Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-05-31 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.103Context
[Athens, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Box 219, Athens, Ohio.
May 31, 1896.
Miss Lambert
Westerville, Ohio.
Darling Bertha: Your message arrived yesterday morning and of course I did not tarry long in opening it. You sent so much inspiration that I almost felt myself back to Tues. evening. I am getting along moderately well with my work and am having a good visit besides.
Carlos came in yesterday so we have been very busy all the time. I attended S.S. twice today. We went out to see Uncle Geo's today. I went to S.S. here before going and then attended their school there at 2 P.M.
O yes I had Bertha in my arms and on my knee today, but it was not my Bertha, I just wished it might have been my Bertha instead. It was Laura's little girl. Laura wished me to remember her to you. I think I never longed more for your presence than I have this wk.
I have been wondering what to do with my trunk, but guess I will leave it here for the Summer. I cannot refrain longing for the time when we shall have a little cottage of our own where we may keep trunks etc.
I presented my grades to the conv. here. They said it would make pretty solid work but thought I might make it all right in two yrs and I can take elective work in such a way as to yet credit for one yrs work in Med. College. So by working pretty hard I could finish the A.B. work and at the same time get one yrs. credit for a Med. School in 2 yrs. The tuition is free. The incidental fee is $2.50 or $3 per term. I wish I might get such an opportunity at Otterbein.
I am undecided about my course of work this wk. I think I can do some good work here yet although it (the school) has been quite thoroughly worked for other works. I want to finish the work here RR, go to Marietta and to your place. I can get half rates to Col. June 1, 2, good for returning until June 5 so it is possible I may run in for a day or two to see how the work is, but I will try not to disturb you much until you are through with school work. If I can arrange to be with you a day or two during com. I shall be more than pleased to do so. I am sure you have the first place in all my plans and if we have to be separated it will be only because it seems necessary in order that we may enjoy our companionship the more when we unite our little fortunes in one.
I too am glad for missing the train. It seems to me you could not be more loving than you were that evening, but I know that you will always be just that way if I do my part and as I pen these lines I cannot help asking God to direct me and make me such a character as will be worthy to bear the name husband to such a True and Loving little girl as you.
Do not depend too much on my coming to W. this wk. Do not make arrangements for entertaining me, because I will put up elsewhere when coming on business and will then visit with you all the time we may both have to spare.
I think you may address your next to Athens and I will have it forwarded. I hope this may find you well and having a nice time all round. I can scarcely become reconciled to being out of school. The boys here are treating me royally.
I had a long talk with Dr Powell (Pres. Minister) Friday. He asked me all about my life plans and then set forth very clearly the advantages offered in the Pres. Church, etc.
Good Night.
Your Lover, J. H. Harris.
