[MS 162]
{My Affections have been placed on Sarah} and doing
that which is right. I would now much
rather speak than write my mind to you
{if I could} but perhaps I {shal} may not have an
opportunity so soon as I should want The subject
being abt Marriage {it strikes me you are a friend
thereof} no doubt you have heard either directly
or indirectly that my affections are placed on
SH and that I have written to her
but believe me Dr Father I shall be ? by
you in this affair (the copies of my letters I will
show you if {needfull} you wish) therefore your
advice will give me much pleasure I need
not speak in the praize of matrimony well
knowing you are a strong advocate thereof
prehaps I am too hasty. nay She has been
the one I have set my choice on {for a wife for}
for this three Last years thinking it would
be your greatest desire to see me choose a
partner from among those who serve God if
they were to be found. This is the only place
that I know of when my affections may
not be looked lightly upon. You may say
[MS 163]
she is too far distant. Il allow that best that no
reason for my sending [indecipherable] now to know from
you. {if she be not the one you intend for me
let me know and let me point out where I may
have hopes not that I am in haste to be a man
married but that my objections may be
shown on both sides. [your] whether I may write her or
not if she be not the one you intend for me
le me know and let point out where I may
have hopes not that I am in haste to be
married but that my objections may be
shown on both sides} perhaps {you may say want
a little of this is ? territory I mean but on the other hand if
I do not send them her Father may persuade}
her to find some other {hand} and if so another
may not be found to suit me as will then the
result will be take what {you] I can get. {In my
letters to her I do not rememmber promising} The
Vessell being about to sail so soon is the
reason I now write you to know your sentiments
pray do let me know them. I do not wish to
go to Otaheity but Wish to write very much
{and} yet am almost afraid to write will knowing
young peoples minds are fickle & Change often
but if it metes your approbation then I
will fix my mind on her as being pointed
[MS 166]
on account of - But O my Dear Brother
far from it those two or three words have
cut me to the heart and much to my
grief What a cruel sister should I be had
I wished such a thing, you see how I
am obliged to scribble I am in such a
hurry. May the Lord be with and bless
and waft you safe on your desired heaven
is the sincere prayes of your very
affectionate Sister
Mary C. Hassall
All are pretty well adn join in love
wisshing you a safe and pleasant passage
.
EN
