1862 July 18 [Salem, Va.]

                                     July 18th
Cousin Porte, 

                            Having obser-
ved the deceitfulness of the human
heart I have thought that I could
never trust any one so far as to
bestow upon him that which
you have asked--my love.
But frequent intercourse with
you & a most intimate ac-
quaintance have convinced
me that yours is a noble, a
true heart--one that would
not stoop to deception.  Influ-
enced by this conviction, I am
now about to reveal to you the

[page 2]
truth concerning my own sen-
-timents, as you have desired.
Pardon me, if you deem it bold-
ness on my part, for saying
that I was relieved of not a
little anxiety on reading the
contents of your letter. I believ-
ed that I knew your true sen-
timents towards me, but hav-
ing no positive basis, endeav-
ored to convnce myself that
I was too hasty in entertaining
such a belief.  Frequently have
I found my affection seeking
to incorporate itself with
yours, but never allowed it
entire freedom lest my hopes

[pag3]
& expectations should prove
vain.  But now, since I am as-
sured of  your love, in return I can
assure you that you "love not in vain,"
that the "tender sentiment which
thrills your heart" finds a respon-
sive echo in mine.  My hearts af-
fections are henceforth  yours--
entirely yours.  You will not
prove false to the trust--will
you, my cousin?  If I have open-
ed my heart too freely to you,
please pardon me.  Look upon
the weakness with Christian
charity, & believe me,
                     Sincerely yours,
                                       Minnie

Minnie's reply to Porte's proposal of July the 11th.

William McCauley, a teacher at Roanoke College and a soldier in the Dixie Grays, Co. E, 42nd Virginia, and Margaret Jane Shirey addressed each others by the nicknames "Porte" and "Shirey" 


MSS 14953