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Frankfort Dec. 24. 1825
Dear Elizabeth
I visited you this morning under a hope that an opportunity might occur of having a full and free conversation with you on the various subjects, which I trust and believe are mutually interesting. None such having offered, I have selected this means as the only one left to hold communion on any of those subjects without exposing, or perhaps exciting suspicions too highly as to the situation we occupy with regard to each other---and now have had necessarily to entrust a highly valued esteemed and trusty friend with my views in part. his discretion and friendship are a sufficient guarrantee.
The Emotions excited in my mind by the unreserved and candid manner in which my views and wishes were met on your part will be as lasting, as my affection for you is pure and sincere, and I am confirmed in the favorable estimate I had formed of your character. Do not suspect me of flattery. I never speak its language; and to you I owe the language of sincerity. I would again visit you previous to leaving town, did I not expect that our views would be suspected, and painfull as it is to do so, must submit to return home without again seeing you.
My business after my return will necessarily call me from home for a short time; after which I cannot deny myself the happiness of coming down to visit you. Should your intended visit to the lower Country---be hastened by a rise of the river, may I not hope that before the period of your departure arrives, you will contrive some means of letting me know when you will leave here, that I may see you previously; and I hope I do not ask of you too much when I solicit your confidence so far as to hold a correspondence with me during your absence. That confidence, so much prized I will never abuse. if this plan should meet your approbation, I hope you will suggest some means by which my letters would reach you.
The Pledge I have given you, shall be faithfully redeemed if life is spared, and the promise to be mine which I have received from you will I hope be held sacred by you. I will believe so. I dare not doubt it. To have the promise of your hand, and to possess your affections is to me so highly desirable, that I cannot for a moment doubt, that as I have been assured that I possess the latter, I shall also in due time possess the former. A few short months
I trust will put me in possession of both.
If your feelings should prompt you to write me at this or any other time I hope you will not be fearful of confiding too much in me. My honor & character & affections shall be your shield and protection. The mail may be trusted, if you feel disposed to write. My dear Elizabeth, I pray you, not to forget me---or to forget that however we may be seperated by distance, that my heart, & my affections linger about the spot where you are to be found.
In haste very affectionately & truly Yrs.
R. S. Todd
Miss Elizabeth L. Humphreys
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