Augusta County: David H. Evans to Mary Anna Sibert,
September 15, 1868
Summary:
Evans admits to Sibert that he may have seemed cold on his last visit and
discusses the differences between men and women in their ability to show
affection. He acknowledges that such differences can cause problems between
husbands and wives. He reaffirms his love for Sibert and discusses family
news.
Sept 15th 1868
Staunton
My Dear Mollie
We arrived home safely we just got to town as it
commenced raining. I thought on my way home over what we were talking about Sunday night & in
the manner I Expressed myself you no doubt think I am Cold hearted & No affection about me but I am not. There is no one in this world
that has a more affectionate heart than
myself
though I do not Show the demonstration of my affections
as Some do. I always want you to Show your
demonstration of love for me
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when I come to see you. Then I know you
truly love me. Woman is more affectionate than man it is
her nature to love. When woman truly & sincerly loves & links her fate with one who professed to reciprocate
that love but after they are married She finds out that she has been deceived She will pine away from day to
day for the want of that true & holy affection
which every husband Should bestow
upon his wife & at last She dies broken hearted
carrying her Secrets with her to her Grave. There
are thousands of Such cases happen every day. Man I must
confess
does not really Know how to
appreciate the real
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worth of woman. The Soul of woman feeds upon love take that from her & you take her very
life. Man it is different he his thrown in to the variety of Business
& forgets for the time that they are Such a
thing as love, or that he has a loving wife at home waiting anxiously for him to come & when he does come he has no tender word of affection for the one who has waited So patiently for him
where She Expected to See a smile She Sees a frown
he comes in takes off his hat Sets down & is
Silent has no word of greeting for his wife what is the feelings of that wife no
one has any Idea but those who has Experienced
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Such treatment. both husband
& wife should Strive to make the home circle bright & Cheerful
& it depends in a great measure upon the wife to make it so.
passed Ella Yesterday She spoke to me very Politely. I love you with the same unchanging devotion of heart & soul I love you with my entire heart. I love you & only you & ever shall a long as I live. I Send love to your Ma, Ada & Hamie. I Send a loving Kiss to you and love you with all my heart & soul God Bless you Good bye
Yours
David H Evans