Copyright2026 Pelham History and Home “All Rights Reserved”
Copyright2026 Pelham History and Home “All Rights Reserved”
Copyright2026 Pelham History and Home “All Rights Reserved”
LOVE LETTER- 1840
Letter From George Wm Hansler to Mary Overholt
George Wm was one of Pelham’s first magistrates. His father was Andrew Hansler (son of George Hansler one of the first 5 settlers in Pelham 1793).
Here is the transcription of the letter:
My dear
For so I might call you, not expecting to have a chance to converse with you today, which would be very happy to me at all times I suppose you would not be surprised at a letter from me one who cannot but have a reason to believe that it would find as ready a welcome as he would himself.
I am well assured that you do not suppose that if lovers have lost their sight that their sense are banished. You are the only person that ever I esteemed and I flatter myself that I esteem you no higher than your merits deserve. It is not through mere extravagance of petty love that I esteem you more than the rest of your sex, but it is of a better nature it is your qualities and judgement as Solomon says virtuous women adorneth their husbands. Virtue is not its own reward and happiness is deaf to folly’s call.
I should have been very happy to have paid you a visit at the time appointed, but my health would not admit. I am gaining very fast. The doctor gave orders that I should not go out in the damp air while taking medicine, which will last about two or three weeks in which time I suppose I will not have a chance to converse with you, which will be a very long time to me, but we cannot force future wants and are therefore obliged to leave them to answering Providence. I think we will not forget each other so soon
Your real admirer,
George Wm Hansler