File:Thomas Butler Gunn Diaries- Volume 8, page 116, December 8, 1856.jpg

Transcription:

suffered and thought so much. Hannah [Bennett], Hannah I will tell you all someday. I long to, but to tell her that you love that you have loved before, as [word crossed out] deeply, though far less wisely — what a task is it? —

How has Hannah become what she is? Was she always this kind and wise? Or has Love — love for me, (unworthy cur as I am not to be full of hope and high courage at possessing it,) thus inspired her into these excellences?

I incidentally mentioned in my last, the little good natured match-making project of which I suspected was hatching for my benefit. In comment Hannah tells of “an offer” she had during the past summer. A young farmer of her village, who “wanting to see life” enlisted and “was in the late war [Crimean War],” on his return brought trophies, and spent many evenings at the farm-house. “I thought him” says Hannah, “a kind, manly fellow, and noticed him making broad hints that he couldn’t have faith in strangers for a wife. So when he left he wrote to me, asking me to withhold my hand from everyone but himself, as after he had served his time he should again be a farmer, and would rather take me than anybody he ever saw. I replied No. I could not help laughing at a piece of poetry he attempted to put his wishes into. Suspecting I was engaged, he said “Perhaps you may