Contributed: January 2007
Contributed by Louise Williams, found in a trunk of her grandmother Carrie Tynes Wright who was the first child of Henry and Mattie Rogers Tynes. (spelling is Henry’s)
Booneville Miss
Jan "8", 1870 (1871?)
Miss Mattie Rogers,
I
am at this moment in receipt of your more than thrice welcome
letter dated the "8" inst.
I
am sorry indeed to hear of your ill health. I hope it has improved
by this time. I also regret exceedingly that I did not see you
Christmas while at Mrs. Wright's. But circumstances rendered it
impracticable for me to leave town the evening that I heard you
was there, and your brother Hue said you would leave the next
morning. You returned thanks for the candies I sent by Mr. J.
Wright. I hardly think the present was worth thanking for, yet
it was the best that I could do in the way of a present at that
time.
I
will tell you what presents I received on the Christmas tree (Viz)
1st. Two pipes, one mercham; 2st one walking cane; 3th a watch
pocket, which was the most of any. We had a gay time, and Thursday
night after we had a storm party. I wish you could have been present.
The
Booneville Clippings -
Miss
Julie Jorden has been spending a few of her leisure hours with
us, do not know wheather she has gone home or not, though I guess
not, for she told me that she expects to remain until July.
Mr.
R. D. Holly I guess has quit clerking. At least he and his employer
have been quarreling for some time, and Robert went home Saturday
night without mentioning it to his merchant and Mr. Burqu... told
me this morning that he had quit! Variety you know of anything
is the spice of life in business as well as anything else, so
Robert thought clerk a while then do something else.
I
received your letter and was proud of it, have it in my hand now,
have just read where you signed your name saying "yours always,
Mattie", and thought to myself did she really mean what she
said. I am willing to believe it anyway. You must say in your
next letter wheather you did or not.
Your own H.L.T.
P.S. You must not let your Ma read this letter, for you know she don't like love talk much,
H
Booneville Miss
Feb "4", 1871
Miss Mattie Rogers
Dearest
Friend,
Your
letter of the "3" ultimo met a hearty reception by me.
It is now late at night. Peacefully the sun has sank to rest,
and beautiful tranquil evening has deepened into night and left
this mundane habitation to the sway of Pluto. All things seem
to be wrapped in the arms of sweet morphys. Peace and tranquility
reign. Yet the silver-like moon is present with all of her modesty
and lamb-like she performs her revolutions around this globe of
ours. The Stars too are peeping forth with all of their brilliancy
and splendor, witnessed by the theatre of time as it gently glides
away unknown to the greater number of the population of Booneville,
though I am one that have not yet given up to the present task
of sleep. Still awake pondering over the past and contemplating
the future. And in so doing strange querries arise. Yes, even
enigmas that I am not able to solve, though I will not mention
what they are at present, will tell you some time. But in reverting
back to the past and by memories gentle hand: the time that I
met you in Booneville seems as fresh in my mind as on that day.
The pleasure that I enjoyed during that short period of time was
almost supernatural. That occasion is one that can never be erased
from my memory, 'no never'. Oh: if I knew that this was reciprocated
the source of pleasure that it would afford me would be unknown
to all save that of Deity alone.
But
I will stop this subject. I guess you are tired reading such.
Will tell you about a wedding that I attended last week in this
place. Went to the Methodist church to marry then to the residence
of the bride's father and eat supper, candies, raisons and everything,
cakes in abundance. All these four things besides a good deal
more too numerous to mention composed the supper. I've forgotten
to mention the syllabub. It was so nice and good the next day
we all went out with guests on a bridal toast, had another fresh
supper awaiting us and after supper dancing was the order of the
night.
We
continued this untill next morning at sunrise. After breakfast
we returned to Booneville worn out and sick at heart, on account
of so much mud in Black land that we had to go through. But we
all had buggies and we did not mind that so much as the rain that
we were exposed in while comeing, though I attribute the greater
portion of our fatigue to dancing.
Your
description of your trip from Iuka is frightful indeed. I can
not blame you for being scared while crossing the deep watter.
I do not think Dorn Jr. & Hue did you justice in laughing.
You say you had a gay time attending the writing school. I only
wish that I could have gone to run horse races with you.
Good by, Yours, H.L.Tynes
Booneville Miss
Mar "27" 1871
Miss Mattie Rogers
Esteemed
friend
I
am just in receipt of your brief note asking for your letters
and Picture. Which I must acknowledge was very surprising to me
for I am sure that I have done nothing knowingly to merit this
treatment from you. And if you have any reason for wishing to
cut our further acquaintance I hope your nobleness of mind, and
generosity of spirit will be ever ready and willing to give me
a chance to vindicate my character,
or explain my actions
or correct any misconstruction that might have been accidentally
placed on any of my letters. For I know that I am more than proud
to retain you as my friend, and be permitted if agreeable to further
extend my friendship by becomeing more intimately acquainted by
visits and through the medium of the pen also. Now as I have before
stated, I am not clear of faults, but if you are enough interested
to make any effort you can find out who I am, and what I am, by
refering to those who have known me all my life. I hope that I
may be permitted to continue my correspondence and also my visits.
With a wish for your happiness and my kindest respect to your
Mother & Father, I am very respectfully Your friend
Henry L. Tynes
P.S. If you can grant me one more interview, answer this by Saturday next and I will be out to see you on Sunday succeeding without fail. I will also take with me your letters and Picture, but hope that we can arrange our affares without having to exchange. Tell me whether we can or not. I leave the whole matter with you. And I firmly believe if you was well acquainted with all the circumstances you would not blame me half so much as you do. Give this your earnest and thoughtful attention.
************************************************
Booneville Miss
April "13" 1871
Miss Mattie Rogers.
(Dearest
one)
I
have this evening received your Sweet and thrice welcome letter,
which proved quite a source of pleasure, for I do not know of
any thing that can afford me more real enjoyment and more satisfaction
than to hear from you. I think you acted prudently in not letting
them see my letter, as I sometimes write things that I do not
want any person to see but yourself. I am sorry to hear that Hugh
is in ill health, hope that he may get well soon and bring you
here to Mrs. Wrights as you will not consent for me to go after
you. Be certain to let me know at what time you want to come,
for I am more than anxious to see you.
I
went to Baldwyn again this week, though my trip was only to attend
to business, not for the purpose to see any lady, but I made it
convenient to see Miss Lucas the Belle of Baldwyn, had a nice
time with her. Carried my Album with me with the intention of
getting some of my gentlemen friends pictures and while at Mr.
Lucas' Miss Sametta stole one of my Pictures and I did not find
it out untill I returned to Booneville. The next day she sent
me a large Beauquet which was very nice indeed. I then to day
wrote her a short thesis on the beauquet and wound up by requesting
her to send me my picture. Excuse nonsense but I can't think of
any thing else to write.
Miss
Mat I guess my statement concerning Miss Sametta Lucas & myself
interprets your dream and I am exceedingly glad to say that I
am not married unless it was to a certain one. Will not tell you
her name here. Will leave you to guess at that. Who do you suppose
it would be. It would be as you said in your letter. The prettiest
lady that now exists in all the world. If you will remind me of
this the next time I see you I will tell you her name.
I
think you are right in your conjecture about not writing what
we was talking about, for fear one might take the letter. But
you must excuse me for asking you to have done so in my other
letter, for I was so anxious to know that I could not help it.
And I am anxious yet but oh! I shall have to wait untill I see
you and the time will seem so long. I sometimes wish I had never
met a lady that I could love, and again if I was deprived of the
blessed privilige of not seeing you I should be miserable. I consider
it an honor to correspond with you, and the time when you told
me that you liked me, I felt as though heaven had bestowed upon
me its richest boon in having even a friends place in your fond
heart. I will close. Write me soon for I do not know when I shall
be able to see you. Do not tell any person about this letter for
my sake.
Yours, Henry Tynes
*************************************************
Booneville, Miss
May 31, 1871
Dearest Mattie
Your
Sweet messenger from Fulton was received this morning. I was very
glad indeed to receive it. I have thought that you did not like
me only a little. But since I was out to see you I think you like
me much better than I anticipated. Everything proves to me that
you are the lady that I first judged you to be. And I believe
I will explain my decision about you. At first sight I have met
one of earth's fairest ladies. She is far superior to any that
I have ever saw, pure as the climes of eternal bliss, possessed
with a heart of purity and in her soul I see those qualities that
are rare to be found and no one else endeared with them, only
persons like Miss Mattie. Never have I met a lady before that
I appreciated so fondly, one that I could love so devotedly and
one that seamed so fair as Miss Mattie. Yes, the prime factors
of my heart belong to you. It is you alone that I have promised
and vowed to love, and ever to continue to do so and in return
you have promised to do the same. Can you. will you ever brake
this sacred promise? Be true and that is all that I ask.
Miss
Phenie Wamac seams to be very much interested concerning our affairs.
Also your neighbors that sing so prettily. I would not notice
any thing that they done or said. Always recollect that a person
of refinement and good manners every way will not act in that
way. Just consider the source from whence such reports come and
let it go ---
You
recollect I told you in one of my former letters that the persons
that you thought were your friends would change like chameleons
and be your enimies. I would not say so but I know all about such
people. The Allens would have us be enimies if they knew any plan
to accomplish their finest desires. But no one on earth could
persuade me to dislike my Darling little
Mattie. You said you had given Mr. Rhodes one of your Pictures.
Yet you said it was not because you loved him. I hope you do not.
But Miss Mattie I will allow you the privilege to love any person
that you choose and if you ever do love any one better than you
do me you must tell me so, for I do not think it would be right
for us to be engaged and you to love some one better. Do not think
That I am accusing you of loving Mr. Rhodes, neither do I insinuate
that you ever will. I only mean to let you know my notions about
such things. And would you not think I was treating you with injustice
to be engaged to you and to love some one else, though you need
not think that I will ever love any one else but yourself, for
I duely considered the matter before I ever mentioned it to you.
And I hope that you did the same before accepting my ring. Any
way I believe you did. I gave you my notions about what to tell
Mr. Rhodes in a letter that I wrote you last Saturday night and
if you coincide with me I would tell him, if not do as you think
best. I do not know as it is any harm to give him your Picture,
though I hope I will see you soon and we will talk all about such
things.
I
will be out when I promised if nothing happens. You said you wished
that I was with you, that I could have a nice time. I know I could
enjoy myself with you any where: Wish I could see you this evening.
But it is a vain wish for I cannot. Therefore I will be contented
to think that you have not forgotten me and that I am blessed
with the gracious gift of a letter from you and find consolation
in responding to your more than doubly appreciated favor. I know
I am too foolish about you, but cannot help it. Therefore I again
ask you to excuse me.
Will
now try to write you such news as we have in Booneville, though
times are very dull.
The
Episcopalians preached here last night. The Priest was dressed
in a white robe with black stripes in the bossome. We first prayed,
then he went all around the congregation and gave them a small
Book apeice and he would read
a part then the congregation would all respond.
I
was with some young ladies and told them that I belonged to the
Episcopalian church and for them to read as I did. We had a fine
time. I wished for you very much.
The
Presbyterian meeting comes off Saturday and Sunday next. I told
the pastor of the church that I was going join on Sunday, he has
been to see me twice about it. I found that I had to tell him
better. (Though I believe I will get good if I can see you often
enough) The Examination at Baldwyn comes off the 25th of June.
I suppose great preparations are being made in order to make it
entertaining.
I
ought to have waited untill next week before I answered your letter
because you will not get it untill Thursday the 8th. Then I could
have told whether I could come or not. But I will write again
next week.
Good by my Dearest Mattie,
Henry L. Tynes
**************************************************
Booneville, Miss
June “5” 1871
Miss Mattie
I
will write you a few lines in order to let you know that I will
be out next Saturday. Nothing new has occurred since I wrote last.
We had a splendid meeting Saturday and Sunday last. But I did
not Join the church.
Capt
Walsh has been here several days. He teases me considerable abut
you. Says he is going to your Pa’s next week and tell you
not to let me go to see you any more: unless I would assist him
in getting an order for Shoes + Boots. And we gave him an order
this morning; so he says he will interceed for me with you.
The
piece of Cedar + rose Bud were very nice indeed. They have good
emblems. Thanks are not sufficient to return to you for them.
I will send you a small piece of paper cut in the shape of a heart,
which I intend to represent mine. And I give it to you, and it
shall ever remain yours’ unless you see proper to get one
that you like better, which I hope you will never do. We have
tow artists in town. One of them is a splendid artist. I am going
to have a picture taken large size and put in a frame for you,
(would you like it).
Do
not engage your company to Mr. Rhodes for Sunday for I am certain
to be there; and I would not like to be troubled with him. I would
like for us to be all alone as usual for I can enjoy it so much
better to talk to you and not have no one to trouble us. I guess
you are getting tiered of me writhing to you about Rhodes, though
excuse me and I I will promise not to mention his name any more
in a letter to you. What if Mr. Rhodes
knew that he was such an important character in our corrispondence.
Don’t you think he ought to consider himself honored if
he only knew it. But you must not let him know that I ever mentioned
his name in a letter.
Miss
Mollie Williams sent me word that she would be in town next Saturday;
and remain next week. I sent her word to come, but I will not
be here to see her; as I am going out to see my D.
Mattie. I showed her the ring that I wrote to you about,
and made her believe that you did not have my ring; yet I did
not say any thing to leave her room to think that I loved her.
I only talked to her in this way. Told her that I loved no lady,
and liked her as well as any of my acquaintance, recollect that
I did not consider you in that number as I consider you something
moore to me than a mere friend and I was talking to her about
friendship. Miss Mollie is a nice little lady. But she don’t
suit me in no respect; I believe she is liking me too much, and
I am going to tell her the next time that I have an opportunity
that I did not intend to impress her with the idea that I intend
to make love to her, and she is mistaken; I have no desire to
trifle with her affections, and I will not. I am like the old
woman that you wrote to me about, believe that flirting is a sin.
I do not know as to the scandal, cannot coincide with her on that.
Tell
Lee that I will bring him some candy when I come; and that he
must be large enough to have a sweetheart by that time.
Good by, Yours only
Henry Tynes
Inclosed you will find some folly.. P.S. Since writing this letter I feel very unwell and if I do not come Saturday, you must write by next mail. Henry
*************************************************
Booneville, Miss.
Aug 14, 1871
Miss Mattie
I
am again disappointed, made sure I would receive a letter from
you this week. I cannot imagine why you have not written. Several
reasons present themselves to account for your silence. Still
I can not arrive at any definite conclusion. Will not mention
here my notions about it for I might be wrong.
I
have not since our correspondence commenced failed to write to
you at least one letter every week. and you have treated me in
this way several times. Yet I am not offended because I deem it
your privilege to write to me whenever you choose and not mine
to dictate for you. I always give justice and then I want to receive
the same. Do not understand me to be accusing you of injustice,
or that you are of that disposition, for I have always thought
that you are possessed with that noble and generous disposition
as to give justice and equity to all. To be plain about it, I
think you one of God's choice creatures. Hope you have not again
thought me deceptive and will not write on that account. Surely
if this is the case you have no confidence in me - and unless
you do have full confidence you never can have the feeling for
me that you ought to have. We ought not to think of such a thing
as fickleness, for as long
as we harbor their little whims and do not try to cast them aside
we never can accomplish what we have promised. And for us to cut
asunder the ties, the vows, the solemn pledges would be almost
death its self to me; however I know
one thing and that is this, I will always act the part that I
have promised faithfully and can only hope that you will do the
same.
I
have no news, but I did not commence this letter to report news.
I am going to Baldwyn this eve. Guess I will see Laster. Now you
must write to me Saturday and say when I must come out. The reason
that I make this request is that you spoke of going to Eastport
to meet Mrs. Deseuchet and you might not be at home when I would
be there. I can go most any time now as business is dull and not
much to do.
Good by
Yours, Henry
PS I saw Daniel Wright Saturday. He told me that you had fine company the day you went to Mr. Columbus Hare's. Andrew Wilson stayed with me Saturday night. Said he was going to your Pa's Saturday next and was going to tell you a great many things I said.
***************************************************
Booneville Miss,
Aug "22" 1871
Dearest Mattie,
I
arrived in Booneville safe Though I was very much fatigued as
yesterday was so exceptively warm. I called at three different
places. Mr. Crouch's, Howell's and Capt. Carter's. Had a very
nice time with Miss Mattie Carter. She spoke of you being at Mrs.
Wrights, and said she expected you to call and see her before
you went back to home. (I think Miss Maggie Wright had promised
to carry you down to see her) I went to the P.O. this morning
and found your very dear letter awaiting me. It was appreciated
as highly as though I had not heard from you in a month. Yes I
am always glad to hear from you, and if it was possible for me
to hear from you every hour, my inclination would not be satisfied,
for it is my wish to be with you all the time, but such is impossible
at present. Still I can wait and be happy to think that one I
love so well loves me too.
Please
excuse the length of this letter, I have no news, besides have
been very busy since my return and have written in a hurry. Yours
truly and only, Henry
**************************************************
Booneville, Miss Sept "30" 1871
Miss Mattie Rogers,
Dearest
Mattie
I
have just finished reading your letter of the "29" ins.
and must say that I do not know what to write, since reading of
the death of your Sister Carrie. I feel as though nothing that
I can write will interest you but let me say that I sympathise
with you all most Sincerely and
know that it is almost heart breaking to think that you can not
see her again on earth, one that you loved so well, one that you
cherished and prized to the uttermost of your heart's extent is
gone to that land never to return again, to that home where alone
the blessed ones are permitted to enter, to that delightful place
where nothing but peace, bliss and tranquillity reigns. I know
it is hard for you to give her up though. These things we can
not help, and there is but one consolation (Viz) do all that you
can to make yourself happy and good, use all the means that heaven
has placed in your power to meet her in that gorgeous region.
Then if you accomplish these facts, you will get to see your dear
Sister Carrie again in Heaven.
This
subject I know is one that grieves you, therefore I will not say
any thing more about it, though try not let it trouble you too
much as it might prove injurious to your health.
I
went to church this morning, heard a splendid Sermon delivered
by Rev. O. F. Rogers, a Presbyterian preacher, he preaches again
to night, but I did not wish to be present as I wanted to answer
your letter. Nothing new has occurred this week, only our town
has assumed a much livlyer aspect since fall of the year set in.
All of the clerks are busily employed from morning untill night.
Some of them speak of having a party next Thursday night. Don't
think I will attend as I have promised myself to quit attending
parties.
Excuse
brevity. Will write more next time. Hope I will hear from you
soon.
Good by
Yours Henry
*******************************************************
Booneville, Miss.,
Oct "15" 1871
Miss Mattie Rogers,
Dearest
Mattie
Your
very sweet letter arrived here on the down train this evening.
I assure you I was glad to receive it, as it had been two weeks
since I had heard a word from you, though considering the circumstances
I did not blame you and only thank you to the dephths of my heart
for the precious favor sent me this week. Sorry to hear that you
have again been having the chills. It seames as though they have
spite at you, but hope that the medicine which you represent to
be so disagreeable to take will affect a permanent cure. Haiter's
Tonic has always proved to be very affectual, and will always
cure the chills when taken in accordance with directions, which
you ought to observe closely.
I
received a letter from my brother Lucius yesterday. He also stated
that he saw you at church. Guess he was with the Misses Gains
as he spoke about them in his letter though he did not say he
was with them. Will tell you what he said when I see you. I am
again well and think from this time forward will have good health
as cold weather is close at hand. I always have good health in
winter.
Circuit
court commences here tomorrow. One or two very important cases
will be tried during this term of court. One man will be tried
for his life. Oh, can't you imagine his feelings. The charges
against him are for murder, and if it is proved that he is guilty
then let him receive his Just reward, which I think a fair Statement.
We
had preaching here this morning, but as the day had been so unfavorable
there were but a few out to hear the Sermon so ably delivered
by the distinguished Babtist preacher Mr. Smith of Columbus Miss.
He is an excelant preacher and I think will move to our town.
If so he is calculated to do much good in advancing the morality
of the people. I called to see Miss Bettie Hale this evening,
but did not enjoy my visit so well. Her little brother had climbed
a tree some thirty feet high and fell out, breaking his arm in
two places, also causing concussion of the brain. He is now in
a State of delirium, insensible of his misery. It is very doubtful
whether he will get well or not. They requested that I should
remain with them, but I refused as I wanted to write to you. Told
them that I would go back tomorrow night.
Will
close my letter, for I know that such as I have written does not
interest you, but I do not know anything else. Therefore excuse
composition this time.
If nothing prevents I will see you next Saturday. Write anyway.
Good by
Yours Henry L. Tynes