To Henrietta from WC Riley. This is the first and oldest letter in the collection. It is a love letter written to Henrietta who was 22 years old, from WC Riley. It appears that he is a doctor from Kentucky who has gone to see if there are prospects for him in Missouri. He has decided that he will move there but wishes that Henrietta would marry him. She obviously does not share his affection as she eventually, four years later, marries John Anthony Gex.
Lexington 13th March 1844
Miss Henrietta R Brooking
Dear Miss
According to the course of human events, it appears that I must go to Missouri. I returned on yesterday evening from a visit to Flat Rock and although I was strongly solicited by some of the citizens of the place and adjacent county to locate there, yet I cannot quite get my consent to do so —-
Anticipating all the while as I did a junction with Doctor Greenly who has declined a practice in that place. Therefore (circumstances ? cases) sure enough. The place is not very heartsome although I feel quite assured that I could secure to myself by a sedulous attention to business a lucrative practice. But having some business in the far west that demands my attention and running that the practice of my profession in that county will secure to me a liberal share of the same, I deem it to my interest to go there.
Although I am loathe to leave everything that is desirable behind. That object which above all others in natures is the dearest (yourself). Although this may not be in your heart the remotest particular of that heavenly principle which lives for me (vous) yet it can but measurably change my sentiment to?marry? you yes you have a light in my bosom which will burn brighter and brighter unto the flame of day ——
It was not from a visionary caprice or from the impulse of a moment that induced me to regard you in the light which you will, by reflection, be constrained to believe that I estimate as your beauty amiable disposition and transcendent accomplishments and other qualities that so completely filled a fancy’s eye and the golden cup of my admiration. But oh! How sad the aliment that I cannot know by profession that thy love is twinned around the tentacles of this my heart which knows no descent and whose professions are as pure and uncontaminated as the limpid stream that murmurs in silence down its kind long course and as soft as the placid rays of a noonday’s sun.
Although asunder we must part
I leave with thee the purist heart
As communication by this medium is the only method by which we can learn anything of each other I entreat of you when you shall have read an epistle from me in the far west that you will express yourself toward me fully. Tell me whether or not my efforts are futile and my pretentions toward your attention. It would be folly to consult your parents until you shall have made a reciprocity and a similar profession and manifested a consensual feeling.
Hoping that the churches blessings of hours may be gently showered around you like the twilight dew and that never a distracting Menstruum may arise to mar they peace or sully thy happiness or that any depressing passing may steal over thy beautiful spirit for a moment. Cause thee to be sad learn the miserable sigh or shed the burning tear.
Farewell
Let the last lingering look I take
Of thee whom I love best
And this weary woman soul forsake
This for distant lands to rest
So rest I cannot: will be
While morning lasts and clings together
Farewell! Farewell
Farewell to the sad bours of parting
Far away from thee I must go
While down my cheek the burning tears starting
The emblem of love the symbol of more
To other ? beyond a distant be a
Remember that I surely will return to thee
Farewell! Farewell
Your admirer Forever
W C Riley
P.S. I expect to return to Lexington next fall and take my degree in the spring.
WCR
KAREN GEX ASFOUR 
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