Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-12-05 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.69Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.,” Enclosure: Napkin with menu printed on it from Thanksgiving dinner.]
Ada, O. Dec. 5, 1895.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville O.
My Loving Bertha: There is one hr every wk. which seems so very sacred and important to me; it is when I come to talk with you as nearly face to face as the distance will allow us. It is sacred because it is a renewal in thought of that blessed vow which “high heaven” has heard. It is important because upon the way it is used may depend very much the results of the future. It is a happy experience because it is a communication with the dearest mortal on earth. Yes it is a time of soul-blending with soul, however I leave you to conjecture how much happier we both would be together in any one of the initiated rooms of your home, but we trust that that privilege may be granted ere long. I assure you I could not think of staying away from my sweet-heart longer than that, unless something unusual occurs, for not only would it make me sad, but it would be a great injustice to her who has declared both in word and act that she “could willingly give up home and friends to be with me.”
When I read the sentence just quoted from one of your letters it moved me very much for I then more fully realized your true and loving devotion to me, and what was better still I knew every word of it was meant although I realize that you have an ideal home in every respect. I know of no girl anywhere who it seems to me may so justly be proud (in the true sense) of father, mother, brothers and sisters as you my fair one and I know from your words and conduct toward them you feel the same. Realizing this I look forward with fond hope and expectation to the time when you shall be the queen of another home no less perfect I trust than you own now.
I found a piece (clipping) of poetry (in one of my books) a few days ago with one or two sentences written on the back. I thought it certainly was your hand-write and the thought of the sentence surely could come from no other than you, but I have no recollection of you ever giving or sending anything of the kind.
I read it at once and somehow I felt that it was divinely sent to the proper one and may God bless the hand that sent it. I hope it was yours.
Of course you noticed in Herald how Mr. Snyder surprised the people here. I fear we shall not be able to surprise the people much unless it is by our long wait. I think you must have considerable class spirit at O.U. I was glad that you escaped without injury.
The Seniors organized last Sat without trouble and Prexy Lehr is happy. I see you are bound to be a musician and I see no reason why you should not. I should like to take lessons under such a loving teaching, but I presume most of the work would be in an undertone.
We are having a nice snow but not sufficient for sleighing. Last Sunday N. L. Rockey, missionary in India ten yrs, addressed the Y.M. We shall have J. M. Brodnax of Princeton Trav. Sec. S.V.M.F.M. with us from Friday till Monday.
We had a fine Thanksgiving dinner the account of which you will find in the Herald.
I send you a napkin to show how much I was compelled to eat. I am looking forward to a nice time holidays although I ought to settle down to hard work.
You must be a nice girl during these two wks and have your hair fixed nice.
Hoping this may find you happy and content I remain your devoted Lover.
J. H. Harris.
