 
 Mark, my best love. 
 
 Your devoted wife, 
 
 N. L. ANTHONY 
 
 STEAMER FLORIDA, 
 DIAMOND ISLAND, February 20, '56. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND AFFECTIONATE WlFE : 
 
 Without an answer to my last from Evans- 
 ville, I am constrained to write again from an 
 imperative duty, linked with an idolatrous 
 love, which with thoughts that breathe, and 
 words that burn, seems too feeble to syllable 
 forth the inspirations of a heart whose only 
 pleasure amid these dim and lonely associations 
 is to hold sweet and perfect communion. Be- 
 ing denied that happiness orally through an all-
 
 i 26 A True Romance 
 
 relentless destiny which thrusts a wide chaos 
 of time between two hearts and souls that echo 
 the same pure emotions, and vibrate with the 
 same touch of joy or sorrow, Nannie, why, oh 
 why, does cruel fate deal with us so harshly. 
 Go ask the coarse and cold, the humble and 
 illiterate, the poor in body and in mind; they 
 all have the satisfaction of the domestic hearth, 
 but we of nobler nature and finer essence are 
 denied those most sacred privileges which so 
 round up the sum of happiness and makes this 
 life with all its uncertainties an existence worth 
 living for. Divinity Omnipotent, being spirit 
 of the universe, great principle of all that I 
 feel perfect and just or immortal within my- 
 self, whose existence I believe in, because I 
 must have emanated from something superior 
 to that of which I am surrounded, tell me why 
 destiny thus wars with me, and point out a 
 way and means whereby I may triumph over 
 the sad vicissitudes of life and mount at last 
 the high pinnacle worthily, which points to the 
 acme of this world's good, perfect excellence, 
 virtue and happiness ; can you accord this long- 
 ing, restless spirit, such a destiny. If in my 
 aspirations to be thus good and great, my hopes
 
 A True Romance 127 
 
 overleap this mortal destiny, pardon a son of 
 earth to whom was given those abstruse and 
 hidden impulses to mix with higher spirits than 
 this world usually gives. So far, my dear 
 Nannie, as the linking of our fates are con- 
 cerned in that sense I have been peculiarly for- 
 tunate, and on this fact I am blessed. Well, 
 well, my dearest Nannie, what from this barren 
 lonely existence do we realize, it seems as 
 though my senses become narrow, and my rea- 
 son at times becomes obscure, whose veil 
 mantles this earth with darkness and despond- 
 ency until right and wrong seem as sheer acci- 
 dents, and finite creatures grow dim and pale 
 lest their judgment becomes too dazzling 
 and their free thoughts be crimes and earth 
 have too much intelligence. God bless you my 
 purest and best creature, in you alone I live, 
 move, and have my being, without that holy 
 spell, which binds the creature to the creator, 
 this life would yield but little to crave, so for 
 your sake I will banish the cruel reflection and 
 endeavor to live wisely for a better destiny. 
 Here we a/e yet at this unfortunate spot, but 
 with prospect of getting off in a few days, liv- 
 ing on salt meat and beans; now and then for
 
 128 A True Romance 
 
 variety beans and pork. Don't you envy our 
 high diet; don't think any of us will get the 
 gout. You will, my dearest, call upon all our 
 good friends and present them my best compli- 
 ments, regretting the weather was so inclement, 
 while I was there to accompany you, and 
 caused us to forego the pleasure it would have 
 otherwise afforded us. In exchanging those 
 kind civilities which polite circles have in ren- 
 dering society an agreeable charm, with that 
 recent sleeping companion of yours, cousin 
 Estelle, don't lavish all your tender caresses, 
 for I will be jealous, and fear you might not 
 have so many for me on my return. Well, 
 Nannie, please excuse me. I like at times to in- 
 dulge in those little pleasantries, it is a relief 
 from more sober reflections. Now my dear, 
 good woman, see if you cannot, in answer, 
 write your husband a mortal long letter. Tell 
 me all about yourself, for all else but you and 
 yours and our family is uninteresting. My 
 best love, save which is for yourself first and 
 last, present to the family. Twelve o'clock. 
 Good night. Your devoted and affectionate 
 
 Husband, 
 ANTHONY.
 
 A True Romance 129 
 
 EVANSVILLE, 
 
 THE LORD'S DAY, February 24, '56. 
 
 MY DEAR BELOVED AND HONORED WlFE I 
 
 I am constrained to write, being the only 
 source of happiness left me, in transporting my 
 feeble, but impassioned thoughts on paper, and 
 holding sweet converse with you, my dearest 
 and best one, with whom I can with pride and 
 confidence unbosom myself, and give vent to 
 feelings where they are fully realized and ap- 
 preciated, where else on this earth but upon a 
 pure and perfect woman and wife's bosom and 
 confidence can a man lay down and open bare 
 the innermost recesses of his heart, and seek 
 consolation from all the varied cares and 
 troubles of this world, but in and around that 
 sanctuary, which this transitory life may only 
 know but once honestly and perfectly well, al- 
 though deprived of the happiness of meeting 
 you face to face, eye to eye, and hand to hand 
 in all the fond associations and recollections 
 which a perfect unison of heart and soul would 
 yield. This medium of an interchanging of 
 thoughts and conversation on paper is still left 
 me, and oh, how gladly I embrace the oppor-
 
 130 A True Romance 
 
 tunity of rendering us near unto each other. 
 Let the world say what it may, there are so 
 many of the bright dreams, past, present and 
 future, that it cannot take away and extract the 
 sting from unpleasant remembrances, and 
 leaves the rest bright and unsullied. The better 
 and more often privilege seems allotted me to 
 enjoy in addressing you which I trust my 
 dearest may hereafter be granted to you more 
 often than heretofore, yet doubtless you are at 
 a loss to know where to address from my vac- 
 illating movements. The river at this point 
 a few hours since broke up, the scene was grand 
 and terrific; the whole mass of ice suddenly 
 gave way and moved irresistibly onward, carry- 
 ing everything with it. The ferryboat of 
 Messrs. Howard and Brown snapped her 
 chain, cables, and lines as though they were 
 mere threads, but by the timely aid of help she 
 was checked up. Doubtless the loss of prop- 
 erty and life will be incalculable, and one of the 
 most disastrous for many years. At West 
 Franklin, four miles above us, five boats have 
 been icebound for some time, and have given 
 alternately a dance, at which all of our officers 
 were expected to be guests; as for myself I
 
 A True Romance 131 
 
 most respectfully declined the honor, could not 
 brook the idea of coining my cheek to smile, 
 and playing the heartless parasite of such pres- 
 ent cheer, for I would be doing violence to 
 every feeling of head and heart. The pure and 
 perfect image of yourself, my dearest Nannie, 
 prompted me to shrink with intuitive declen- 
 sion when in thoughts and actions I could be 
 more appropriately occupied in meditation with 
 one who had higher and more sacred claims 
 upon my memory. Thus ever may I be guided 
 by those emotions which claim a kindred with 
 you and throw a halo and protection around 
 all the vain and unprofitable gew-gaws of so- 
 ciety, so that I may claim more close and 
 worthy intercourse with a creature whose in- 
 fluence, may be as the bright particular star of 
 hope to this poor and weather-beaten mariner? 
 and at length lead me to the haven of this 
 world's usefulness and virtue. " The memory 
 of the just is blest," so may we live that our 
 reward may be full and perfect in this world 
 and the next. The gift of melancholy is a fear- 
 ful one, but at times it is difficult for me to 
 shake off, but why is the pecuniary interest of 
 life denied us, which stifles the joys and com-
 
 132 A True Romance 
 
 forts which we are endowed to realize so be- 
 comingly. Money, the love of which is the 
 root of all evil, but in a sense of utility and 
 charity, smooths the rugged paths of life and 
 buoys up the spirit upon the wings of unsullied 
 joys. An old worldly saying is " that when 
 poverty goes in at the door love flies out at the 
 window." No, no, Nannie, this should never 
 be our case. Would to God I were otherwise 
 circumstanced and could throw around our 
 pathway to make our house, name and fame a 
 glory and beacon-light, to all time. But at 
 present it can only be in imagination ; may the 
 day not be far distant when these attainments 
 may be fully realized. On Thursday last, the 
 2 ist inst, Captain Mulliken, Mr. Dougherty, 
 our pilot, and myself, had gone to West Frank- 
 lin, they on business and I with the hope of 
 getting a letter. But no letter could be had, 
 and I returned with a heavy disappointed heart ; 
 but hope, hope, the anchor of the soul, nerved 
 me for the future. In returning to our boat 
 we had concluded to go down Diamond Island, 
 and walked over the gorged ice some four or 
 five hundred yards above the head of the island 
 within a short distance of the land, the Captain
 
 A True Romance 133 
 
 ahead and I following. In crossing where the 
 ice was melted it gave way and in I fell to my 
 neck, touched no bottom, but with one desper- 
 ate bound extricated myself. In that awful mo- 
 ment of suspense between life and death, how 
 long an eternity the soul lives in a brief second, 
 yet my first and last thoughts, my dear Nannie, 
 were for my God and you. During the sus- 
 pense I was calm, and the brave shrieked not, 
 but after my relief, oh, how the fearful reflec- 
 tion rushed upon my soul, overwhelmed with 
 joy and gratitude to Him, who holds our des- 
 tiny in the hollow of His hand, and marks the 
 sparrow's fall, and numbers the hairs of our 
 head. Then three and a half miles to walk. I 
 almost perished with cold ; but the velocity with 
 which I put in the time relieved me in a meas- 
 ure. This, my dearest Nannie, is one of the 
 many hair-breadth escapes which life is heir to. 
 But may better fatality deliver me from the 
 repetition. The boat has been short of funds 
 some time. As soon as we make a trip the offi- 
 cers will get their dues. Had I the wealth of 
 Crcesus, how happy would I be in cherishing 
 and protecting all those whose ties of friend- 
 ship and kindred claim the willing protection
 
 1 34 A True Romance 
 
 of him whose heart and hand is ever ready to 
 extend that honest wish. But as it is I must 
 stifle the act and make good the wish in perfect 
 good will, ever remember me in sentiments the 
 most kind and true to all our family. 'Tis now 
 the noon of night ; good bye, may your dreams 
 be of me, sweet and angelic. My prayers for- 
 ever ascend daily, hourly, momentarily to the 
 benignant powers to watch over and protect 
 you. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, March 3, '56. 
 
 MY BELOVED AND HONORED HUSBAND! 
 
 You are rather lenient in attributing my sup- 
 posed negligence to your vacillating move- 
 ments, but my dearest Mark, I consider that 
 but a poor excuse, and I am sure would be 
 rather reluctant in acknowledging such a trivial 
 one from you. It is with such true delight that 
 your letters are welcomed, to have that privi- 
 lege denied me, would be depriving me of the 
 only heartfelt joy I have for the present, and 
 rest assured my dear, it will be owing to some- 
 thing of importance to cause me to neglect so
 
 A True Romance 13$ 
 
 sacred a duty. Your first letter I answered im- 
 mediately as ^ou told me, so my dear Mark, 
 you have enough confidence in the fidelity and 
 strength of my love as not to impute my silence 
 to forgetfulness. May I never demerit the 
 trust. I know my attachment to yourself is as 
 deep as any earthly feeling can be, therefore my 
 heart's desire is to become all you wish me. 
 May I always have just cause to believe your 
 affection will never diminish for me, is my most 
 earnest prayer. Never regret my dearest Mark 
 our circumstances as regards pecuniary affairs, 
 for it matters not with me if I cannot equal 
 others in fine dress, great display, etc. There 
 is a better time awaiting us, I am confident, if 
 our efforts are united in striving to make a 
 comfortable living, which is so far as my ambi- 
 tion extends on that score. I will be content 
 under all circumstances. Aunt Add has at 
 length arrived, I have not met her, but have no 
 doubt when I do she will approach me as fa- 
 miliarly as if nothing had occurred. I am 
 waiting patiently my beloved Mark to welcome 
 you home again, which I trust will be in a short 
 time. Never fear of writing too long letters 
 lest it might tire me reading them; no, that
 
 i 36 A True Romance 
 
 could never be; I bless thy loving heart night 
 and day. Oh, that I could be blessed in sharing 
 all hours and moments with you, where we 
 might have naught but happiness and purest 
 joys. Let me know how soon I will see you. 
 Good bye my darling and best Mark, accept my 
 best and true love. 
 
 Yours affectionately, 
 
 N. L. ANTHONY. 
 
 NEW ORLEANS, March 7, '57. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND MOST IDOLATROUSLY BELOVED 
 
 WIFE: 
 
 This, my devoted Nannie, may be the last 
 note you will receive ere we meet, unless a 
 revolution of events transpires over which, at 
 present, the ken of philosophy cannot analyze. 
 In meeting you, my fond wife, if the highest 
 hopes of a heart and soul are realized, we may 
 never part again, unless a stern fatality uproots 
 all the best desires of a nature too acute and 
 sensitive to endure many or longer the depri- 
 vation of all those associations which for 
 months past has thrown a shade of loneliness 
 and sorrow over a spirit so delicate as to be 
 unable to sustain a greater weight. Mute the
 
 A True Romance 137 
 
 camel labors with the heaviest load, and the 
 wolf dies in silence. Had 1 the stoic nature of 
 common mortality I might be like unto these 
 brutes ; but on the contrary, a nature so unfor- 
 tunately endowed to battle with the worst 
 vicissitudes of life with the conviction staring 
 me full in the face, that I am superior and above 
 many whom I am thrown in contact with; 
 that their ability is so humble and lame as al- 
 most to make me rail out at the unequal de- 
 crees of fate. In analyzing all these stern reali- 
 ties, had any one predicted such years ago, I 
 would have deemed it perfidious sacrilege. I 
 come, my dearest wife, to greet you with a 
 cheerful smile pervading my countenance, a 
 hand with my heart in it ever ready to gush 
 forth its honest throbbings for you my own 
 dearest wife. The visions of the only home on 
 earth this weary wandering pilgrim now has, 
 you, yours and mine, my fond ones are now 
 before me, picturing in beautiful harmony the 
 sweetest, dearest ties this world yields. The 
 affectionate voice of her whom I love best, falls 
 upon my heart and soul like music selestes's 
 airs, soothing the tempestuous billows which 
 lash over us in the storm of life. But these
 
 138 A True Romance 
 
 joys, my dearest wife, are to a certain extent 
 marred by the reflection that I cannot meet you 
 and throw at your feet a wealth sufficient to 
 make every position and sphere more comfort- 
 able and brilliant. 
 
 NEW ORLEANS, March 12, '56. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND EVER HONORED AND AFFEC- 
 TIONATE WIFE : 
 
 Without any of your much welcomed favors 
 as yet to reply to, I am constrained through an 
 imperative duty and a pleasing wish at all times 
 to address you, my dearest Nannie, above all 
 other acts of my life. For if I had any of yours 
 to answer to a certain extent I would be better 
 able to reply from the fact it would enable me 
 to debate your sentiments more fully, and ex- 
 press my thoughts and feelings with some 
 guide as to my position, yet my fond one, my 
 position is such as ever to write full, free and 
 perfect, with the argument on one side. Hence 
 you should not expect me to produce so com- 
 plete a chain of reasoning. Excuse me my 
 good woman for this apostrophe so abstruse 
 and metaphysical and doubtless uninteresting 
 to you. The heart, the heart, with all its sweet
 
 A True Romance 1 39 
 
 and pure throbbings, is a theme more worthy 
 our time and interest, so here goes. My beau- 
 tiful spirit with thine eyes of light and dazzling 
 intelligence, auburn tresses which vie with the 
 sun's rays, color of which cheeks out-blush 
 the rose without the aid of art or ornament, its 
 natural and true enchantment, a step as proud 
 and graceful as the ungovernable sea with its 
 undulating swell, mind rich with intelligence 
 and virtue as the bright garniture of the stars 
 of heaven ; last, though not least, a heart full to 
 overflowing with all the choicest blessings 
 which God gives to his favorites, and I, the 
 humble recipient of those perfections which the 
 cold unappreciative world may consider un- 
 worthy of, but with them it is a mistake. This 
 heart, mind, blood pulse and passion knows 
 and appreciates more than this world is will- 
 ing to accord me. But I do believe there are 
 hopes that will not deceive, and virtues that are 
 merciful, and would not weave snares to entrap 
 the weak and credulous over other griefs, I 
 would sincerely grieve and know that happi- 
 ness is no dream, and virtue no ideality. My 
 dear Nannie, I cannot tell why it is, but it 
 seems when I write you that my nature under-
 
 140 A True Romance 
 
 goes a perfect revolution in order that the ma- 
 terial part-intelligence with all its characteris- 
 tics of God and love may be sent forth to you, 
 and not mix base matter. In those instances I 
 cannot be of the earth earthy, but angelic and 
 heaven-like. Best love to our immediate 
 family, write any place, every place, that I may 
 intercept. I am nearly distracted to hear from 
 you, my Alpha and Omega of this world and 
 the next. 
 
 Affectionate husband, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 Tell me everything. 
 
 To NANNIE. 
 
 What is thy love? All earth is silent, 
 
 Darkness reigns without; 
 
 Within near thee is peace. 
 
 My aching head is pressed upon my pillow, 
 
 Thou guardian angel by my side, 
 
 One willing hand is fondly clasped in mine 
 
 The other laid upon my throbbing brow 
 
 To calm its tumult. 
 
 Thy lovely head is pillowed upon my breast, 
 
 Thy auburn hair clusters round my neck, 
 
 My burning lips are joined to thine,
 
 A True Romance 141 
 
 Our tears of bliss commingle and bedew our 
 
 cheeks. 
 
 I press thee closer to my bosom, 
 Thy warm pure heart beating against my own, 
 Your seraphic voice murmuring sweet and low. 
 The holy vow which made us one, 
 Thrilling with ecstatic joy my very soul, 
 All care is now vanished from our thoughts, 
 The tired spirit has found its rest 
 And feel and know that we are happy, 
 Very happy, Nannie. This is our mutual love. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, March 15, '56. 
 
 MY AFFECTIONATE AND BEST LOVED HUSBAND : 
 
 My dearest Mark, I have been exulting in 
 hopes of seeing you in a few days, but still that 
 joy is deferred. I have not heard from you 
 since you wrote from Cairo, and from the 
 tenor of your letter I inferred that the 
 " Florida " would go to New Orleans ; but all 
 things are for the best, but still I cannot refrain 
 from brooding over my vanished hope. Could 
 it be possible, my beloved Mark, you have not 
 yet received a letter from me. It seems that 
 privilege is oftener denied you than it should 
 be, I wrote to Cairo, and there will be one also
 
 142 A True Romance 
 
 at Memphis. I feel assured my dearest and 
 best Mark, that if you should intercept none 
 you would not think it was want of respect or 
 love that prompted me to neglect you. I could 
 never think so of you, with what assurance I 
 have of your affection and devotion to me, that 
 confidence shall never be suspected, I have 
 nothing particular to state of father. I sup- 
 pose his advances were, in a degree, checked by 
 Mrs. W . I have met her on several occa- 
 sions and she appears as reluctant as myself to 
 recognize me. I regret exceedingly that you 
 have not heard oftener from me, but do not, my 
 Mark, fail to write me often, it is the only con- 
 solation I have for the present, give my re- 
 spects to Captain Muliken, and tell the Captain 
 not to forget to have the boat running in this 
 trade. I hope there will not soon again be any 
 cause for you to be so long detained away from 
 me. Good bye, my dearest and beloved hus- 
 band, my prayers are still that you will be pro- 
 tected from all danger. 
 
 Affectionately your wife, 
 
 NANNIE L. ANTHONY.
 
 A True Romance 143 
 
 CITY HOTEL, NEW ORLEANS, March 16, '56. 
 
 MY ADORED AND EVER AFFECTIONATE WlFE I 
 
 I have got the blues, so to find relief, the 
 only consolation left me in my loneliness, and 
 as I cannot get any of your recent letters to con 
 over with pride and pleasure, have just repe- 
 rused all of yours I have in possession, and get 
 satisfaction that way, you write ably and well, 
 a high accomplishment, and the impassioned 
 pure sentiments please me better than all. The 
 mails must be confounded irregular, whether 
 this old adage refers at all times to the post- 
 office department or the acts of men I know 
 not. They are both irregular enough. But 
 your humble servant, as a male is quite regular 
 in writing at least, and I know you are also, 
 my dearest Nannie. Well our loves and life 
 are linked together and will be eternal, yet I 
 am left here alone to love and live without you, 
 sad fatality, twined as thou art, Nannie, around 
 my heart, I can scarcely deem thee absent, for 
 in faithful memory and imagination you are 
 always by me, and throw an influence over me 
 which I trust may ever guide my acts and 
 thoughts to perfect results.
 
 144 A True Romance 
 
 Though in reality absent, I dream and know, 
 my proudest and best woman, that we will soon 
 meet, and then, oh ! how I can happily woo thee 
 Nannie, and those bright visions to my vacant 
 and lonely bosom, for all of perfect remem- 
 brance there remains. For with me 'tis bliss 
 enough to know thy spirits blest, hence grief 
 and despondency should not come where per- 
 fect love exists, except to elevate and conse- 
 crate. Hail, holy love, the bloom or blight of 
 all men's happiness, for fame's aspirations, 
 wealth's influence and glory's halo, are but 
 restless gewgaws, if love lay not down his 
 cheek there to find a real consolation, my 
 young, all-beautiful, adored Nannie, endowed 
 with so many qualities which give happiness to 
 me, and rounds up this common existence into 
 a dream of something which poets cannot paint, 
 and if it were not wisdom to love virtue, what 
 else would be wise to do. I have a pride in 
 your beauty and intelligence, but more in your 
 conduct, a trust in you like a patriarch's love, 
 such estimation as these in your eyes I claim 
 and hope for, and have ever found them, I 
 trusted to the blood of Marsh, pure in your 
 veins, to the soul God gave you, to the truths
 
 A True Romance 145 
 
 your education taught you, your belief in 
 heaven, to your mild sweet virtues, your own 
 faith and honor, for my peace and happiness, 
 and have found them rich and pure, have done 
 well and thank you. I have been in my room 
 all day, the weather is disagreeable and wet. 
 Met Mr. and Mrs. McKey, of the Wesley 
 chapel, was introduced to his holiness, he is a 
 very clever gentleman. Always have a rever- 
 ence for the white neckcloth. New Orleans is 
 quite gay and lively, many persons daily arriv- 
 ing, too. Theatres and an opera in full blast, 
 soirees, balls, lectures, concerts, etc., etc. I 
 have very wisely and modestly taken a back 
 seat, not having attended either. My days of 
 gallantry and romance are over, a good idea, 
 don't you think so, Nannie, save the gallantry 
 and reality, I trust to ever have for you my 
 good woman. A few flashes of the sun, a many 
 splashes of rain and mud, nothing to be seen 
 out but the weather, and that is disagreeable to 
 look on, and more so to wade through. Before 
 I leave here will get the daguerrean pictures 
 for you and bring them in person. 
 
 Sincere and affectionate husband, 
 
 M. ANTHONY.
 
 146 A True Romance 
 
 STEAMER FLORIDA, 'April 5, '56. 
 
 MY DEAR BELOVED AND HONORED WlFE : 
 
 Sad to relate the boat leaves to-night. The 
 most heartfelt joys are incisive, and the best 
 hopes so transient, and laid withering in the 
 dust, when they should rise up, be fresh and 
 fragrant like the rose, wet only with the dews 
 of heaven, instead of being steeped in tears of 
 regret. But ever thus seems to be our fatality, 
 mourning o'er hopes thus crushed, may not be 
 wise nor manly, but the heart may endeavor to 
 find consolation, but oh how unsatisfactory. 
 Pure, silent griefs should be too deep to give 
 vent only to those most interested, and who 
 can feelingly sympathise, and how few there 
 are in this cold speculating world can have im- 
 pulses which throb in unison with those who 
 are so circumstanced. The happy privilege I 
 have cherished of accompanying you, my 
 dearest Nannie, to the house of prayer to-mor- 
 row, where the heart could revel in the inspir- 
 ing scenes which that sanctuary gives, is now 
 taken away and hung round with a wreath of 
 ivy mildewed. When will the blest time arrive 
 that it may be otherwise. God grant it is not
 
 A True Romance 147 
 
 far distant, dearest Nannie. Please have my 
 clothes put in carpet bag and send over, as we 
 will not stop at New Albany. 
 
 Your 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, May 13, '56. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND MUCH LOVED HUSBAND! 
 
 Sadness still lingers upon my heart, and I 
 fear my dearest, dearest Mark, I can never 
 reconcile myself to the idea of parting with 
 you. Your presence is necessary at all times 
 to perfect my happiness, for one gentle word, 
 one kind approving smile, will raise my spirits 
 to the very height of joy. My heart is lonely 
 now, for it was but to have you with me that 
 made my spirit glad. How fondly, how 
 mournfully does memory recall the many 
 joyous hours I last spent with you and may I, 
 as I dream to realize many more, but for the 
 present we will be obliged to content ourselves 
 with the privilege of transposing each thought 
 on paper to the absent, but beloved one, who 
 will best appreciate them. Love me always my 
 dearest and best Mark, as you do now. I would
 
 148 A True Romance 
 
 rather die than feel one link withdrawn. Then 
 cherish, my mark, the one true heart that will 
 cling to thee through weal or woe, and fling 
 around thy pathway the brightest flowers love 
 can give. It is a pleasure, Mark, to dream of 
 you. In dreams you return to me and rest your 
 head upon my bosom, but I wake and find you 
 gone, no hand to clasp in mine, and I am left 
 alone again with sorrow. I cannot think other- 
 wise my dear Mark, but that I will not meet 
 you again which will seem to me a long, long 
 time, but my wish is that I may be agreeably 
 disappointed on that score. If you can predict 
 definitely when you next write, let me know if 
 you will stay on the J. C. Swon. My dear 
 Mark, you have still neglected to have your 
 daguerreotype taken for me, I will still retain 
 the one I have. I cannot part with it, there is 
 no pleasure-affording inducement to leave 
 home. Estelle and I sewing busily on my dress 
 and all the while I was thinking of you for my 
 own dear husband I consider it sacrilege if you 
 are absent one moment from my thoughts. 
 Good bye my best, my own Mark. 
 Your wife, truly and affectionately, 
 
 NANNIE L. ANTHONY.
 
 A True Romance 149 
 
 Closing this letter reminds me of parting 
 with you. 
 
 ON BOARD STEAMER CHANCELLOR, 
 
 AT MEMPHIS, Sept. 29, '56. 
 
 MY DEAR AND MOST AFFECTIONATE WlFE : 
 
 After a close and affectionate intercourse of 
 some months, the most pleasing and happy in 
 the whole course of my life with one who from 
 my earliest acquaintance has occupied my every 
 thought and reflection, which sends forth the 
 purest and sweetest memories this world af- 
 fords, and as this is the first pleasing duty which 
 has offered itself for some time past, it seems 
 somewhat odd to portray my heart's throbbings 
 on paper after orally pouring forth those obla- 
 tions to you my sweet Nannie face to face, eye 
 and hand and heart together. I say appear 
 funny, although my ideas are clothed in differ- 
 ent drapery than in ordinary conversation with 
 the cold, indifferent formalities of society. 
 But in addressing you my own good woman, 
 the aspirations of mind and heart rise superior 
 with me to any other creature or circumstances. 
 It appears that if I were to try I could not ac- 
 complish the end to write to others as I do to
 
 150 A True Romance 
 
 you, from the fact my hand and head shrinks 
 from the responsibility of saying and doing 
 what is not properly dictated by the heart ; and 
 as my heart's promptings are and shall ever be 
 for you alone, my best Nannie, I write as I do. 
 God bless the Hoosier girl. Good night good 
 and dutiful partner. 
 
 Your devoted and faithful 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 STEAMER CHANCELLOR, 
 
 ST. Louis. 
 
 MY DEAREST : 
 
 My last was brief and perhaps uninteresting 
 to you my fond Nannie, from the fact I was de- 
 prived the time I otherwise should have taken 
 to more fully express myself on all those ques- 
 tions of an agreeable and interested nature, at 
 all times so happy for me to discuss with you 
 my own dear one, who is more competent to 
 appreciate those ideas which to others might 
 appear flat and insipid, there is my good woman 
 something in hearing from you, although I 
 have not since my departure, so electrical is thy 
 voice and admonition. Each look and thought 
 of love and sympathy that unseals the foun-
 
 A True Romance 151 
 
 tains of the heart and gushes forth like the 
 notes of long forgotten music, recalling sweet 
 memories and sacred ties, touched by a master 
 hand, until each chord echoes responsive to a 
 charm which you alone my sweet Nannie can 
 create and give. James Seabrook and Mr. 
 Underwood telegraphed their wives to meet 
 them in St. Louis; Oh, how I wish it was so 
 that I could have done the same; but let it go, 
 you shall visit New Orleans yet this winter. 
 Tell me how you and your and mine are getting 
 along. I am nearly frantic to hear, but fondly 
 hope you are as content and comfortable as cir- 
 cumstances will permit. It may not always be 
 thus my sweet one. The wheel of fortune is 
 round and continually revolves, those at the 
 bottom by clinging tenaciously will by and bye 
 come up to the top. May it be our lot soon. 
 
 Your ANTHONY. 
 
 VIRGINIA HOTEL, 
 ST. Louis, Nov. 2, '56. 
 
 MY DEAREST WIFE : 
 
 At this hotel my dearest I am occupying a 
 room near the one we had when married. The 
 remembrance of that sacred and joyous occa-
 
 152 A True Romance 
 
 sion brings fresh sweetly and thankfully to my 
 mind the most pleasing sentiments for the 
 present and most hopeful for the future which 
 my life has heretofore known, and sustains 
 the wish which can never die, that the memory 
 of that union may descend to the latest time 
 bedewed with the sweetest remembrances and 
 best auspices to ourselves, and those pledges of 
 affection which God in His providence may be 
 pleased to give us and teach us how we and they 
 should govern the rule of action and duty so as 
 to live, be virtuous, useful and happy, so that 
 in the decline of years they may cluster around 
 hearth and home like olive branches, creating 
 peace and joy for the future, and still more if 
 possible closely binding firmly and lasting those 
 high duties and imperative ties which we, Nan- 
 nie, less than one year ago, vowed before heav- 
 en's high chancery to preserve and keep invio- 
 late in its original lustre. God grant that the 
 day and occasion may be far distant when even 
 one link should be severed or one spot corrode 
 or tarnish that golden chain which binds us to- 
 gether and which long years of regret and peni- 
 tence might not obliterate. I am sad, Nannie, 
 at being parted from you, and am unused to
 
 A True Romance 153 
 
 murmur at the decrees of fate which ordered it 
 thus. It is not for man to question the ways of 
 providence nor find fault with Jehovah's in- 
 scrutable designs. These misfortunes are 
 doubtless intended for .some good and wise pur- 
 pose, that the light and exhilarating throbbings 
 and its unnatural pulse arrested. The associa- 
 tions of humanity ever wayward are only 
 checked by sending the iron into the soul or 
 smiting the heart with the chastening rod of 
 affliction, causing its bitter waters to gush forth 
 in order to leave the remainder more pure. 
 My good, pure, sweet Nannie, you may deem 
 this letter a gloomy one, I have not so intended, 
 yet my soul is sad, and these pensive throb- 
 bings gush forth like an alpine torrent and 
 overflow the fulness of the heart. But they 
 are all for you, my Nannie, at the idea of being 
 absent from one who is the life blood of my ex- 
 istence. Through an ill-fated destiny these 
 eyes cannot look upon you really, but the pic- 
 ture, the picture holds the mirror up often, nor 
 can these lips peruse those impressioned senti- 
 ments contained in your letter, for I have not 
 received any, sad fatality, well they will come 
 by and bye, then oh how happy. Perhaps I
 
 154 A True Romance 
 
 may make a flying trip to you while the boat is 
 undergoing repairs, cannot tell definitely as yet, 
 but hope so. I never think of meeting you my 
 dearest, but a disposition pervades my heart to 
 present you with some trivial token of renewed 
 affection, so I purchased a pair of fine heeled 
 gaiter boots, a new article in this market, and 
 very neat; think I have got the size this time 
 to a T, will also get a nice handkerchief and 
 kid gloves. Oh, Nannie, it affords me so much 
 pleasure to surprise you with those little me- 
 mentoes. Be just and fear not, martyrs often 
 come out the furnace unscathed and meet 
 with their rewards. Ours will come soon or 
 late. God bless you my idolized and good 
 wife. 
 
 Your affectionate 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 ON BOARD STEAMER CHANCELLOR, 
 
 ST. Louis, Nov. 4, '56. 
 
 MY DEAR AND AFFECTIONATE WlFE : 
 
 Your kind and affectionate letter of the 2Qth 
 ultimo came to hand, and transported with rap- 
 ture was I. It perused of sweet, consoling 
 thoughts that breathed, and fond words that
 
 A True Romance 155 
 
 burned with eloquence of heart such only as 
 woman can utter through the fulness of their 
 nature, which God in his wisdom has so pecul- 
 iarly gifted them. For love when properly cre- 
 ated and matured with kindness and fidelity 
 becomes the empire and acme of this world's 
 glory. The diadem which sittest high on the 
 throne, the bright sun around which the milder 
 and lesser satellites revolve, each in their perfect 
 and harmonious sphere ; it seems when writing 
 you as though my heart and brain becomes in- 
 spiration's sanctuary, an ever welcomed moni- 
 tor, and I glory in the essence of those lofty 
 passions which perhaps may lift me above the 
 common herd of mankind. Great wife, esti- 
 mable woman, Nannie, last wrote you from 
 this place, remitted you money, and will send 
 you more soon, should I not go to meet you in 
 person. Here I am in the office all alone writ- 
 ing you my sweet Nannie, whilst the remainder 
 of the officers and crew have gone ashore to in- 
 dulge in other amusements, which to them un- 
 der the circumstances may be paramount to 
 higher duties. Well, so wags the world. 
 Thank God, I have other imperative and pleas- 
 ing tasks to perform winging away to you my
 
 156 A True Romance 
 
 good Nannie those impulses and feelings which 
 absorb all others. I may be idolatry's child 
 burning with Promethean fire stolen from 
 heaven, hence it is perfect and would be doing 
 violence to my better nature did I not exercise 
 it. I am rejoiced at your general good health 
 under the circumstances and trust you may con- 
 tinue to take good care of yourself. Good 
 night, may whispering angels prompt your 
 dreams. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, Dec. 6, '56. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND BEST BELOVED HUSBAND: 
 
 An opportunity is once again afforded me 
 being rendered nearer you by the aid of pencil 
 and paper, and which is pleasing at all time, 
 convey to you each little thought that might 
 recall the happy, happy hours we've spent to- 
 gether, almost of one mind, heart and being, 
 and can my beloved husband be best appreciated 
 when we are far away, with each look of love 
 and action still remembered and cherished only 
 to regret we cannot continually live in such a
 
 A True Romance 157 
 
 world of love, which at present is denied us, 
 but hope's star is brightly burning and tells of 
 joys to come. Gone, gone away from me my 
 dear husband, when shall I realize the time 
 when each evening I can welcome you home 
 from your daily task. I cannot be fully con- 
 tented until I know that time is here. Clinton 
 was married on the following Thursday after 
 you left, and very few persons present besides 
 our family. Fannie was dressed very plain 
 and neat, wearing a novena traveling dress. 
 The refreshments were cake and wine. She 
 was very much excited, and I thought she 
 would faint. Some one remarked they were 
 surprised, for she was a girl of so much self- 
 possession, and cousin Mark said that was not 
 the way I faced the music. To-morrow one 
 year has passed since our hearts were joined 
 together forever my dearest and own loved 
 husband, and the bygone year has been a happy 
 one, for it brought no woes or sorrow to chill 
 the brightness of the time that's passed, for the 
 love I gave you was too pure, too holy ever to 
 have one wish, one thought that was not blent 
 with yours. May all succeeding years be the
 
 158 A True Romance 
 
 same. Write me often my own husband. 
 Know that my prayers and thoughts are for 
 you. Good bye. 
 
 Your affectionate wife, 
 
 NANNIE L. ANTHONY. 
 
 ON BOARD STEAMER CHANCELLOR, 
 
 CAIRO, Dec. 7, '56. 
 
 MY EVER DEAREST AND MOST AFFECTIONATE 
 
 WIFE: 
 
 We are with a good trip and hope to arrive 
 safely at New Orleans in about six days. You 
 will hear from me my dearest and relate the 
 chances and changes of my good or ill fortune. 
 That fickle goddess Fortune, ever so uncertain 
 in her movements, and perhaps at present more 
 so with me, I scarcely can, with all the scope 
 and range of the ken of philosophy or fate, tell 
 what is in store for me until after the develop- 
 ment of time. But patience and perseverance 
 to a great extent will disperse the dark cloud 
 which lowers around, and throw the bright 
 rainbow of hope and prosperity over the past so 
 far as my business and pecuniary arrangements 
 are concerned. But on the other hand, I have 
 many proud, happy and fortunate recollec-
 
 A True Romance 159 
 
 tions, ever pleasing to dwell upon, which to a 
 great extent extracts the sting from my recent 
 bad luck in steamboat ing, and causes my heart 
 to throb with gratitude to that good providence 
 who does all things for a just and perfect end. 
 In his faith I confide in sunshine or in storm. 
 This the anniversary of our marriage, the wis- 
 est and best act of my life, may we, my fondest 
 and best one, long live to have many happy re- 
 turns of the same, each year witnessing to our- 
 selves and the world that we have not lived in 
 vain, but as useful and honored members of so- 
 ciety, exercising an influence which shall de- 
 scend in blessing on us and our posterity. This 
 particular day singled out from time, may its 
 influence and those sacred bonds of unity and 
 love be as a mirror reflecting back on the past 
 and on the future, lighting us to the straight 
 path of duty, governing the rule of action which 
 just creatures should ever aim at. The highest 
 evidence of a well balanced mind is that he who 
 can rise highest with firm resolve to encounter 
 the falling vicissitudes of life; not to tamely 
 fold the arms and relax the vigor of mind and 
 pine over the bad luck. Rise, rise, like an 
 eagle scaling the heavens, like an Atlas bend-
 
 160 A True Romance 
 
 ing beneath the weight of a world, and meet the 
 great issue. Though you should fall, let it be 
 nobly and \\ith might, for he whose cause is 
 just is ever right. The individual who is to 
 succeed cousin James in the office is Mr. M . 
 I think his abilities need much culture and fos- 
 tering before he approximates the shadow of 
 his successor, having no experience on the 
 river at all. The boat's business, monetary af- 
 fairs, position and popularity and all will be 
 sadly in the background. But if it suits the 
 high captain it is all O. K. As for the cap- 
 tain's brother, who fills my humble position, he 
 never received a package of freight in his life, 
 and is as verdant as a youth. Well, so wags 
 the world. I presume by this time Clinton is 
 launched into that responsible, pleasing state of 
 Mat Rye money, and on his way to New 
 Orleans rejoicing. Perhaps I may have the 
 honor of meeting the happy couple in the Cres- 
 cent city, though I must confess I am in rather 
 a poor fix of joyness and mental pleasing tact 
 and outward wrap made by tailors who create 
 the ninth part of a man, which should be the 
 least consideration with proper respecting peo- 
 ple. But fashion, fashion, an outward envel-
 
 A True Romance 161 
 
 ope which pleases the fancy of shallow minds, 
 and absorbs all other merit, so from my def- 
 icit on that score I might be compelled to play 
 the subordinate part in the grand drama which 
 I never have and will never do while my better 
 judgment serves me. Better be humble and 
 obscure than meet the indifference of those who 
 apply not the proper standard. Amen. Nan- 
 nie, my dearest, do not show the contents of 
 this note, strictly confidential, lest it might in- 
 cur the displeasure of all. 
 
 Your A . 
 
 NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 27, '56. 
 
 Well, my own best Nannie, the great day 
 Christmas has passed, and on its destiny the 
 weal or woe of thousands have hung with 
 breathless throbbings full of fond hopes realized, 
 or bowed down with sorrow from the decrees of 
 a sad fatality ever unknown and uncontrollable. 
 In gazing upon the impenetrable future with all 
 its stern realities, ere the curtain of time is rolled 
 away, with what inexpressible emotions gath- 
 ers around the soul to peer into that chaos 
 which it is proper we shortsighted finite crea- 
 tures should not know of. And on the other
 
 1 62 A True Romance 
 
 hand, in retrospecting the past, how simple and 
 true the virtuous, honest approval to ourselves 
 and the world, settles so calmly and gratefully 
 upon the heart and soul, and render life worth 
 living for. But look on the other picture, the 
 remorse and anguish of an unhappy, misspent 
 existence, how its compunctions wailings rare 
 round the soul and well nigh stifle the remnant 
 of an unfortunate career. How many, many 
 creatures partake of these varied circumstances. 
 Oh, how I would love to be with you. 
 
 Your ANTHONY. 
 
 NEW ALBANY, Dec. 30, '56. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND BEST LOVED HUSBAND : 
 
 My dearest husband, despair not under the 
 present circumstances; could be a great deal 
 worse, although my only grief is your being so 
 far from me, having no source of consolation or 
 sympathy only by writing. I am thankful you 
 still retain your health, and you should strive to 
 make the best of all misfortune, as I am always, 
 my own dear husband, willing and ready to 
 share it with you. My health is good. I feel 
 for you. my dear, and could we be together it 
 would reconcile us to our fate. Have not been
 
 A True Romance 163 
 
 to office this morniing. Although I have not 
 read it, be assured, my own dear husband, that 
 anything you should have written that you 
 think might cause me unhappiness shall be for- 
 given and forgotten. I am doubly anxious 
 now to read it, for I know, my dear, you could 
 not write anything that would cause me such 
 trouble as you apprehend ; but the idea of being 
 separated from you, my own husband, is a grief 
 which cannot be easily overcome. I could sub- 
 mit to almost anything to have you always with 
 me, but I find I cannot have all things to my 
 own pleasure, and I shall strive to content my- 
 self. 
 
 Your devoted, 
 
 NANNIE L. A . 
 
 NEW ORLEANS, 'Jan. 31, '57. 
 
 MY DEAREST IDOLIZED AND DEVOTED WlFE I 
 
 I with pleasure embrace the occasion to an- 
 swer your last, and then know better how to re- 
 spond to your hopes and wishes, at all times my 
 highest aim to consummate. Oh, how I wish 
 to be with you in this hour and forever, to clasp 
 to this throbbing brain and aching heart you 
 my fond, pure and sweet one, who alone of this
 
 164 A True Romance 
 
 earth can soothe the tempest of my sorrows and 
 make smooth the rough ways of life. Be of 
 good cheer my perfect wife, I will meet you ere 
 long, then the happiness will make amends for 
 all our past deprivations. It does seem, my 
 Nannie, so strange a fatality should be meted 
 out to the creatures of earth. Those who care 
 least for each other are oftener together, while 
 those who love the purest and longest are sepa- 
 rated through a sad destiny which at all times 
 cannot be overcome. You speak of visiting 
 your father, do so my dear Nannie, by all 
 means. I know he will be too happy to see you. 
 His heart has always been in the right place, 
 and would have given you a welcome long 
 since, which will heal up old wounds which 
 have marred many of our better peace and joys 
 and redounded higher to our credit in society. 
 It will be a stepping stone to a reconciliation, 
 and restore you to the once former good favor 
 of your parent. Any or the slightest conces- 
 sion on your part cannot compromise you to 
 the world or proper thinking people, so be not 
 influenced by others, but act boldly and fear- 
 lessly for yourself. Those who know all the 
 past unpleasant difficulties that attend this
 
 A True Romance 165 
 
 affair cannot but glory in your act. What a 
 hermit I have been, neither having attended the 
 theatre, opera or any other place. My room at 
 six o'clock each evening has been the sanctuary 
 of my joys, to think of home and you, yours 
 and mine, my sweet wife. I might have been 
 beside you had it not been for the lack of navi- 
 gation in the Ohio. The daguerrean picture I 
 hope will please you, which I have so often, 
 when away, promised to send. 
 
 It is scarcely worth while to answer this, lest 
 I might be on my way to you ere it arrives. 
 
 Your devoted, 
 
 M. ANTHONY. 
 
 NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 6, '57. 
 
 MY DEAREST AND MOST AFFECTIONATELY BE- 
 LOVED WIFE: 
 
 I last wrote you a few days since via southern 
 mail route as the only reliable line in the country 
 at present. I will soon leave on the first Louis- 
 ville pack to join you, my own good wife, and 
 to fold to this wildly throbbing breast the only 
 idol my heart ever knew, and with its harmoni- 
 ous proportion fills to overflowing the urn 
 which is now the life blood of my existence,
 
 1 66 A True Romance 
 
 and in after time be the sepulchre wherein our 
 ashes shall mingle together and wait the call of 
 the great I Am, and ascend to realms where 
 parting and sorrow are no more. The weather 
 here is as delightful as your May days, in 
 fact, quite warm in the sun. Everybody and 
 all the world are out, more especially the ladies 
 in their gayest attire tripping the fashionable 
 thoroughfares with gladsome smile and foot so 
 light as though it tread on flowers, joyous and 
 coy as blushing maidens fresh from boarding 
 school. All very well to feast the eye upon, but 
 sad reflection in future time to know so many 
 of God's noblest works will pass away and be 
 cold and inanimate in death. That the unfor- 
 tunate vicissitudes of life may check the light 
 laugh on the merry lip cast a shade of age and 
 anguish o'er the sunny brow, pierce the once 
 pure heart with all its most lovable attributes 
 with a venomed dart which will stifle and cor- 
 rode its fondest wishes, realize to after memory 
 the uncertainty of riches, the inconstancy of 
 friends and the vanity of all earthly aspirations. 
 The Bible, that holy volume, touch with the 
 seal of high divinity, man know thyself. Alas, 
 how little do we know what we are and may
 
 A True Romance 167 
 
 be. The present is all we can claim to com- 
 prehend, and that obscurely as through a glass 
 darkened. May the future be made glorious 
 through a perfect hope, realize to us my own 
 good and pure wife, some of the better joys and 
 prosperity which we most certainly should 
 have. With my heart full to overflowing with 
 love and gratitude to you my own good wife, I 
 am prompted to pour forth this strain, Nannie, 
 I don't know why, but it is so in writing you 
 every particle of finite matter seems to vacate 
 my heart and soul, until it leaves nothing but 
 the essence of infinite inspiration to dwell upon. 
 This tender, honest tribute to you my partner 
 and wife, by whose tender management of my 
 weakness has gradually reclaimed me from any 
 pernicious habits, you have become prudent and 
 generous from a rare affection. 
 
 Though of the most liberal nature, taught me 
 frugality and economy by your pure, disinter- 
 ested love; during this the most critical period 
 of my existence, preserved peace and order in 
 our domestic affairs, gently turned me away 
 from whatever follies cr dissipations I may have 
 had, sustained my weak and irresolute disposi- 
 tion, urged me on to useful and creditable aims
 
 1 68 A True Romance 
 
 gently and kindly admonished my heedlessness 
 and improvidence. From these facts my sweet 
 wife I owe what I am and may be for the better 
 hereafter to your solicitude for my interest and 
 happiness. They nor my character have ever 
 been forgotten to be vindicated. Feelings 
 such as yours, my own Nannie, how noble, 
 warm, tender and impetuous, but ever placable 
 and constant, such you are my own dear, dear 
 wife. From our earliest acquaintance the 
 knowledge of your worth and excellence 
 dawned upon my heart, purified its friendship 
 unto an undying love before time and the world 
 had deprived my heart of its original lustre, 
 ardor and purity. From our union through all 
 these great elements I seek consolation. A be- 
 nevolent wisdom inflicts chastisement in order 
 that our natures may become more purified. 
 May that superintending power enliven the 
 gloom and sustain me in this dark hour, which 
 now hangs over my destiny, so that a brighter 
 and better nature may hang around the future. 
 God's noblest work, man and woman, creatures 
 capable of such high proficiency in art, nature 
 and virtue, preparing a dwelling place for the 
 spirits of the just which will vindicate the ways
 
 A True Romance 169 
 
 of God to man, here alone in person, but with 
 the memory of your presence, my own perfect 
 wife, clustering thick about me, the tendrils of 
 whose vines are interwoven so closely with 
 every breathing respiration, which this heart has 
 ever known, I am surrounded as it were with 
 thousands of sweet companions which make the 
 spot sacred with animated life. If there is one 
 Holy passion above another granted to frail 
 mortality, it is a deep seated love which I thank 
 God for implanting in my nature. The fiat of 
 fate seems to have especially marked me for the 
 standard bearer upon whose ample folds were 
 emblazoned in deepest dye the affection and 
 love which has all been given to you my great 
 wife, and a wise creator shall ever have my 
 gratitude that it is so. Do not fail, my wife, to 
 visit your father, if your health will permit. 
 
 Your ANTHONY. 
 
 ON BOARD STM'R GOLDEN STATE. 
 
 DEAREST NANNIE : 
 
 You tell me the " Sons of Malta " gave an 
 exhibition, the proceeds for the benefit of the 
 poor. Charity, thou first of all virtues, for 
 without that you cannot do anything. All of
 
 170 A True Romance 
 
 our officers received letters from home. Made 
 mention of the above circumstances. One or 
 two made acquainted with the fact of feminine 
 gender doffing crinoline and mounting the un- 
 mentionables, unsexing herself through a mor- 
 bid curiosity, would peep into the " Pandora 
 box " at the risk of womanly dignity, and be- 
 come the gibe and scoff of all delicate acts and 
 feelings. The purity of every virtuous suscep- 
 tibility outraged and exposed to the jest of 
 ribaldry and song, which should forever 
 prompt the finer feelings of all noble womanly 
 attributes to shrink from with intuitive dread 
 and disgust. Oh ! oh ! how deeply from that 
 high and proud position has she fallen who 
 would thus ruthlessly throw aside the veil 
 which shielded her virtue to vice, thus stand ex- 
 posed to the world the fallen thing which no 
 after contrition could scarcely exterminate. I 
 
 am told that person was so so. God grant 
 
 the supposition is incorrect for her and the rest 
 of mankind, also womankind. This apostro- 
 phy I have drawn from the spur of the mo- 
 ment. But when my better feelings are at 
 peace and rest. Here are my sentiments of a 
 pure, delicate, refined woman. Above all let
 
 A True Romance 171 
 
 not man, the more gross and corrupt of our 
 race, practice on her the shameful falsehood of 
 pretending admiration, and acting contempt, 
 let him not exhaust his kindness and his purse 
 to adorn her person and then ask in return the 
 humiliation of her soul, and all tender affection 
 of her heart. Let him not manufacture opinion 
 for her, and force it upon lips of dictation. Let 
 him not crucify her emotions, nor ridicule her 
 frailty, nor seek to crush her individuality, nor 
 insult her dependence, nor play low jests upon 
 her honor in convivial company, nor bandy un- 
 clean doubts of her honor, nor whisper vulgar 
 aspersions of her purity. No! no! let us re- 
 member that for the gastly spectacle of her 
 blasted purity we are answerable. On the con- 
 trary we should multiply her social advantages, 
 enhance her dignity, minister to her intelli- 
 gence, and by a manly gentleness be the cham- 
 pions of her genius, the friends of her fortunes, 
 and the equals of her heart. If we can't we are 
 not her superior or equal. Jealousy is the 
 weakness of narrow minds, confidence the 
 virtue of enlarged ones. 
 
 Yours as ever, 
 
 MARK.
 
 172 A True Romance 
 
 EXTRACTS. 
 
 Poverty is a blessing. If with it proves I am 
 so beloved and my greatest sorrow is that I 
 desire to be a better Christian than I am, and 
 that my life might influence you for your eter- 
 nal good. 
 
 Thank God my own Husband it is not the 
 world's goods or its opinion that we depend on 
 for happiness, but our unaltered, undying affec- 
 tion, which time nor circumstances can alter. 
 
 I live for no object, my dear husband, but to 
 promote your comfort and happiness, and am 
 recompensed to know it is mutual. I think you 
 might have compassion, and not quite kill with 
 fond kindness. 
 
 There is a " divinity which shapes our ends, 
 rough hew them as we will." We have ex- 
 changed hearts my dearest for each other to 
 comprehend, know and keep. We will be true 
 and faithful unto the last. If sincerity's per- 
 fect oracle avails anything we yet shall be 
 blessed and happy.
 
 A True Romance 173 
 
 For my Great good and perfect wife to live 
 much longer thus separated is a pang too pain- 
 ful for us to live under long. The yearnings of 
 this heart are so pure and strong to clasp you 
 to my heart and soul, that all else earthly is but 
 dross as a consideration to weigh in the scale 
 of human bliss against. 
 
 The seven ages from the cradle to the grave 
 are meted out to mortality by a wise provi- 
 dence, so let us live that the last scene may be 
 just and glorious, and our epitaph command an 
 inscription which friends, offspring and after 
 generations can dwell upon with sweet memo- 
 ries and conscious pride. Write often sisters 
 Anne and Henrietta, present much love for but 
 few in this selfish world knows or even appre- 
 ciates the broad charity and tender affections 
 of this heart. 
 
 I am at a loss to know what to comment 
 upon in writing you other than the old theme. 
 Our Loves, duty and cares, though year after 
 year growing deeper and stronger, yet has its 
 original youth and freshness. Trust also it 
 may never lose any of its purity and sweetness 
 while life lasts.
 
 174 A True Romance 
 
 I have exhausted general news. But on the 
 only Holy and undying theme of Love, pour- 
 ing forth for you, my Great wife, I never can 
 be at a loss to pour forth with pleasing strain 
 the impulses of a heart deeply gifted with an 
 Ethereal passion, whose all and every throb- 
 bing is for your peace of mind, respected 
 position in this world, and the consoling hope 
 of an endless hereafter bliss beyond the frail 
 vicissitudes of this uncertain existence. 
 
 Oh my own fond Nannie, how this poor 
 heart yearns to be with you to unbosom all its 
 joys and sorrows, knowing you will appreciate 
 more fully than all the world beside, open up 
 before you the deepest recesses of an Idolatrous 
 heart, so that you could analyze all its most 
 delicate throbbings, giving mutually to us a 
 consolation the cold in spirit rarely have. 
 
 The only comfort and consolation left me, 
 and at the same time an ever-pleasing duty in 
 unsealing my heart and soul, that its fountains 
 of Love may gush forth and be gathered up by 
 you my Dearest Wife, the only creature in all 
 this world who can properly and truly apprc-
 
 A True Romance 175 
 
 ciate each feeble thought and word which 
 placed on paper makes thousands, perhaps mil- 
 lions pause and reflect as to their motives and 
 bearings. 
 
 A heart surcharged with hope and fear 
 relative to success, the former as it should 
 be, the latter as one's destiny of late seems to 
 realize the fellow feeling which makes us won- 
 drous kind. Poverty makes a dog gentle, 
 whereas, instead of being a Jackal as I am, 
 this proud lofty nature would be a Lion con- 
 trolling the will and acts of meaner things, ele- 
 vating them to a higher and more perfect 
 destiny. But through a stern fate I am forced 
 to stifle the faith, hope and charity to the world. 
 But always to you for the imperative duty 
 always better becomes the heart and home of 
 those whom the most sacred ties of blood 
 render paramount to every act of circumstances 
 in life. 
 
 Hour after hour, day after day, night after 
 night, what devout oblations has this fond 
 heart offered up to Heaven's chancery for you 
 and Eddy's preservation, and my fortune and
 
 176 A True Romance 
 
 nerve to overcome the vicissitudes of my pres- 
 ent desponding position of all the trials of this 
 adventure may the Lord give me grace and con- 
 fidence to overcome. Do not my dearest little 
 wife permit this gloomy note to disturb your 
 mind, for out of all these sad forebodings, but 
 faith and hope seems to lead me. Oh God, 
 could I at this hour be with you and our child, 
 to lay down at the sanctuary of those two pure 
 and undivided hearts all the throbbing which 
 now burthens this soul, then would I be free 
 and transcendently happy. Exiled, however, as 
 I am from all those sweet communions of the 
 domestic hearth which providence so peculiarly 
 adapted me to enjoy beyond the common feel- 
 ings of indifferent souls, the deprivations seem 
 doubly poignant. Tis recorded in the holy 
 writings that God chasteneth those whom He 
 loveth. Surely He hath a watchful eye over 
 our fortunes. Yours of the i/th so wildly wel- 
 comed, is at hand, and contents devoured with 
 Love's holy and pure appetite, which but few 
 such as I, linked with those holiest ties and 
 duties of husband, wife and child, can honestly 
 appreciate, which from the fact thousands can- 
 not realize, although better fixed in a pecuniary
 
 A True Romance 177 
 
 point, are poor indeed, weighed in the balance 
 with love and fidelity; sweet charms. Perhaps 
 Nannie it is well we are poor in this world's 
 goods, in order that we may be richer in all 
 those other ties of domestic duties which make 
 up the sum total of this world's existence and 
 ends. 
 
 I trust much happiness, and some prosperity 
 may attend us through the vicissitudes of life, 
 for vicissitudes mingled delights and sorrows 
 is inevitably the lot of the happiest and most 
 miserable of mortality. But the sunshine of 
 Love which we hold for each other can illumine 
 and lighten the deepest shade and domestic 
 cares heighten the hue of life's brightest hour. 
 May such Love and such bliss be eventually 
 the life-long portion of our existence. 
 
 My Dearest beloved, you are gone and I am 
 alone. The visit was so brief and delightful, 
 like unto a pleasant dream, an oasis in the 
 desert of life, which gladdens the heart and 
 refreshes the parched wearied wanderer o'er 
 life's trackless waste, yet such is destiny, and 
 why mourn. Life short, Truth, Virtue and
 
 178 A True Romance 
 
 Honesty, a gem which loves the deep, which 
 but few has fathomed, we my precious Nannie, 
 have been there, can trace out cause from effect. 
 
 Your 
 
 ANTHONY. 
 
 MEMPHIS, Jany, 1861. 
 
 Well, a new year has dawned upon us with 
 all its weal and woe, what may yet be the issue 
 of the great events now heaving into birth, the 
 God of Hosts can only know. May the omnipo- 
 tent arm of a righteous providence lull to sleep 
 the trials and dissensions which now distract 
 this once glorious union. The proudest and 
 greatest republic the world has ever known. 
 But from present strife and contention it would 
 seem that its day of glory is almost about to 
 depart, and fall in the tomb of ruin and dis- 
 grace and lie side "by side with Greece and 
 Rome, all in their day the Mistress of the world. 
 It certainly cannot be that the age of great and 
 good patriots has gone by, and none left to man 
 the old ship of state to a safe and prosperous 
 harbor. 
 
 So you, my dearest, are in good health, 
 and also the children, and our little Hunter is
 
 A True Romance 179 
 
 now convalescent. Thank God that He has 
 spared him to us, it is to be hoped for many 
 years, to be a comfort and a blessing. But 
 suppose he had have been lost to us, the sad 
 calamity would have thus been related. 
 
 But a few days since we had in our humble 
 home, a sweet little boy about one year old, of 
 course the object of every tender affection and 
 solicitude, but sickness came and laid its hand 
 upon him. Remedies promptly applied with 
 the ablest medical skill all proved in vain. 
 Day after day the rose faded on the cheek, and 
 the fire in the bright eye burned low, and at 
 length envious death closed those eyes and 
 sealed those lips forever, and we learned for 
 the first time by trying experience, how intense 
 darkness follows the quenching of one of those 
 little bright lights of life. This is but a meta- 
 phor. I devoutly pray we may never be called 
 upon to write thus as a reality.* 
 
 You, my dear, seem to deplore my ab- 
 sence, perhaps not more so than I the 
 separation. In treating upon this subject I 
 accidentally fell upon a little gem in the way of 
 
 * It is true their children outlived them and they 
 never had to mourn the death of a child.
 
 180 A True Romance 
 
 poetry, more sweetly portraying the feelings of 
 a devoted and affectionate wife than anything 
 I could portray, so I enclose it for our mutual 
 benefit. 
 
 THE FEMALE HEART. 
 
 There is nothing under Heaven so delicious 
 as the possession of pure fresh immutable affec- 
 tions. The most felicitous moment of man's 
 life, the most ecstatic of all his emotions and 
 sympathies is that in which he receives an 
 avowal of affection from the idol of his heart. 
 The springs of feeling, when in their j^outhful 
 purity are fountains of unsealed and gushing 
 tenderness. The spell that once draws them 
 forth in the mystic light of future years and 
 undying memory. Nothing in life so pure and 
 devoted as a woman's love. It matters not 
 whether it be for a husband, or child, or sister, 
 or brother, it is the same unquenchable flame, 
 the same constant and immaculate glow of feel- 
 ing, whose undeniable touchstone is trial. Do 
 but give her one token of love, one kind word, 
 or one gentle look, even if it be amid desolation 
 and death, the feelings of that faithful heart 
 will gush forth as a torrent in spite of earthly
 
 A True Romance 1 8 1 
 
 bond or mercenary tie. More priceless than 
 the Gems of Golconda is the female heart ; and 
 more devoted than the idolatry of Mecca is 
 woman's love. There is no sordid view quali- 
 fying self-interest in the feeling. It is a prin- 
 ciple and characteristic of her nature, a faculty 
 and infatuation which absorbs and concentrates 
 all the fervor of her soul, and all the depths 
 of her bosom, we would rather be the idol of 
 one unsullied, and one unpracticed heart than 
 the monarch of empires, we would rather 
 possess the immaculate and impassioned devo- 
 tion of one high-souled and enthusiastic female 
 than the sycophantic fawnings of millions.
 
 A 000 121 745 4
 
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