Eddie & Sarah Johnson

This love letter was written to Sarah Catherine (Kate) Wilson, from Eddie Peterson Johnson, October 30, 1897 while they were courting. They were married 2 months later, January 2, 1898.

Lake Creek, Texas

Oct. 30, 1897

Miss Katie Wilson

Dearest One,

I have had but little peace of mind since I left you Thursday night. The more I think of being with other girls the less desire I have to do so, and the more I long to be with you. Still, for your sake, I am willing for the agreement to stand just as is. And while it may cause me to pass many unhappy hours, days, weeks months, and perhaps years, I know it is better that than that you should drag out your whole life with one whom you could not love. If I could only know that you cared for me first last and all the time my happiness would be more complete than I ever expect to realize in this life.

Now Sweet, please don't think I am trying to beg or persuade you to say you love me for I do most sincerely hope you will never say that again unless it comes from the great deep of your heart. Go ahead and try your love and see which of us (Linton or myself) is destined to be the happy man. Save your love for me if you can, give it to him if you must.

I do not know whether Linton will get back from Paris Sunday in time for us to come down Sunday eve or not. I shall not come by myself unless I hear from you and you say come.

Use your own pleasure about answering this letter.

As Ever Yours E.P.J.