John Wise's Courtship

As an illustration of the somewhat grandiloquent style of our grandfathers, Tho Norfolk Virginian publishes letters, one from John Wise, written to Gen. Cooper, sceking cermission to address his daughter, and" Gen. Cooper's reply. Mr. Wise wrote: "Feeling myself irresistibly impelled by inclination, and prompted by a sense of propriety, I have presumod now to address you upon a subject of importance and delicacy. Having conceived an affection for y our daughter (Miss Sally), I beg leave to solicit your permission to mate address to her, and at the same time let me expresa the hope that, should I be so fortúnate as to succeed in gaining her aflections, my first wishes may not be frustrated by your disapprobation. I have thought proper to make this appli"ation to you on the subject in this manner rather than in person, because my character (if I had acquired any), my coudition and my situation in lifo are not altogether unknown to you, and if objections aro to be made they can be more freely communicated in this than any other way. I have hitherto proceeded no further vvith the lady than merely obtain her permission to makethÍ3 application; and, sir, I now pledge you the honor of a gentleman that, in case you have objection of an insuperable nature to tho unión, whatever may be the chagrín, regret and mortification which I may feel on the occasion, I will not disturb the quiet of a parent, extreuaely solicitous, no doubt, for the happiness of a beloved daughter, by persistmg any further with her." Under date of May 11, 1793, Gen. Cooper responded, saying: "Although the application made by your letter of this day was unexpected, yet my reflections heretofore on the subject have prepared me to answer that, however solicitous I may be for the temporal felicity and the future respectability of my daughter, she is the only proper judge of the person best calculated to make her happy. Respect and impartiality ought to be shown by me to you or any other gentleman that might make his address to my daughter, and I coniide in your candor and judgment."