Page: [1] Sparta Feb. [February] 12th 1852 Not an hour can I wait, after reading your letter dearest, 'ere [before] I impatiently seize pen & paper to indite a reply & would I could express one half the affectionate thoughts, the earnest wishes, that are brimming my heart for you. They come thick & fast and prayerfully; for to me darling, Marriage is not the gay era, the wedding festival it was in the days of yore. I have learned to realize fully that it is one of the three "eras in Woman's Life" & to feel how great is the result involved in those few words from the Man of God. Dear Cal, my heart is full towards you, fuller than it has ever been towards any other, taking the same step, and I actually long to give you a hearty kiss & tell you all this. Only yesterday, while in bed, a sufferer from severe pain in the face, I was solacing myself with reading over some of your old Page: [2] letters, and among other mementos, read your note, written the day I was married. I have treasured it for its warmth, its affection, which I felt must be real, it sounded fresh from your heart. You were grieving over the loss of a cherished friend - at least of her companionship, for never was a friend more loving & true, than I have been to you, these four years of my married life. I feel for you now, all the tenderness of friendship - joined to the eager anxiety for your happiness, that a sister would. A thousand thanks darling, for your description of him, & for all the minuti, with which you favored me. You know me well enough to feel sure of any eager interest, and I am as fully satisfied with "Cousin Porter" as I could possibly be, without having seen him. I'm sure I shall approve your judgement & appreciate his worth. I shall have to write to Mr. Gresham that your beau is a widower. He you know, maintains that they are the beaux, par excellence, having been one himself & married not much longer than Mr. King. Page: [3] I think I must wait on you, chere amie [dear friend]. It seems as if I ought really. Who do you give that honor? and is Mr. King a brother of your sister Mag? I believe these are my only curious points, unless I except the remainder of your trousseau. The dress must be beautiful, how kind of Mr. Cobb to give such a present. Your "Christmas present" was indeed worth having, & you're right, in supposing I could appreciate it. Do write me again - I am insatiate for news of you & yours. "Give Give" is my cry - and I trust you may not get too busy - too immersed in the mysteries of needlework, to forget you have a friend impatient for tidings. Will it come off in February? If so, why not the 24th? But I know it cannot be so soon, though I would love to have you married on my anniversary. You are not going off to Alabama? Way yonder It seems so far! though you & I will never let distance check our intercourse, I'm sure of that. Mrs. Stephens has just sailed by in all the majesty of a pearl colored brocade, mantilla to match & a most exquisite hat. Page: [4] She seems perfectly enchanted with her new spouse - he ditto. She is too gentle & refined for him. He is as you say - coarse (I don't know about cross) but awkward & [unclear text: unamiable] in appearance. He seems so [unclear text: self-complacent], handed about by her driver and footman, in white gloves. As to being present at your "[unclear text: nous] " dearest Cal - believe me it would afford me infinite gratification. I must kiss & bless you if possible. "My darling" is out, for the first time since his illness, and as yet I have not talked it over with him. I hope we may come, but few things are more uncertain. I shall plead for the favor surely - for not only will I see you when you are looking your best - but I will also experience real pleasure, in a few years, to think it over & see you again a bride, with memory's eye. Then too, the happiness of seeing Mother. I do hope I can come - more particularly since you express so kindly your earnest wish to have me present - next to your Mother & Marion-none love you more (I mean the lady world) none could appreciate your loveliness more perfectly. I shall think of you constantly. In the meantime, write me soon - do darling, very soon. Page: [5] Note - I've talked over the chances with Edge, dear Cal, relative to seeing you married - and he says he will try so to arrange it. He began very ominously after the first surprise was over, to speak of the time he had lost from his new plantation by sickness &c. [et cetera] but I silenced that by pleading that it was Callie - "Well old lady - if I can possibly so arrange it, you shall go" was his finale. [deleted text: on] [added text: On] that I rest, & hope sincerely to be present. Mary Jones is bold - bolder far than I could be if I looked what [unclear text: she is]. But are you not glad for me deary - that I am spared so long. It would not be much to others, but to me, 2 years is a good rest- Page: [6] especially when there is no present prospect - [unclear text: Wilson], Cal - all motherly pride aside is the talk of Sparta - he weighs about 35 pounds - is actually radiant with good humor - & ruddy from health. [added text: My love to your Mother & Marion ] Page: [7] His mouth is perfect & such teeth! then his dimples are so enchanting. His hair darkens fast, it is as dark or much darker indeed than yours or mine now. He will have hair like his father. I have got him in short pants & very short frocks & he is so chubby & so lovely. Sallie is very well and as sweet to my eyes as ever. Excuse my dwelling on my boy so much. He is racing after Sallie & [unclear text: they] both look so eager & happy Page: [8] Father, Mother, & Edge send their love. Edge says he was just cracking a bottle of porter when I read him your letter - and hopes your Porter may be less frothy - but equally good with his -- Jesting aside, he sends you his hearty good wishes, his sincerest congratulations and says few will offer them with a more loving good will. I have scribbled on 'till there's not a crack left [illegible text] [unclear text: dear friend] [Signed] Sal