Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

BECOMING AMERICA
REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE
she is naturally of a gay disposition. No matter for that; it is an agreeable quality,
where there is discretion sucient for its regulation. A cheerful friend, much more
a cheerful wife, is peculiarly necessary to a person of a studious and sedentary life.
They dispel the gloom of retirement, and exhilarate the spirits depressed by intense
application. She was formerly addressed by the late Mr. Haly, of Boston. He was
not, it seems, the man of her choice; but her parents were extremely partial to him,
and wished the connection to take place. She, like a dutiful child, sacriced her
own inclination to their pleasure so far as to acquiesce in his visits. This she more
easily accomplished, as his health, which declined from their rst acquaintance,
led her to suppose, as the event has proved, that he would not live to enter into any
lasting engagements. Her father, who died some months before him, invited him
to reside at his house for the benet of a change of air, agreeably to the advice of his
physicians. She attended him during his last illness with all the care and assiduity
of a nurse and with all the sympathizing tenderness of a sister.
I have had several opportunities of conversing with her. She discovers an
elevated mind, a ready apprehension, and an accurate knowledge of the various
subjects which have been brought into view. I have not yet introduced the favorite
subject of my heart. Indeed, she seems studiously to avoid noticing any expression
which leads towards it; but she must hear it soon. I am sure of the favor and interest
of the friends with whom she resides. They have promised to speak previously in
my behalf. I am to call, as if accidentally, this afternoon just as they are to ride
abroad. They are to refer me to Miss Wharton for entertainment till their return.
What a delightful opportunity for my purpose! I am counting the hours—nay, the
very moments. Adieu. You shall soon again hear from your most obedient,
J. BOYER.
Letter V
TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.
NEW HAVEN.
These bewitching charms of mine have a tendency to keep my mind in a state of
perturbation. I am so pestered with these admirers! Not that I am so very handsome
neither; but, I don’t know how it is, I am certainly very much the taste of the other
sex. Followed, attered, and caressed, I have cards and compliments in profusion.
But I must try to be serious; for I have, alas! one serious lover. As I promised you to
be particular in my writing, I suppose I must proceed methodically. Yesterday we
had a party to dine. Mr. Boyer was of the number. His attention was immediately
engrossed; and I soon perceived that every word, every action, and every look was
studied to gain my approbation. As he sat next me at dinner, his assiduity and
politeness were pleasing; and as we walked together afterwards, his conversation
was improving. Mine was sentimental and sedate—perfectly adapted to the taste
of my gallant. Nothing, however, was said particularly expressive of his apparent
wishes. I studiously avoided every kind of discourse which might lead to this topic.
I wish not for a declaration from any one, especially from one whom I could not
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