This elaborately embossed envelope addressed to Lizzie Johnson features fruits, flowers, and birds on the front. A tiny dog appears on the back of the envelope, just above the seal.
This invitation, issued by the "American Party" of Austin, is elaborately embossed with a floral motif. It reads in part, "The invitations are not confined to the members of any Party, but most liberally extended to all. We repudiate party proscription in our social relations." The invitation is accompanied by the bright purple envelope in which it arrived.
In this letter, which features an embossed seal in the upper-righthand corner, Powers declares his affection for Johnson: "I presume you must have long been aware though I have never before dared to put the thought into words, that I love you. I have sometimes ventured to hope that your own heart has... a kindred feeling."
This marriage proposal from an unknown suitor features an actual match as well as a drawing of a hand pointing a finger. The note reads, "Accept my hand And we will make a [match]."
This recipe for "shaking salve" was addressed to "Mrs. Lizzie E. Williams," indicating that it was sent sometime after her marriage to Hezekiah G. Williams in 1879. The recipe calls for ingredients including resin, beeswax, mutton tallow, gum arabic, and oil of tansy.
In this letter posted from a "Camp near Richmond," a soldier beseeches Johnson to reply to him. "My letter which I wrote you from York Town about the 1st of May is yet unanswered... at least you will do me the honor to answer this at the earliest opportunity."
The complete title of this 19th-century etiquette handbook is<em> The Ladies' Model Letter-Writer: A Complete Guide to Correspondence on All Subject, With Household Forms</em>. Published during the 1870s by F. Warne and Co. in London, the book includes a comprehensive selection of sample letters for all occasions.
This excerpt of pages 22-23 of <em>The Ladies' Letter Writer</em> (187-?) provides a template for a letter of invitation "from a Lady recently married" to a female acquaintance.
This excerpt of pages 30-37 of <em>The Ladies' Letter Writer</em> (187-?) provides template for letters of acceptance and rejection of marriage proposals.
<p>The front cover, copyright information, dedication, and back cover of <em>Gaskell's Compendium of Forms, Social, Educational, Legal &</em> Commercial, published in St. Louis by R.S. Peale & Co. in 1882. <em> </em></p>
