Letter from Deacon John Kimball of Rumford (present day Concord) to Anne Ayer of Haverhill, Massachusetts, May 5, 1764.


Rumford May Ye 5th 1764

My Dear.

The distance of place interposing between us obliges me to commit that to writing which I should with much more pleasure verbally deliver had I opportunity, to be absent from one so amiable in mine eyes greatly disturbs the serenity of my mind ------ often have seen you in imagination since our friendly farewel, and so closely are you riveted to my affections that nothing can remove your idea, my misfortune is in nothing so conspicuous as in being separated from my dear which is more perplexing than youd be apt to conceive – Let no doubts or fears dwell on your mind that my love to you can abate, no charming beauty shall ever tempt me to injure you, my good wishes shall constantly attend you and may your steps be directed by the most High --- let us be ever mindful of our dissolution, and carefull that our affection center in the blessed Jesus (who is fairer than the Children of men) so may we in some very far distant moment, have a joyful meeting in the Regions of Bliss, and made partakers of those celestial pleasures which shall never be exhausted – let nothing be retracted that has past between us as you tender the felicity of him who tenders you as dear as his life – no more but my Compliments to cousin Betty – all from your unalterable friend and affectionate admirer

John Kimball