File:Thomas Butler Gunn Diaries- Volume 1, page 161, September 5, 1850.jpg

Transcription:

he [Charles Brown] till this heavy, heavy day, had hoped to make his wife [Annie Ward]. And she had thought over it in her heart, and during absence: — had prayed over it, and had concluded that it was “not right” that she should become his wife. Therefore was it that she delayed returning, and that her letter was short and strange. And this sad morning he ([words crossed out]) got a parcel containing all his letters and loving gifts. I had laughed that morning when at breakfast time his brother had jestingly spoken of his quitting the table without a meal, little anticipating such result. He had gone to the house, but had not gained admission to her presence: then wandered to his place of business, and again to the house; and this time had prevailed upon them, and seen her. And all the long day had he passed there, pleading as one only could in such case — but in vain. On one condition only would she be his friend; ( nevermore aught beside:) — that he weds the girl he seduced. He could not feel anger at her resolve; — could not but love her the more, honoring the religion of it. But [word crossed out] what a loss! and that too when every thought had been indulged in relative to what a brief month would give him. How he had dwelt on it, reckoning day by day till her return from Boston; — and this the result. But he would obey her: — yes he’d seek out this girl, and if she had remained pure but for him, he would make her his wife. It would be a [word crossed out] trial to wed one who had been jested at, and low in station, but it was his duty, and he would try and do it. I felt for him with all my heart and did my best to console him. We went out, he designing a call on the clergyman, at whose Church he attends, to tell all, and have his counsel. I left him there, and wandered on, musing how “even-handed jus-