John & Mary Reeve Story Continued

Can I tell you again how much I love living at my grandpa's house, with easy access to all his family history stuff? It is awesome! But, either he gave away his last copy of the John Reeve history that he wrote, or it is currently misplaced in the house somewhere, so I hadn't read this one. My mom has a copy that she let me borrow, and I just started flipping through it tonight. 

I of course immediately went to the chapter about his courtship and marriage to Mary Lyman. There is this introduction that my grandpa, Grant Reeve, wrote to this chapter. I loved this intro, and I wanted to say, "Me too!" to several of the things he said. When he says he was transported back in time and could feel the heartache, doubts, fears and joys of John and Mary by reading these letters, I have to say I felt the same way. 

At the end of the intro, he says that these letters are precious to him. I agree with that too. They are precious. They are a glimpse into the life of these two people, who lived 100 years ago, yet were faced with some of the same trials and experiences that we have today. They are a tangible thing that these ancestors actually touched, and wrote, pouring out their feelings to each other.

I truly believe that we can learn so much from our ancestors. I have loved learning more about these two amazing people in my family history. I hope you have too. 

 

Introduction to Chapter 4 – John Reeve and Mary Lyman, John Reeve History

Written by Grant Lyman Reeve, 1987

I have treated with reverence the thirty eight letters used in the writing of this chapter in John Reeve’s life. Many times in the past I have tried to read them and write portions of them in a story of this romance. But they seemed so sacred and so sad and so private that I have never been able to get through them until this past year as I have tried to write the story of John Reeve. They screamed at me to write somewhat of a day to day sequence of events. This I have tried to do as seen through the eyes of John Reeve.

Many anxieties I have felt as I’ve gone through them and written and re-written my synopsis of them. I have felt actually transported back in time and it seemed to me felt the heartache, doubts, fears and joys that these letters reveal.

John Reeve wrote 20 letters. Mary wrote sixteen letters to John. Then A.A. Hinckley and Mary exchanged letters between them for the other two.

This romance was complicated by the fact that John received two letters at a time in three instances. But he did not receive the two “Richfield letters” until after all vital decisions had been made. This made it appear to John that he got far fewer letters than he wrote.

From a hand-writing point of view, Mary’s letters seemed to reveal a highly emotional, disturbed girl who didn’t want to be second best. Who was scared almost out of her wits at the prospect of trying to take on this ready-made family with their hearts broken at the loss of their wife and mother. No girl at any age wants to be “second”, particularly in marriage. This showed.  A person deeply hurt in the game of love is mighty skeptical at any subsequent love attempts. This showed. Not until after the marriage did Mary’s hand-writing as well as the sentence structure improve.

John on the other hand wrote clearly, correctly, concisely, convincingly. He was hurt. He needed help. Once convinced that Mary was the answer to his prayers and his sweetheart, Emma’s wishes, he would do all in his power to bring this marriage about.

They met each other face to face on only three occasions prior to their marriage: Once in Salt Lake for two or three times (days) which was pleasant; Once in Hinckley which was a total disaster; and then on the sixteenth of May just prior to the marriage.

This marriage was brought about by love letters – John’s. However, it would never have taken place if both partners to this agreement had not been totally convinced that their marriage was approved and appointed of GOD. John needed this assurance so that this second marriage would in no way reflect upon his love for his beloved Emma, and he needed the comfort that this was best for his motherless children. Mary needed it to convince herself that John really did want her as a wife and not as an interim housekeeper. She needed it to show herself that being the “second” wife was her God-ordained role and that it did not mean that she was second best.

Additionally these letters indicated that John wanted to marry Mary before she changed her mind. Mary on the other hand seemed content to take her time in the hope that this might take place.

These letters with their type-written transcriptions as I see them are in my possession. They are precious to me.

Mary & John Reeve Letters, No. 11

Provo, Utah May 25, 1915

Mr. John Reeve

            Hinckley, Utah

Dear Brother Reeve:

            Just a line to ease your anxiety. Am all right only it is so lonesome: How they did bawl me out this morning coming back without you!

Hope you reached your destination all right and found everything well at home. It is now 2:45 p.m. And I want you to let me have Florence up here just as soon as you can arrange it. You do it tho – send word to her and to me and I’ll do the rest! Mrs. Speckhart as well as her husband blame me for not doing it yesterday. She says she wants her as soon as you can arrange it. She will assume all responsibility of her and I’ll be with her at night! Wish we had done it yesterday. Tell her to be careful on the Train – she can tat! Or read and maybe there will be some one else from Richfield coming up and tell the conductor about her and if for any reason I cannot be to the train to meet her, have her phone Speckharts at 642 M and we’ll be looking for her. Now, dear, we can do this can’t we and I’ll feel I’m helping a little beside getting my own way! And really Mrs. Speckhart wants her! Write, telegraph or phone as you please!

Mrs. Speckhart says she expects you back here Sunday. But I don’t! But of course I’d not object tho I won’t demand nor entreat you – You know best!

Mrs. Speckhart wants your little white book by Drummond. Says she saw it there and wants to read it!

It is still storming and black, But not depressive now since I have my convictions! With best wishes to you all and love for yourself. I am as ever

                       

                        Mary

Mary & John Reeve Letters, No. 10

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Provo, Utah. May 13, 1915

Mr. John Reeve

            Hinckley, Utah

Dear Brother Reeve:

It is 12:30 and I just came home from school and found your letter and oh! there’s so many things I’d like to say! About those “big boys” coming in there and you talking to them about my coming. Oh! Say it makes me tremble! It if were anything but this! I feel sure I could win them! I was acting the part of a nurse the other night to a young fellow eighteen – one who I used to tend when he was a shaver, and he likes me yet a little; And of course I do him. I said in reply to his profuse thanks – “Oh, Carlyle you could do much for me if you were to be near me” – and then I told him of my next mission, and he is one of these carefree and thotless fellows. He stopped and looked at me a moment – then said “Gee! But it would be tough to have to lose mother – But Mary if it came to that I couldn’t ask for a better substitute.” Well of course that is pilaver! But it set me thinking and if those boys could see Bro. Wayne’s boy their age and others I could mention I believe they would at least give me a try out! But you must admit that the situation is a very delicate one! When I think of it I almost weaken and then a something beyond words bouys me up and rejuvenates my flagging courage, and promises me strength to combat great obstacles! Is that the right! Or is it the glamour that is spreading over the whole affair and I will be disillusioned when it is too late! Oh, J.R. may God preserve us from shipwreck in this hazardous journey!

Last evening a Mrs. Hedquist was here arranging a program for a class party – she had seen the notice in the paper and in enlarging upon it told her experience (and as in many cases. I made personal reference – how can I help it?) – how she had married a well respected L.D.S. man here, whose four children idolized her and she them – her health failed and oh! The abuse and torture she suffered from him! Well of course they had a legal separation! Well! When I went to bed I took your letters – I always do you know – I read them over and over, thot of her, reference to their happy courtship, and their promises and then the tragic crisis! Well! I’ve had only a few dreams in my life that meant anything, But I thought I was again with father walking on the hill and it was real as life when we actually did walk up there, Just after his return from his mission, and he told me he was concerned about Lucretia and I (me), that he could see no one there whom he regarded as eligible and counseled me to befriend and stand by her and that he would trust me. Well in the dream it seemed we were there and I told him of you and all the circumstances and he blessed me and told me God’s plan was being well executed and that he was very grateful and pleased that he could see farther than he once did, And so did not grieve over Lucretia as he would have done once. He said that I must be as careful, judicious and patient as my own mother had been; And then we went down and while I was telling her about it, in the old bedroom, you came in, and she looked at you and then placed a hand on the head of each of us and we both saw that she understood and my eldest sister couldn’t sanction! It! At all! But she and Albert says she doesn’t understand yet! And that’s all I slept last night! But I feel more sure today than ever, that it is going to be a severe test. But that I am going to have help and when your letter came, speaking as you did of Albert’s reference and my bunglesome letter – I shed just one tear; And the spot is dry now! But with your help and God’s, and my own will, I hope to win the love and respect of the boys and let some of the other phases of the proposition slide! What do you read about the auther in that?! Bravo!

Say, did you not get any of my letters telling about the sad state of affairs? I have no recommend? Mine ran out in April – I’ve sent for one, But it hasn’t come. So I wrote Uncle Marion again when you failed to mention it, and he answered today saying we would have to have a new one. So you see – 18^th goes into waste with 12^th and 5^th. And also that he will be occupied that day! Ha! Ha! Left again! But you’d better come Sunday prepared to go thru it, As we may hear Saturday something else – sorry! Well I’m not! We’ll just have to prolong the calm before our real hostilities begin! Combat them easier, don’t you think so? So we must keep on smiling: And, now accept best wishes for all your interests and love and kisses as ever

Mary

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(Sidenote: I wasn't sure where to put these next couple of letters in the chronology, because Mary wrote them, and John did not get them until several weeks later, after several other letters had been exchanged.)

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(Postmarked from Richfield May 13 6 a.m.) (mailed to Richfield with a note to the P.M. to forward to Hinckley if not picked up immediately)

Provo, Utah. May 3, 1915

Mr. John Reeve

            Hinckley, Utah

Dear Brother Reeve:

Hope you received my letter this P.M. If you did, you are fortunate as I dearly got it there in time. I’m so busy “getting married” that I can’t write like I used to.

There’s so many things I want to say, But tho they are in my mind as I walk along I can’t remember then when I want them! Regarding your letter to Albert, I think you had better write again soon. It seems you are not as magnificent in his mind as you are in mine. Of course I’ll send it. Why shouldn’t I? I’ve already sent two of yours last week, to the folks! I’ll let you read Dolly’s?

Say, don’t you know that we can’t be married without a recommend – and mine ran out in April and besides it has to definitely state for what purpose we are going thru the Temple; And what of the license, - According to your plan, are you going to have time enough to get it before you go in that day? I think, dear, you have not considered really that I would obey you as readily as you find out I will. Or you would not have been so cautious. But I will suggest this change, That I go up the night before and register at Hotel Utah and you meet me there the next morning and then I won’t have that twenty block walk at three A.M. to meet your train, Much as I should enjoy your company between here and there. So maybe you won’t want to take the train that comes to Provo – there is another one, I understand – Or else you could stop off that first one and we both take the interurban up that morning and you come back with me, And then take your train! But I don’t want to be stirring so early as 3 a.m. And the cars don’t run that early, And it’s a chance if we could depend on an Auto! So let’s rearrange that! We can and yet not encroach upon my obedience to my lord and master – can’t we?

You should have gotten a letter every day last week except Monday and maybe Tuesday and Sunday. But why you missed mine for so long, and then not receive the one on Friday I can’t imagine.

This storm means a loss of thousands of dollars to the Utah county people and carloads of fruit has been killed. How has it affected you?

Was rather disappointed about Afton’s attempt the other night. Hope you (I mean she) knows how to take defeat!

Am so glad you like my letter and enjoyed rereading it.

Now when I see you, I am going to ask all about those psychological reasons for your not marrying me, - my being physically disqualified, - uncongeniality, etc. everyone of them I want – of course. I’ll add another to those already booked kisses, But I want the list anyway – and see how clear your logic is! For I can’t try the experiment on myself, - it would disturb me very, very much if I found for any reason whatever that a “great divide” had come between us. I can’t conjecture any possibility of such a rupture where I could renounce you without a qualm of feeling, - that precious and God given love that has come to me thru this past month of tortuous travail! The which I feel that you and God were the sole creators of, - And which has reached such proportions now that it would take the united efforts of the both parties to ever annihilate, - and then the victim would indeed be an object of deep commiseration. For I feel, dear, with you now – earth, with all her array of weapons and death with its heart rending desolation and worse that all, also – best of all, - life with its many petty, perplexing, disappointing, and trivial snares and pitfalls, - All of these, dear, I want to share with you, whether it be in a palace or a hovel, - come what might or come what may. I feel now I need you – And all former attachments pale in comparison with the gift of reverence I feel for and toward you and I feel too, dear, that it will last – will enrich every experience I have in my whole life with you – bouy me up under disappointments – draw from me the best that God has given me – for you and yours – And I see plainly that it is an argument of man’s superiority in that love is of man’s life a thing apart – it’s woman’s whole existence.”

Now if I get a letter tomorrow before mail time I’ll add a post script. Till then accept my best and dearest wishes for every happiness – Love and prayers protection and blessing

Mary

May 4 1915 (noon)

Another link in our chain, every moment of which has a memory – And your letter tells me you can’t fathom me. Maybe I’m wrong, But why you take the three children away, I can’t quite see. Probably you know best; - Of course you do. But it makes me feel so “trembly inside and I think I was never more humble than now. Shall look for your letter from Richfield with pleasure. With love and kisses as ever

Mary

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(Re sent like previous letter to Hinckley May 13 6a.m.)

Provo, Utah  May 5, 1915

Mr. John Reeve

            Richfield, Utah

Dear Bro. Reeve:

Here is Uncle Marion’s letter and I’m going to ask you to answer it as you wish  - and I’ll agree to your decision. You see what the proposition is, it may be a sentimental notion on my part and I’ll feel all right about you suiting your convenience. But do it someway and forward your further orders and I’ll arrange accordingly.

It seemed so desolate today at noon with no letter from you. And I thot of my dream last night in which I thot these folks here, Mr. and Mrs. Speckhart, had had a cruel misunderstanding and I went to her and him and tried to patch it up and was repulsed by both and then J.R. that old experiment, you suggested came in again and I found I was “physically disqualified” to become your wife because my strength was not equal to the work to be done in your home and I found that after the summer had passed you had wanted a helpmate – a housekeeper, one to care for and take care of the children and your home, and I did not fill the bill, And in crushing anguish I came back to Mrs. Speckhart and oh! Horrors! When I found it be all a dream it was a long while before I could work off the stupor and then – I have an out door bedroom – I came in and got the rest of your letters and found where you said you wanted to “love” me and several other inferences made me wonder if it could all be so. But in face of it dear J.R. I feel that ghastly dream was not well founded – does not in anyway forecast the truth, But the psychological experiment is most unwholesome on my part. I’ve told you this that you may see that you are fast becoming a vital part of my life – that you may expect my feelings that have evolved within the last month from indifference, passing interest, to sympathy, admiration, respect, attachment and regard to what is now, if not a stage of the genuine – A near approach to it, So much so that the step next week will advance rather than retard it and probably sometime could well be called by the sacred title “love” as ever

Mary

7 pm May 5, 1915

Say dear, I’m going to send your mother some white carnations for “Mother’s Day”, and I don’t know her first name. So I think I shall address them to you and you attend to it – will you? Now that makes three requests I have made of you – 1^st write again to Albert. 2^nd to answer Uncle Marion’s letter. 3^rd to deliver my flowers – You can attend to them all? Thank you!

Good-bye and good night and take care of yourself and I’ll try later to take care of you. With prayers for your safety and love for your comfort –

I am please to be your

            Mary

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Salt Lake City, Utah May 4, 1915

Miss Mary Lyman

            266 N 3^rd East, Provo UT

My Dear Niece –

            Either day is all right, Make choice and advise me of same and I will gladly perform the ceremony securely.

            The Lord Bless You Twain

                        I am your affectionate Uncle

                                    Francis M. Lyman

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Mary & John Reeve Letters, No. 9

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Hinckley, Utah, May 11, 1915

My Dear Mary,

My feet struck terra firma to-day at 10:30, and will strike Provo next Sunday morning at 4:15, and I shall be delighted to join you at any hour thereafter to go on the interurban to Salt Lake City – You suggested 6 am. However you can write me if that is not a satisfactory hour.

I got two letters from you today. Both posted together. You may be curious to know why I am coming Sunday, since the eventful day is not till Tuesday. Well the fact is, I understand Monday is your school Saturday, and so you wouldn’t be in school and so I’d enjoy the privilege of trying to entertain you those two previous days. At the same time sort of enjoying a paradisiacal glory myself.

Say, my dear, let me tell you something. You asked me how I reconciled those two statements. I don’t reconcile them. One’s a fact the others an assumption, cling to the fact, discard the other, and burn the letter from which the latter was taken, and forget forever its contents. And please, dear, do me this favor, If ever I so far forget myself as to either intentionally or unintentionally would your feelings come right up, throw your arms around my neck, and tell me frankly what I said, and what I ought to have said, and what I ought not to have said, and I feel sure you’ll find me big enough to say “Mary, forgive me”, I’ll make amends. Now, my dear, you’ll do that won’t you?

I’ll write Uncle Marion that I shall be pleased to have him perform the ceremony for us on the 18^th.

I delivered the flowers to mother today so you see dear, they have served a double purpose. I got my message from them yesterday, and she got hers today, and she expressed her appreciation to you for them.

Sorry I could not have been with you to the ball, But say, dear, the next time you present me with a program, see that you do it before the ball comes off. And present one that’s not filled up. I see, too, that one name appears there three times. I’m after his scalp, and I’ll get it too, If he doesn’t stay in Salt Lake on his own side of the fence. I know him. It simply shows his good sense, however, for he seems to have found out where the sweetest flowers grow, where the gem of purest ray serene is found, So I’ll ask him to congratulate me next week.

Now, dear, it seems that my letter of yesterday to you is sufficiently plain that you’ll understand that if I was coming you would get a wire, I’d sure telegraph to-day if I thought you’d be in doubt.

Mary, it is so very kind of you to write me such nice letters, of course such could only come from a soul that is pre-eminently superior to the ordinary.

Praying God to bless and bring you sweet comfort.

I am yours affectionately

John

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Hinckley, Utah 5-11-15

My Dear Sweetheart:

Can you presume to guess the time I begin to write this letter? No, you didn’t cut close. Well – 11:16 pm. How’s that. Perhaps, I’d better tell you where I’ve been. Over to the bishop’s, But of course you couldn’t presume to guess what for, and then I went over to Pres. Hinckley’s to get his signature before he got away, as he was taking Rulon to the City to undergo an operation for appendicitis, And as I sit here gazing at the line which tells of the nature of the work, And the bride’s name, I am carried away in thought to the real Mary, and I seem to find her to be one of the most profound, deep, and interesting subjects it has been my privilege to study. It seems that something profoundly deep and wonderful is constantly being produced from her intensely prolific mind. And, it undoubtedly looks selfish in me to keep turning my eyes on your letters instead of writing you one, For I can find so much pleasure in studying your letters that I go to sleep reading them, and commence again as soon as I wake in the morning.

Your soul to soul visit with “Aunt Ann” reminds me of my visit with Ethel, Emma’s niece, who married a widower, and I’ve almost a notion to send and ask her to come to the City just for the privilege of meeting you. At any rate, she made me promise to bring you over to see her, and I’ll do it too, some day sure.

I had the big boys in just before I started this letter, and as I talked about the coming event, and read them, a few extracts from your letter referring to them, their mamma and grandma they seemed to be real serious and determined to treat you with great respect. Of course they’ll have to do that.

Say, dear, do you know how many kisses you’ve promised me? Well, I’m going to collect just the minute I see you. Oh! Of course, not all of them, but a nice lot.

Mary, I must close for to-night, for you know I’ve just got to read, and study the two letters I got from you today. For I am studying the author, thru her writings, And I’ll finish this when I get another of your golden gems to-morrow.

Good night!

1:30 p.m. I don’t know how to start this letter now, for my mind is so deeply absorbed in the contents of your letter. However I think I understand Albert’s letter, and I remember a personal conversation we had on the same subject when you were down, But there seems to be something incomprehensible in your confession, And because of that, perhaps, I’d better wait till I see you personally before I attempt to answer it, But suffice it to say that while I shall be deeply engaged in attempting to study it out, I am still unshaken, for under no circumstances would I permit myself to be swerved until I have threshed it out with you personally.

Now, then, dear, it is so kind and sweet of you to permit the announcement to appear in print. Just read it to mother. She wanted to know what paper. I said some Provo paper. Anyway it looks just right to me.

 Now, in regard to Albert’s letter. He can certainly put his thoughts in a clean cut manner. And if I’m not badly deceived they come from a clean cut man. And I feel sure that I see a mother and a father crowned in the brightness of this glory of the celestial kingdom looking back upon the thorns and crosses of this life as being too insignificant to be remembered as compared to the wealth of human worth and Godlike (ness) found developing in their posterity.

Now, dear I’m so glad that my Sunday suggestion of coming to Provo, also originated with you, for it more definitely assures me of my welcome.

The little party at Aunt Emma’s, I’m so glad it was made pleasant for you, for I’m sure you deserved it and more and while my soul revolts at empty promises it does go out to Him who gave us our being pleading for the strength and power to make for you such a blessed life as God would have you enjoy.

Before closing I wish to emphasize a thought you dropped in yesterday’s letter. “that God helps us more readily if we smile”, and with you I want to get the keynote and together let our hearts and voices sing with a sublimity of its truth until our souls shall be saturated with its music. God Bless you, my dear Mary,

Affectionately, John

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Provo, Utah May 11, 1915

Mr. John Reeve,

            Hinckley, Utah

Dear Brother Reeve – 12:15 (am or pm, not quite sure)

Your letter of yesterday just came, thank you very much. The depth of love and devotion you express for me suggests again that I must be very careful and diligent or you will find you expect too much of me. But I could cry from vexation that you haven’t gotten my last letters! Oh! Say dear what is the matter! I believe I get all of yours – and I write every day. True I didn’t do so last week, But aimed to have you one in Richfield and one on your return, and this is my fourth since receiving yours from Richfield. And if you feel dear that I am not to blame for your not getting them – God Bless you for it. For I can imagine how deeply it would wound me if I couldn’t hear from you. But tho I do dear love you more than I ever dreamed it possible to love anyone on earth – And infinitely more than I once thot I could, I mustn’t take up the whole letter telling you of it.

I’ve another letter from Albert, I shall let you read something and tho I can’t in so many words enlarge on it, It strikes a vital spot in my life and I feel I need you to assist me in the corrective discipline of that tendency and May God help us to do it judiciously!

Of course, dear, without I receive a telegram that you are coming I’ll not meat that train in the morning. Because I will take it for granted that you have heard from me. So don’t worry about that! But write to Uncle Marion and make the proper arrangements for the 18^th, and send me word as I’ll not be surprised to see you any time! Friday night is a faculty play – Niobe – give by the lady members of the faculty and the wives of the Profs of course I do not take part, except to act on the committee. But if you should come up to it, Why, I wouldn’t object a bit! Or Saturday or Sunday – preferably Sunday – But you know your affairs! And mine too for that matter! Be sure and write Uncle Marion!

Last evening Aunt Emma Wood had a crowd of friends over there – imagine: entertaining in my honor! And the presents, tho I didn’t know how to accept them, were beautiful! Aunt Ann was there! And we had a very enjoyable time! The announcement enclosed came out in the paper yesterday and I’ve been receiving hearty congratulations all day!

Say, dear, you are a good boy! But excuse me being frank! That is not much of a credit to you for you are of the type that it is easier for you to do right than wrong! Such has been the nature of the schooling you have given yourself! As I read your letters I really believe you do love me a little and if that and my feelings for you may unite and so call for God’s benediction on this crisis (?) in our lives. I feel that we will have the power to succeed, and make good in the designed path He has led us to! That is my constant prayer J.R. and I’m sure it is yours, tho at times you seem so very sure about how smoothly we will glide, after the link is made. – I’m not pessimistic no! But I see such room for caution! And in your love for me or mine for you we might lose the scent of our God designed purpose and if so all would prove to be chaos! So tho our marriage may be on the installment plan – it can be a reasonably happy one if we do our vital part!

Now dear, I’m going to confess to you a weakness, A vital one if left un-disciplined – that is my love of absolute independence. And so in making me endeavor to tone that into reason. I am going to send you Albert’s letter and you’ll probably divine a note in it that may suggest to you an explanation for my rampant actions the Sunday I acted so! I feel this is due you and because of my confidence in you – not because it is easy. I’m doing this thing for I see tho I am a mature woman who has tried to round of her perplexing corners, I must make reasonable concession to the man with whom I have promised to share my life – And this costs me dear – Why it should I don’t know. But, it does – And one impulse is “do” the other is don’t and so I don’t know which to rely on. But because the perversity of my nature I feel the thing that is the very most difficult for me to do is the thing I should do. And so I have very nearly decided to make a clean break of everything, tho I know between man and wife everything shouldn’t be revealed. But here it is – it is well nigh unthinkable that I could ask even the one man in the whole world for money – much as I should like it – and if he were (to) make the advances and offer it I would feel sure to refuse it! Now tell me dear is that abnormal? If it is I want it different! I have never had anything given me since I was a mere child except as a gift. I have kept myself and now since the estate is divided I feel I am using my own. There, dear you have a vital secret – can you keep it? And tell me what is right? My confidence in you will enable me to take your decision as I’m sure it well meant!

With love and best wishes – Mary

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Provo, Utah May 12, 1915

Mr. John Reeve

            Hinckley, Utah

Dear Brother Reeve:

Your letter came in due time, Am glad you got mine. Can’t understand the delay! But Monday is not on Saturday – indeed it is not – But I can’t plan on having only one day with you can I! My last class Friday is 5:15 pm and my first hour Monday 9 am. So, much as I should enjoy you Friday and Monday, you see the situation. But I’m game and will make up for the time! So you come Friday for the “Niobe” – or Saturday or Sunday or Monday, or even Tuesday morning if you have weighed matters well and feel we can’t waste more than one day getting married!

Of course you have written Uncle Marion before now. But laugh with me – I wrote yesterday because I was afraid the mails might again be tied up!

No! Dear, I’m not in doubt about anything except that my wants far exceed my necessities and that I’ll not be ready for the great event even if you have given me my way and put it off till I was willing. Say, I don’t care when you come, only let me know and then let it be before Tuesday if you can and then both of us go up on the interurban and back here and then! If you come Saturday you may be able to attend the big contest meet from this section which includes Nephi! I’ve promised to help Mrs. Speckhart here in the house, and she go to the meetings. Of course if you come I’ll have to change – If you won’t go to the meetings all day without me – But Sunday we could have a pleasant visit. The folks here go at noon over to her father’s place and we’ll be here alone! And then we may talk of the promises you speak of!

If I hadn’t become victimized by those “infernal items” during my visit down there we could have planned on so many things. As it is, we’ll have to try again and then instead of making this one trip do for our plans, as well as other things, We may have to come up again for the other purpose later on! When I am unpossessed! Am I right!

Hasn’t my letter to you in Richfield reached you yet? What is the matter? I’ve been reading today again and again your letter of the 27^th. And the more I read it the more I see in it to like. Don’t you know I’m going to bind them all and when I need to call you to repentance with my arms around your neck I’ll just refer to some of these extravagant declarations of love, and the enjoy your confusion.

Well, I must close – I’m wondering how you are getting along without Florence there to care for you a little bit! Write and tell me everything for I’m slightly interested.

With Love, Mary

Small clipping sent to J.R. in previous letter (3/4"x2")

“Bishop and Mrs. Bayless of Grayson announce the engagement of their sister Miss Mary Lyman, now a student of the B.Y.U., to Mr. John Reeve of Hinckley, Utah. The wedding will take place in the near future.”

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Hinckley, Utah. May 13, 1915

My Beloved –

Just a line today dear, as I’m head over heels in irrigation water: But I’m very happy to be remembered in the nice letter you sent me today.

I hope too, that when you begin to draw those “extravagant statements” upon me that you will kindly remember it is written, “Blessed are the merciful.”

Say, Mary, you know how long one of the Lord’s days are don’t you? Well, I said we could spend one day for the wedding, But I didn’t say which one. I thot, perhaps, you’d suggest that, so wait till you find what I have up my sleeve.

As I interpret yesterday’s letter I see nothing alarming. But for fear my impressions are incorrect, I’ll defer that, too, till I see you.

I thank you very much for your kind invitation to attend your college play, I feel sure that I should have been there had it not been for this irrigation. But as I interpret your Sunday invitation I may meet you at noon upon that day, which as for anything I know of now I shall be pleased to accept. My stopping place will possibly be at my wife’s cousin’s place – Jess Harmon’s for he has repeatedly insisted that I call on him.

Kindly accept my love

John

P.S. I do find lots of inspiration in Albert’s letter.

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