[Letter of November]

[Letter of November]

[1865?-1870?]

Love letters -- African American authors

African American Christians (Disciples of Christ)

Man-woman relationships

image/jp2

Correspondence

This material is made available for private study, scholarship, and research use. For access to the original letter or high-resolution reproduction, please contact the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection (blockson@temple.edu; 215-204-6632).

Temple University Libraries, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection

William Still Collection

Blockson manuscripts

William Still Collection

Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Libraries

blockson@temple.edu

BMS010X0032

Oberlin Nov. [?]/ My Dear Friend/ I think not from/ what I said in my last note that you meant me any more [?] then[sic] any other/ gentleman. I know it is a pastime among/ young men to pretend to love and not love at/ all. I trust that the love I have for you/ is the love that will increase. I did not have/ the least doubt but that you would be willing/ to share with me in my labors. I taken your/ picture and pressed it three or four times/ to my mouth after I got home Saturday evening./ It was for the love I had for you. When I looks[sic]/ at it, it only makes me think of the approaching/ Winter that will separate you and I. It all/ may be for our good though it seems hard to part/ of one that we love so dearly yet it must be/ done yet it seems that one might not be lonely/ when there are so many more. But none can fill/ the vacant place of that loving one no not one./ How long it seems since I heard/ from you and it has only been two days/ The bible tells us that to rejoice with those that/ rejoice and grieve with those that are in/ grief. But how can I can rejoice with you/ when you start home. Though it will give/ me pleasure to see your heart gladden even though/ mine is in [?]. My prayers shall be for you/ that our Heavenly Father may guide and/ direct you through all the [doubts?] and cares/ of this life may He bless you in all of/ your endeavors to do good. For myself I can/ say the [?] will be done I shall be/ [?]. I was at Mr Ras[sean?] Sunday and/ while there I was talking to him about/ his [?] [?] you I suppose can/ [?] how enthusiastic I felt to be laboring/ for the Lord [Oh?] makes me long for time/ to come when I shall have nothing to do only/ labor for Him then I shall be well pleased./ Though I I must not be [?] wait/ patiently on the Lord and trust in Him/ without fear believing that God will work/ everything for my good./ My dear would you like to come/ down to Mr Rassea[n?] Saturday evening about/ four o clock if nothing happens. If so let me know in your next. Please you can ask Anna to call this evening after school/ for this I will speak to her mother that is/ if you cannot get it ready in time for/ her. A few more visits to the hall and/ I will bid it good by for three months/ and perhaps long without you take/ pity on me and come back next Spring./ I have no doubt about what you will/ though I must close it is very near eleven o clock. Ever yours/ Edward A. Wiley/