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Porham? Aug. 17th unclear 1816... Mr. Canfield. Honrd Sir, The Subject on which I have taken up the pen to address you , is, I am sensible of a very delicat and important nature_ However different my feelings may be in disclosing my desires, I am impelled to that disclosure by a Sense of Duty to God_ and by a conviction that it it a duty the performance of which, on my part, You Sir, have the most Seured right to demand_ Some weeks Since, directed by Providence, I came to the neighborhood of your residence- I was received in word crossed out your hospitable Family, not so much like a Stranger as a Son, such was your kindness. I became partially acquainted with Your Family- and partiulasly with Miss Canfield- your eldest daughter_ from our first interview I have felt for her an affection which time strengthens and increases and which I believe to be of the most pure, upright and lasting kind... Every tender feeling of my heart embraces your amiable Daughter_ I desire that she may be given to me, for the Bride of my unclear, and the companion of my life_ My own happiness in life, I feel, is commited with the Sweeps of this my Desire_