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Gorham Aug. 17th AD,, 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 delicate and important nature_ However deffident 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 is a duty the performance of which, on my part, You Sir, have the most sacred 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 particularly 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 Faith, and the companion of my life_ My own happiness in life, I feel, is connected with the success of this my Desire_ and If my request be granted, I am Sensible that it would become both the duty and happiness of my life to promote her welfare and contribute to her felicety as far as shall lay in my power_ Providence, I believe Sir, has hitherto smiled on my desires- my prayers are partly answered_ I think it is not contrary to the will of God_ Of the feelings of your Daughter- it becomes me not to Speak.. it is sufficient to say_ I have reason to think that our feelings are correspondant_ and that such a connexion would be her wish if it but meets your approbation_ Mrs. Canfield. I have taken the liberty to address on the subject- and have the happiness to learn that it is not