Jan. 7, 1853 letter Henry to Gen. Quitman Part II
Today I'm posting the second part from Henry Quitman's 1/7/1853 letter to his father, General Quitman. In this letter he speaks of a secret - Henry's found the woman he wants to marry! Until next time, happy travels - which we hope brings you to Monmouth soon.
Jan. 7, 1853 letter continued:
"I have a little secret which I wish to confide to you knowing that I will have your sympathy in the case. As well from the fact that you once experienced the same feelings and passed through the same ordeal, as from the great affections and unbounded interest with which you regard my future happiness and welfare. I met during my travels in Europe and was intimately associated with a young lady from the neighborhood of Selma, Alabama, who was traveling in company with her friends for the same purpose as myself. I was much taken with her many amenable and attractive qualities both of mind and heart and after many opportunities of judging of her character and disposition, I felt that she did not regard me with an eye of indifference. I expect to call at her father’s house on my way down the Alabama River in order that I may see and know her at home which I think is the proper place to see her whom I would wish to make my wife. I am not disposed to hurry matters and plunge headlong into matrimony but to merely secure the prize. I wish to see my way clearly in life before I burden myself with heavy responsibilities. The young lady I am confident you will find every way worthy of the high place she holds in my esteem and affections. She is a daughter of Col. Gardner a wealthy planter on the banks of the Alabama River and holds a high position among those who know him. I have no doubt but that this communication will take you by surprise but I hope that you will nevertheless approve my course. I hope on my arrival to have a full and confidential conversation with you on the subject. I do not expect to delay leaving but will hasten home as soon as possible.
I am delighted that you are all once more in the full enjoyment of health once more at Monmouth, and I certainly trust that I will find you still in continuance of the same. The weather is very mild and pleasant no snow on the ground. I will call to see Aunts in Philadelphia as I pass through. You will no doubt receive before my arrival a couple of boxes which I wish to remain unopened until I make my appearance. With Love to all (baby included)!
I remain
Your most affectionate son
F. Henry Quitman
P.S. I thank you for permission to draw upon you for money but I am happy to state that I am not at all in need having remitted $100.00 to Messrs. Robb. Now blessed as a surplus.
FHQ
