Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1879 — Courtship in the Olden Time. [ARTICLE]

Courtship in the Olden Time.

The Norfolk Virginian of a recent date says: As an illustration of the stately courtesy and somewhat grandiloquent style of our grandfathers, the following letter may be of interest to many of our readers, and an example of the etiquette of courtship in the olden time that may be commended: i. JOHN WISE TO GEN. CROPPER. [Without date.] Feeling myself irresistibly impelled by inclination, and prompted by a sense of propriety, I have presumed now to address you upon a subject of importance and delicacy. Having conceived an affection for your daughter (Miss Sally), I beg leave to solicit your permission to make my address to her, and at the same time let me express the hope that, should I be so fortunate as to succeed in gaining her affections, my first wishes may not be frustrated by your disapprobation. I have thought proper to make this application to you on the subject in this manner, rather than in person, because my character (if I have acquired any), my condition, and my situation in life are not altogether unknown to you, and if objections are to be made they can be more freely communicated in this than in any other way. I have heretofore proceeded no further with the lady tiffin merely obtain her permission to make this application, and, sir, I now pledge you the honor of a gentleman that, in case you have objection of an insuperable nature to the proposed union, whatever may be the chagrin, regret and mortification which I may feel on the occasion, I will not disturb the quiet of a parent, extremely solicitous, no doubt, for the happiness of a beloved daughter, by persisting any further with her. Permit me to assure you that I am, with much consideration and respect, your obedient servant, John Wise. ii. GEN. CROPPER TO JOHN WISE. Bowman’s Folly, 11th May, 1797. Sir : Although the application made by your letter of this day was unexpected, yet my reflections heretofore on the subject have prepared me to answer: That however solicitous I may be for the temporal felicity of my daughter and future respectability of my child, she is the only proper judge of the person best calculated to make her happy. Respect and impartiality ought to be shown by me to you or any gentleman that might make his address to my daughter, and I confide in your candor and judgment. I am, sir, with due respect, your obedient servant,

JOHN CROPPER.