Augusta: John D. Imboden to Annie Lockett, August
26, 1870
Summary:
Imboden writes of his disappointment that he could not speak to Annie privately
before he left Virginia for New York.
Aug 26 /70
Boydton
My dear, very dear Miss Annie
I can not leave without a note to tell you how grieved I was not to have been
able to say a few words I wished to speak at parting. I left you at Miss Goode's
because I thought I discovered I was in the way, and that your friend was
present on our walk to deprive me of the coveted opportunity I sought, but could
not have; all the evening, for only a very few words of good bye. If I had known before we started
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that he was going
I would have sent Miss Goode my apology by you & not have made myself a
third party to the walk. Where one is so deeply attached as I am to you, without
any ground of hope to stand upon, even trifles are watched. And the Constant
presence of this gentleman with you all the evening till I
left, when he also left and came to town in the same [deleted: vehicle] ambulance with me, has alarmed me more than I can express. If
he alone is responsible for this Constant watchful presence, I would not attach
so much im-
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portance to it, for it is natural he should wish to be
with you, but if it was your request that he should be a third party during the
last few hours I could possibly be with you, then indeed I am about to awake to
a reality I have all the time dreaded - that I am too late - hopelessly too
late. I do earnestly - Oh! so earnestly hope all this, as
far as you are concerned was accidental. Forgive me for writing you
this hasty note, and for God's sake answer it to 257 Broadway
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New
York, by the first mail and relieve my anxieties if I am laboring under a
painful, but I think natural misapprehension. God bless you and make you always
happy.
Sincerely & devotedly yours
J.D. Imboden
Endorse your letter "private" on the envelope. Excuse
this paper & a bad pencil. I have nothing else to use. My love to
your sisters & family.
Good bye.
