Letter from William Hardy to Sallie Johnson; 07 June 1860

              Raleigh Miss
June 7th 1860
Dear Miss Sallie:
	Since my arrival home I have been quite busy, and hence have been forced to defer writing to you – besides I know you are subjected to the vexatious annoyances of an inquisitive meddlesome set every time you receive a letter from me and hence on your account I defer it as long as possible. 
I promised to have that remedied for you by instructing the P.M. myself, but I did not do so for want of an opportunity.
I regretted that I could not have a private interview with you the last night I spent in B- but of course you know what I did – and the result – (I mean the interview with Mr. J-) was truly gratifying to me; and I felt my friendship – my esteem for him instantly increase at a considerable rate, and dream of a more pure and unsullied character when he responded – “I am happy to state, that I have no objection” my rejoinder was my highest aim and object shall be, even to merit a continuance of the confidence which you repose in me;” a pledge which I hold second only to the one made you – “Ever to be true, faithful, loving and constant;” and it shall be piously kept and redeemed at the hazard of all Earthly happiness.