Young attorney's formal letter to future in-laws requesting daughter's hand

Recipient

Date Written

May 1, 1844

John E. Davids was 27 years old when this was written.
The recipient, William Bain, was -1 when it was received.

It was written 179 years, 5 months, 4 days ago.
It was a Wednesday.

Marion, May 1844

To Wm Bain & lady,

We, John E. Davids and Charlotte Bain for the purpose of adding to our happiness and comfort in future life, having after mature deliberation, due consideration, and dispassionate view of the same; mutually agreed and contracted with each other to unite ourselves in the Holy bonds of Matrimony.

Charlotte, being a daughter of yours, it is incumbent upon me, as one having due regard for seniors, to obtain of you, your consent to this marriage--all of which I respectfully submit for your consideration, and ask and request the assent of you and each of you; that this marriage contract may be ratified and confirmed in the course of a few weeks at your residence in Marion--

With sentiments of due respect, I am & c.
J. E. Davids

Mr. and Mrs. Bain

Scans of Letter