Newbern, Tenn.
June 11, (18)97
Mr. B. W. Foster
Gibson, Tenn.

Hello! There child. What are you doing up there in that “God-forgotten frog pond.” Guess you have forgotten “Little Miss Mischief” was in existence, haven’t you? But (?) she’s just as mean as ever. And right here in this little Newbern, burning up or melting one, can’t tell which. How are the folks in your part of the world. Dead or alive? I have not heard one word from a living human up there since I returned here but Mr. Pritt and guess I’ve insulted him now by telling him what I’ll tell you before closing. But I’m sure you will be more forgiving and not be so quick to break.

If I told you a story, which I hardly think I did, I’m very sorry of it. And will now tell you the truth concerning the matter. Although you told me you had fancied my person in many peculiar ways and had rather strange feelings for me, I never dreamed of you falling in love with me, a frivolous wreckless somebody that tells nothing but the truth, but likes her fun, and intended no harm to come from some. She, Gwenny, was guilty of this unpardonable act while at Gibson, but don’t remember of telling of a falsehood regarding it.

My dear friend, I’m sorry if this revelation will make you miserable. I wouldn’t have encouraged you one but had I known the truth, but Fate deemed it so. And I can do nothing more than to fall at your feet and beg your humble pardon. Won’t you forgive me, my loving friend? Please do. Well, that’s a sweet child. I knew you would. Now write me a little note of comfort for a last souvenir.

As a friend, I honestly loved you at sight but knew it would never do me any good to love you as a real lover for I was then engaged to be married to Mr. Ball the 30th of June or 7th July – don’t know exactly what day yet, but will the 3rd Sunday in this month and will send you a card inviting you on down. You may bring a partner, girl or boy, it doesn’t matter.

Dearest Friend, you could never guess how much I think of you. I’ll give you this as the honest truth. Its good for you I did not meet you first for I think of you one of the most “loveable little sweets” I ever saw in my life. John says “I wish you would talk about loving me instead of Mr. Foster.” “Its Mr. Foster for everything.” And you see I was almost in it.

But that alright. I’ll always wait, must I say, love? Yes, I will, if you don’t think it too strong. But I mustn’t allow myself to think too much of you. For my heart is John’s. I’m true and shall always be. I never make a promise and break it. I stick to it if it costs me my life.

Now Mr. Foster, please don’t allow yourself to be disappointed for you know there are other girls in this world that possess more admirable traits than I. For I’m not half so pretty as you, and don’t you want a pretty girl to compare with yourself.

I’m grieved (?) because I did not reveal all this to you while there. But I did not care to give it as the truth till I satisfied myself. You said it is in my power to make you a happy or a miserable man. Would to goodness I could make you the former but am afraid its beyond my power. Now cheer up and be as sweet as you were the night I named you my little “Susha (?) bag.” You remember?

I appreciate your compliment regarding my being the only charm for you. Please be my true friend. I shall never forget your sweet k--- you printed on my hand standing on the front (?) Mrs. Morgan. I was simply biting my lip trying to sink my love for you because I did not want to wound your true noble heart. I could never overcome such as that. I can’t be deceitful should I try. Its so mean. Well hope you will always love and be true to me as a friend. And should I ever have the opportunity of increasing your happiness, I’ll do so and be glad to.

Sweetheart, please write me one letter. I’m anxious to hear from you and shall always remember you as among my best the truest friends. Don’t let such a little word as “not mine” break your heart. Be brave and noble, true and sweet as you were when I first saw you. O, I didn’t know to what extent I was carrying this letter. Rather expect you’ll tire reading it but hope not.

Give my love to all my friends who deem me worthy of (?)

And keep lots for your dear, sweet self. Please, please Mr. Foster, don’t think me a flirt for my nature is a peculiar one, and my heart is true to all alike. Please write me again and I’ll answer with pleasure.

I’m your truest little girl.

Gwenny

A quick search of Dyer County marriages shows that Gwendolyn Hensley and John Ball were indeed married on July 14, 1897. The Social Security Death Index shows that a Gwendolyn Ball died in California in 1957. I don't know what happened to Mr. Foster, but he obviously kept this letter, because it appeared for sale 109 years later on eBay.