Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-11-20 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.67Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Ada, O. Nov. 20, 1895.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville, O.
My Darling Bertha: Your letter came to hand this wk. at the usual time as I suppose you feared the penalty spoken of. So far as being distant from you, of course you do have the advantage of me now but the penalty will be all the more severe when the opportunity is given to inflict the same, however I think you will be quite submissive. Ira may consider himself elected to pop as much corn as we both can eat unless he is absent on a trip similar to my own. I want to give Elsie a stick of candy for having locked that door. That certainly was a good one on you. You do not expect to run that way in our home do you? but I could not blame you for running if Mr Cornetet stayed as long as when I was there. I hope Elsie will correct you in all your naughty acts and make you be a nice girl. I know my sweet-heart doesn't want to be naughty so I forgive her and love her as much — yes more — than ever. How much I would enjoy spending an hour with her just now!
We are having quite a little snow just now.
Prof. Lehr wants me to build a stack (outside) at one of the school-buildings. It will take a wk. to do it, but the weather is not very favorable.
I recd. a letter from home this morning. They are preparing for a Thanksgiving entertainment at Hermon. Mother Heller expects to give us a great dinner Thanksgiving.
Tomorrow night the ladies expect to entertain the boys in the Halls. I don't know what it is. Yes our long time will soon be up and we shall have the opportunity of celebrating our first anniversary. I notice your letters do not have quite the same tone they had one yr. ago. Although I enjoyed them then yet you didn't say just what I wanted you to say, but you seem to have caught the spirit since Dec. 30, 1894.
I hope to make you glad (perhaps twice glad) by my presence during the holidays. Perhaps you desire to visit somewhere during holidays, if so, do not allow my date to conflict as I can come most any time. You spoke of on Sunday: I hardly supposed you would care to board me over two Sundays, however I can't conceive of how I would get tired of the boarding-house.
I am glad to know that you seem so very happy and contented in your work. You will scarcely want to quit school until you finish Harvard. Doubtless we will have a long list of subjects to discuss in our visit. I have commenced already to note the different topics that may suggest themselves as the time goes on.
The fellow I spoke of going to Otterbein after holidays was expelled from here Monday.
I am feeling well and so far this term have done better work than any previous term, and yet there is room for improvement.
In thinking over the past year I have been very much impressed at the manner in which (it seems to me) a providential hand has watched over and guided our ways. Of course we know not what may result, but I feel more determined every day to let God's plans prevail in everything and daily I ask for specific directions as to what to do and how to do the same. I believe that God is pleased with our plan and motive and shall we not ask Him daily to so purify our lives that we may be fit temples for the indwelling of His Spirit. Every time I think of you there is an impulse for good comes o'er me that can be known only by the experienced. Whatever failure I may make in life may I never fail to cherish (yes almost adore) her whose love God has so provided should be bestowed upon me. It certainly shall be and is one of the questions of daily concern as to how best turn my life and love to your happiness and the glory of God. I heard Rev. Campbell's sermon to young ladies last Sab. evening and I must say that I admire your idea of education etc more than ever. O what a wonderful thing it is to exist (live rather) in just this time and age.
A feeling of pride naturally rises within me when I call you my sweetheart, for indeed never a thought arises but that we are one, firmly bound and sealed by a God-given tie and all that is required is the outward manifestation to the world, but we choose to keep this to ourselves. May God bless you Bertha and keep us both very near Him.
Your devoted Lover,
J. H. Harris.
