8 January 1879 Letter from James Monroe Smith to his future wife, Eva Slaton

Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Robert S. Hendrick, 8/2005

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Materials from the Personal Collection of Dr. Robert S. Hendrick, Jr.
Transcribed and submitted by Robert S. Hendrick, Jr.

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8 January 1879 Letter from James Monroe Smith to his future wife, Eva Slaton

Smith became the Union Parish Clerk of Court in 1879
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James M. Smith Sr. to Eva Slaton 
 
Farmerville, LA 
		January 8, 1879 
 
Miss Eva Slaton, 
Dear Miss Eva:  
 
   Many times has Aurora in his majestic grandeur and sublimity risen, who'd (?) 
in the (?) and glory of the "King of day" and concealed himself in dark oblivion 
and in the deep recesses of the Western horizon, since last I beheld them, one 
of nature's fairest and (?) daughter's in all the beauty and loveliness, and 
upon whom she so bountifully bestowed his blessings with lavished (?) (?) and 
opened heart. 
 
   You sweet and modest little message of the 19th was particularly noted for 
its conciseness and thoughtfulness and unblemished with the laurels and flowers 
of epistolary (?) beauty and excellence, after an elapse of five days from the 
hand, (?) and heart, that gave it expression, formation, sentiment and beauty, 
found its way alone into my sanctum, save I hope by thy presence "hovering 
around", where you may presume an immediate and interesting perusal ensued, for 
I believe you are aware that your presence and letters both afford me much 
pleasure, so much so, that I think I have frequently given verbal expressions in 
the memorable bygones. 
 
   If I mistake not, you have not (?) with the "promise" you made me, that was 
on your arrival home to write first, which you did, and enclose me your 
"Photograph", which I certainly expected. It has been said, that "promises like 
pie crusts are easily broken", if so, I hope unlike the Author don't so 
consider, therefore, as it is never too late to make amends, I shall expect it 
in response. Your visit to Farmerville I assume occasioned much and rare 
pleasure in our "Social Circles", and I must say, that I especially, experienced 
much pleasure by your presence. We accept the acknowledgment of your 
indebtedness to us for our trouble, and only ask that you repay us by making 
another visit soon, and no doubt writing if it be a pleasure, you may "realize 
the pleasure" of exhibiting your philanthropic towards some of Farmerville's 
philanthropists. 
 
   On the evening of the 24th, quite an assemblage of people gathered at the 
Court House to witness the distribution of a great variety of magnificent (?) 
presents, as they in their brilliancy and beauty on the boughs of a beautiful 
evergreen (holly) dazzling the eyes of the spectators.  Thanks for the wish a 
"Merry Christmas", for I think I can well say that our holidays were attended 
with a deal of merriment and pleasure and in writing, hope yours were spent in a 
like measure, together with a "Happy New Year". 
 
   It is unnecessary for me to retell (?) in words (though the medium of the 
fun) my love and admiration for you, having, as you well know, previously given 
your verbal expressions and evidences, which I hope met a warm reception and 
will ever be cherished, for as Tennyson has beautifully and truly said, "I 
sometimes hold it half a sin to express in words the love I feel, for words like 
nature half reveal and half conceal the heart within." 
 
   With the hope that I may be the recipient of an early response, and that 
fortune with her friendly smile may ever attend and hover around thee. I remain, 
 
Yours with love, 
Jas.  M. Smith 
 
P. S. Excuse closely written lines in (?) paper. 


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