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                                                                          Sept. 6th 1875


Miss Sallie Hale

         Dear Madam:

Had it not have been for attracting the attention of the community and their 
prophecies, I should have sought an opportunity of disclosing to-you verbally what I now write:  
but as I could not do this without the above consequences, I take the liberty of addressing you. No 
excuse, no apology, can I offer for my boldness in addressing you, but the deep and fervid love 
that compels the act. Do not, I entreat you, consider me audacious for though I should be 
rendered miserable by a refusal, I cannot help telling you, how fondly, how truly and how 
devotedly I love you. And I now offer you my hand and heart in that sincerity which knows no 
wrong. Say then dearest Madam may I hope? Will you deign to accept the love I proffer you? If 
so I asure your presence will ever be a source of joy and comfort to me through life, and my life 
shall be devoted to the promotion of your happiness and never shall an unkind word or an 
unworthy act on my part, disturb the serenity of your life.

You doubtless are surprised at my avowal, and perhaps think me hasty in declaring my affection 
for you, but if permitted I can satisfactorily explain all. And I again would be pleased to call on 
you Friday evening next. Now don't think, that should my proposal meet with a favorable 
consideration on your part that I would urge an immediate marriage, I would be perfectly willing to 
bide your own time, be it long or short; and if you desired it, no one should ever know by my acts 
or words that either of us had ever thought of such a thing at this time. I hope you will not defer 
answering this as I shall wait for it with the greatest impatience. I am Dear Madam,

                               Yours sincerely and affectionately

                                          John D. Carne