Turner, James. "Letter to My Friend." (1859) Rice University: https://hdl.handle.net/1911/75589.

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Feb'y 28th 1859

My Friend!

I've more than one reason I
feel inclined to write you a letter
tonight. In the beginning let me thank
you for three sweet letters you have
sent me since I came home. You
alone can judge of the joy all your
letters give me, and you must not
estimate my pleasure by that you
derive from reading mine for you
know the difference that exist in
the powers of the two to please, mine
being so far inferior to yours that there
can be no comparison drawn. Does not
your every day's experiences tell you that
it is not one out of the many that can
please so easily as my dear girl my
own Maria? All you say, all you
do, every act, smile, and expressive glance
speaks of a faithful, loving, and kind heart
and carries joy to that of those around you.

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It is now eleven oclock. Cousin Mit
came over with me this morning to spend
a day or two and we intend going to see
Dr. Jno McKay and his lady. She has
just played that piece I stole last
winter just for the mischief of the thing.
I asked her to play it. We talk as much
as ever about cousins Maria and Sallie.
She gives me a few lectures in the small
way occasionally telling me I will have
to quit smoking re re. She is a
good cousin.

You told me many things in those
letters. I was glad (not to hear) but
that you told me. Nothing that I
could object to or that I think unproper.
Understand me! An example will
explain my meaning. I have no fears
of Mr. Milburn but if he does not
find out you are engaged you will
have the pain to endure of telling him
what you told some of our Carolina
boys. I am not jealous for I am not
afraid now of being superceded in your
affections by him. What could he have

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meant by his sentence on the slate but
one thing? Why did he not say it, instead
of write it? There was another in hearing
I believe you will tell me all that
happens. You know I have not the liberty
of engaging in such adventures. They
might prove very disastrous to my
fortune, and I shall keep clear
of all risks. Mr. Allen, and Clarence
too are close by and have felt and
know the force of the magnet.
One peculiarity of this strange yet
powerful influence is that it attracts
bodies that are far off as well as those
that are nigh and the attraction is
permanent, 'tis lasting.

You will dislike very much to
leave Galveston. When cousin gets well
(which is by this time I hope) you will have
more company and will have become
acquainted. You will I hope enjoy
yourself in any and every way that
may suit your taste, and that may
be presented. You must be cheerful
and those around you will be also.

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You have some doubts about the
prosperity of coming back. next May
You will think differently when
your Mother and cousin Sallie are
more reconciled to it. Remember if
you had not have agreed with me
that Sunday night Aunty would
have objected. Now be for me, on
my side again and it will all be
right. The Carolina view is, partly as
ours and partly cousin Sallies. Pa
and Ma think as we do and all
will welcome you back. Cousin
Mit says the only reason she can
assign why it is not best as we
have determined, is the same Cousin
Sallie had, that it would be best
for us to have a home of our own
in the start. This we both know
but I cannot avoid its being as
it is just now. All those that
have spoken to me about it think we
had better delay no longer. They don't know
what arrangements we have made known.

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5

I was at church at Summerville
last Sunday but did not see Mr D.
Your Uncle is improving as you have
doubtless heard. He will soon
be well enough to ride and then
is coming down to spend some time
here. All the rest are well. "Kit" has
improved, I think, very much in the
last year and is a very nice young
lady.

How glad I was to hear Cousin was
well enough to move down to Aunt Lucy's
Will you not feel very lonely down
at your Grandpa's, and make many 
visits down street? I want to write
to cousin but something prevents me
every day. She knows however that
let what will happen she has a
firm friend in me, as I have always
believed her my friend, and in love
first cousin.

To yourself I will leave the decision
about writing to Cousin. You will do what
is right I know. Write if you think but
or feel inclined to do so.

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You know my heart is all devotion to you. Ever yours affectionately,
Jimmie Turner

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Cousin Mit has just told me a
dream she had last night about you
and me and cousin Mollie. She thinks
that same song was the cause of her
dreaming so. She says I was perfectly
devoted to Cousin Mollie and left
you during a long sickness to enjoy
myself with cousin M. This dream
I know must be taken by contrary.

To you I must leave also the
decision about riding with Mr Allen
Young ladies often have reasons for not
doing many things that young gentlemen
cannot appreciate and you will know
best in this matter. I see no objection.

I have written this very hastily.
I am going off to Little River to raft
some timber and must hurry up
as it is getting late. Just as soon
as possible I will write to your
Mother and sister. March has
come in, clear, windy and cold
If it will continue cold we will
have much fruit [[unclear]]. My love to Aunty
and my good wishes to Cousin for her speedy recovery.