0 comments
OBJECT MATRIMONY
By
Tom Pyle
My Dear Madam McBride, November 24th, 1877
I was greatly heartened to have received your kind letter as of this date. I’ve been counting the days since my ad soliciting a correspondence courtship with the object of matrimony was posted in the New York Times. Please pardon any abruptness you may sense in the tone of my reply to your many questions as it is certainly not my intent to offend you in any way; my haste being brought about by an abrupt change in location and in the circumstances of my employment.
So, in answer to your first question, yes, I am a Sergeant in the Texas Rangers and very proud of the job we do. It is difficult work and, after this many years doing it, I’m ready to be done with it. Given the nature of the profession, I’ve never thought it proper to bring a wife and start a family out here since I was gone so much of the time. In regard to your second question, yes there is always a risk of being killed by outlaws, or renegade Indians, or miserable rattlesnakes of all types, reptile and human. Leaving a widow with children alone out here seemed a bit too chancy to me given my occupation, besides being shortsighted as to protecting those you swore to protect.
Therefore, having made the decision to change the nature of my occupation to one less challenging, with the intent of making Denison here my home, it now seemed appropriate to find a good, Christian woman who was willing to start a life here in Texas, despite the outlaws, renegades, and snakes. Ha! I have a little money set back and my eye on a nice 80-acre tract near the Red River where I would sure like to settle down and raise a family. My plan is to get hired on as a Deputy or Town Marshal and bring in a little income that way, which along with a little farming, ought to provide (us?) a decent living, without all the risks and travel that come along with being a Ranger. I have grown old and tired of travel and war.
As to your third question, yes, I fought in the War Between the States and, being from Texas, ended up on the losing side. I don’t like to talk about that much. Once you’ve seen a battlefield strewn with—never mind. Perhaps someday, in person, we can talk about it if you wish.
I was ordered today to travel to San Elizario, over by El Paso, where they’ve been fighting over salt for many years. I’m supposed to join up with the Frontier Battalion to help keep the peace, which there’s not much of right now. Don’t have to many details, but I’ve got to get saddled up and out of here. El Paso is about 700 miles or so away and that’s a long ride. Figure it will take most of a month to get there. Not sure what good I can do, I’m just one man, but I’ll tell you this, I will do what I can.
Well, I best wrap this up for now and get it sent off soonest. Again, thanks very much for your fine correspondence and that Bible verse. I’ll carry your letter with me on the trail and try and answer more of your questions. I hope my having fought for the South doesn’t offend you?
I took the chance telling you because there’s no point in hiding and lying about things. If we’re to be married, we need the truth about each other. I’ve never been married. I was in love once before, when I was younger, but cholera ended that.
Will write again soon. Godspeed.
Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant,
Samuel Johnston
TELEGRAM
Abilene, December 2nd, 1877
Madam Kathleen McBride,
Made it to Abilene; so far so good. Stopped to change horses. Got a strong one this time. Answer to your question #4 is no. Next stop, Ranger HQ in El Paso, Very truly yours, Sam
Dearest Kathleen, December 13th, 1877
Greetings from El Paso! You can only imagine my shock and extreme delight at receiving your letter here at Ranger Headquarters! They’re giving me a new horse today and sending me on to San Elizario to help out. The locals have been rioting over access to the salt flats. From what I’m told, these salt flats were considered public property by Americans, Tejanos and Mexicans, and this guy Howard filed a claim and is trying to get title to the salt and make them all pay him for the privilege of taking the same salt that they used to take for free. I don’t have many particulars, but it all sounds a little fishy to me.
Anyway, I wanted to get this out to you before I head out. No, I am not surprised that a woman of your intelligence and might I say good looks (based on the photo you sent, thank you very much) was married once before. Not having raised children myself, I have no personal experience on which to base an opinion other than what I’ve observed, but I can imagine it most trying to raise up a young boy and girl as a widow. As to our relationship, I don’t see that as being any sort of problem.
As to your question five, no, I don’t see anything wrong with women getting the right to vote, or own property, or anything like that. I’m not very traditional that way I suppose. From my experience, I’d say if a woman wants to take her shot at running things, well that’s fine by me. Can’t say that we men have done such a good job.
Oh, speaking of non-traditional and in answer to question six, again another no. I don’t belong to any church. As a young man, right before the war, I was baptized Presbyterian, but I’d be fine with going to whichever church you and the children choose. I think that matters more to people than to God.
One last thing, I’ve no family left. Smallpox and cholera claimed most of them. A few cousins were killed in the war, so I guess you’d say I’m a 34-year-old orphan. The thought of having my own family again gives me so much hope and cause to live that I can hardly wait to meet in person. Should that meeting meet with your satisfaction, my intent would be to escort our new family to their new home in Texas. I do not think it proper for a young woman and children to travel so far unescorted. Perhaps I am more traditional than I think. Ha!
Well, my horse is ready, and I guess I’d better go. The rioters have a company of 20 Rangers bottled up in a Church and that’s not something that ever happens. Honest now, I get this done and I’m ready to settle down and, if I’m not being too forward, hoping it will be with you. As always,
Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant,
Sam
TELEGRAM
El Paso, December 15th, 1877
Madam Kathleen McBride,
Greetings. Sgt. Johnston was ambushed and shot near San Elizario yesterday. He advised you were his next of kin. He is expected to recover.
Lieutenant Tays
You must sign up or log in to submit a comment.
0 comments