The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1862-01-02
For The journal.
Leaves from Laurie Clarke's Diary.
In One Year.
BY LENA LATHRoP.

April 9th, 49,. Away out West! and |
have beheld the beautiful rolling prairics.
Beautiful is not the word taey are grand,
magnificent glorious even now in the
early Spring, and Aunt tells me that in few
weeks the prairies then cannot be compared
to the prairios Eow. Oh, how hope to
enjoy my sojourn of one year in the West
May 5th. have received several letters
from home lately, and two from Paul En-
mons. l wonder if do love him. / feel
no anxiety if do not hear from him as
often as | should, and do not think his
letters the most interesting. know I'm
real wicked, and he is so good, and then
told him loved him. believe it all came
from that foolish promise made last Winter
when taught at Ridgeton, that l would
have one offer, and that too from the prin-
ciplc, Paul Emmons.
June 3D.. "My niece Miss Clarke. Mr.
Hilton" and then followed few common
place remarks, ending by an invitation to
ride across the prairie, to Willow Creek
That was last evening, and we went early
this morning ] did not know whether to
accept the invitation Or not, but look from
Aunty decided me for knew what she
thought proper 'odS proper. After Mr.. Hill
ton had departed, Aunt told me that it was
quite custom for young gentlemen to in
vite lady strangers 10 walk, ride, attend
church, picnics, sociabes,' (partcs where
every one strives to make himself or herself
agrceable) on first acquaintance. 1t is so
different from what have been accustomed
to at home. However, like it very much,
and an invitation from as fine looking fel-
low as Mr.. Hilton is one not to be sighted.
declare, l have quite fallen in love already.
The morning was beautiful, with soft
balmy western breeze laden with perfume
from the flower crowned prairies Oh how
| welcome thee, June, bright month of
roses balmy breczes, blue skies and golden
sunsets. We started on horseback just as
the sun was rising Now, wouldn't that
astonish some of my lady friends at Ridge
ton? The horses were just what they
should be for equestrian exercising, the
young gentleman very interesting, and the
scenery delightful. Oh, the beautiful West
My soul went out to-day, and drank in all
the beauty of waving grass, many hued
flowers, singing birds and ripping creeks,
shaded by weeping willows Mr.. Hilton
seemed quite entertained by the enthusias-
4 JVnir af L., ! 4.
our ride became well acquainted. 1t seems
so strange. l have only seen him three
times, and yet | welcome him as an old
friend He called again this evening to ask
me if | would ride over to Princeton, next
Sabbath, to Episcopal church, "a distance
of six miles, Of course will go.
June 9th. have been teaching in Shady
Nook as l have named the place = two
weeks, and it seems scarce day, eo pleas
antly has the time passed. think, for
amusements and sociableness, the Western
people excel; ; and do not know but that
they are as intelligent and more cnterprising
than our eastern people.
July 9Th, How have spent the 4th p
The answer comes, las / never did before"
We have had grand time. No tedious
sng-song speeches, reading of the Declara-
ton of Independence, by whiny old men,
no little boys and fre-crackers-insepara
on such occasions,--in fact, nothing disa-
greeable. Just select company from Dar-
lingville started in carriages, with ample
provisions, and had picnic OH the bank
of the Mississippi, under the shade of the
old forest trees that border the banks on
either side--winding in and out along the
graceful curves. The river here is very
beautiful, and quite low in the summer time
very different from what expected to
see. We partook of our repast about noon,
and at four o'clock we started for Darling
vile, distance of eight miles. The road
from the river homo was very pleasant, run
ming over little miniature hills and lively
creeks by the refined name of Silver and
Blue. ! enjoyed the ride very much with
my escort Mr.. Hilton.
August Ith. Ireceived great long letter
today from Paul Emmons, covering four
pages of foolscapl Oh dear know now
! do not love him the leat bit, aud yet We
promised to be his wife. What snail / do /?
cannot send back his letters and daguerre-
otype. tell him was young ard did rot know