31. Relatives' Letters and Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1865-1879

Carson Dec 25 1865

Dear Mother:

I write this note, designing it to be handed to you by a young lady whom I feel a very strong attachment for, -- in fact, one whom I have loved long and so very dearly that I have asked her to be my wife.

I hope it will gratify you to know that she has given her consent to bear that relationship to me.

If you knew her half as well as I do, you will be over joyed to call her your daughter -- and relying upon your good taste, I am very

confident that you will be -- and further, that you will tell her so.

Were she your daughter and I the gallant swain who had the audacity to aspire to her hand, it would no doubt be your duty to tell her all my faults and to dissuade her from making so hazardous a match But the case being different I being your son, and she "a little country girl" -- your solicitude will of course be in my favor.

But seriously Mother

First, consented to share my fortunes -- or in other words has undertaken to make me a better and a worthier man by becoming my good wife.

I think I am the most fortunate man in the world; and I believe you will agree with me.

The day for our wedding has not been set; but earnestly trusting in God's goodness and faithfully relying upon His will and guidance, I trust the day is not far distant when that happy event shall come.

And now dear Mother may I not ask you to take Nellie to your heart

and bless her and call her your daughter? And in view of the step which I have taken (the wisest and best of my wayward life) will you not give me your blessing too?

I need not enjoin [you] to preserve these confessions as a sacred trust -- a secret which none but my affianced bride may tell -- or the telling of which, by you, may only be with her consent.

Your affectionate son

Henry R. Mighels.

[in pencil: Dec. 25, 1865]

Norway Jan, 26th 1866.

My dear Son.

The last mail brought me two letters from you, beside the note, which Nellie handed me.

I do, indeed, congratulate you on your happy prospects, and earnestly hope, that a life-long happiness awaits you both .... I have known Nellie as Lue's intimate friend, several years, and, since you were here, have felt that she was your friend .... I like her much, but, of course, have no intimate knowledge of her, as I could not expect one so young, to feel any special interest in me. ....

I will most gladly recieve her as a daughter, and hope to win her love, and respect. As yet, I have had no opportunity of private conference with