Springport Ind
Oct. 8, 1876
Mr. Shockly: I have been alone by myself all day and have had a pleasant time. I have just finished reading the "Pilgrim's Progress."
Today reminds me of a Sunday, two years ago when we went up to our school-house and could not get in. Do you remember that day? Yes, that is the day you gave me that hickory nut. I never knew what became of mine, but I know what you did with yours. I remember too how angry you were when you put it over the door.
Do you remember of writing my name in my instruction book the last time you were here? (12 Dec.) I said not long ago that I worshiped that book because a certain person wrote my name in it. They knew who wrote it and while I was down there last week; they tore that leaf out. It hurt me so badly that I cried to think they were so curious.
Beck and Dave just now went by. I wish they would stop as they come back. I want to see Dave. Beck came down last evening and she and I went to the orchard and talked till we nearly froze then she went home and came back and stayed all night.
I did not see Dave yesterday to give him that note. I wrote a part of it before I left Spiceland and did not finish it. I thought if I got to see him I would have time then. I did not, and I burnt it.
If I ever give you a cause to be offended, you must not think I have forsaken you. We may meet sometime when I cannot speak to you but let it be all right. The time is coming when I will not be ruled by fear. I know I do things that hurt you, but that time will soon be gone.---What a happy thought. I am sorry that the institute time is past, for I dont know when we can meet again. I enjoyed the institute very much.
Friday, Mr. Edwards asked me why I went with Dave to the lecture and I told him because I wanted to go with him, and he said nothing more to me. O, he is mad at me I know. Some one has come and I will quit.
Emma
At Home
October 14, 1876
My Darling-- I want to see you, O ever so soon. If Dave and I make any arrangement for us to meet please do all you can to meet me. Do send me something every week--every time you can. O Pet,-- you know the rest.
J.S.
Emma Presented
Politeness Mr. Fraizer
At School
Wednesday, Oct. 1876
Mr. Shockley:
Kind Friend--I am in trouble but you cannot help me. O I was so sorry that I could not meet you. My feelings were not imaginable. I got your note Monday evening: and Tuesday, Mother asked Candace if Beck was not carrying letters to me. She told her if she was that she knew nothing of it, nor she doesn't nor won't. I wrote Beck a note today and told her not to come down for a long time. Why they ever thought of such a thing I don't know for we were so careful. Mother has not said anything to me about it, and I dont want her to say anything.
I will keep that letter as long as I can and if I can see Beck I will give it to her. I enjoyed reading the Quotations very much. Yes and "The Flown Bird."
I dont get to walk home now for it has been so bad. I wish I did!
I don't know when I can meet you nor when I can send you another note, but when ever I can I will, and you must not forget to write.
Emma
This is good paper. Levi gave it to me.
J.S. Presented
Politeness Mr. Fraizer.
[May 5, 1877, John W. Shockley to Emma Rhoton]
Glen-fairie, May 5, 1877
My Pet Bird--Since I saw you last I have had many pleasant hours. True to romantic adventures is every event of our lives. I lost that ring coming home that night. I found it next morning in the road, and for the first time saw your initials. Then I kissed it. If you were not so secretive with me I would be much better pleased with you. I will never be satisfied until you are more confidential. Best make me your confidant. There is
[p.2]
a class of lovers and wives who tell more
to their friends than to their husbands or sweethearts. With
this class of women there is no peace no true love. My wife,
when I find her, will put her sweet mouth close to my ear and
tell me all. For her life will be wrapped up in my life, and
my life will be wrapped up in hers. With me she will be truthful;
She will never let me go to others to find out any thing she
can tell me.
Now, Darling, I only wish to find such a dear wife in you. Whatever
your home influences have been, they have not taught you to be
truthful. This great lesson let love teach you--let me teach
you. As well as I love you, I do not love a single untruth. If
I did not have faith
[p.3]
that my great love for you, and your great
love for me will conquer every Doubt, every evil Spirit, I would
turn my face from you in sorrow and amid new scenes seek that
repose which I now seek in you. I wish you to consider well the
sweet relation of two Souls whose path is one. I wish to believe
in you as I do in God. I know he will not deceive me, and I wish
you to inspire me with the same belief in yourself. God is truth--God
is love. Let me with equal emphasis say--My Wife is truth--my
wife is love.
Then come sunshine or come rain, come summer or winter, come
pain or pleasure, I shall have a wife who puts her life confidingly
in my life, and that higher life for which we live will bless
us.
Then will the days be glad.
O when we meet again trust me as you never
yet have trusted me. If you were with me now (you are with me
now)--you are always with me. I have just thought, perhaps it
is my fault that you are sometimes so secretive. I will love
you so well that you can see how cruel it is--how dangerous it
is to tell me even a fib. What a letter I have written! It is
my Soul speaking to your Soul, asking in God's name that every
hindrance be removed so our souls may be one. O Pet, Sweet one,
know that Love is enough.
Thy Poet
I will write all over this sheet. What shall
we call our home, Pet? Shall we call it Glen-fair, Fairi-glen,
Wildglen, Love's Bower, or simply Home, Sweet, Home? When you
come here, love, we will name it. PA how I wish you would come
in the month of June. When your heart is full of love you will
come. My heart waits--O don't you want the time to come when
we can meet again? I am so happy with you in my arms. O bless
you, and bless you, God bless you. I adore thee.
To My Poem.
Thy Poet.
[ps-b, top of p4]
I wish to meet you as soon as is prudent. Can we not meet in the woods, if so write and mention the day. O for a day of love. I long to have you sit in my lap neath the green leaves in some secret retreat far away from the selfish world.
Fairie land to thee I fly
When the world is stark and cold
Let me wander, let me lie
Sweet beneath thy leafy wold.
Emma
John
Will Western
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