Object, Matrimony

Ch. 2: Seeking Safety

To: The Matrimonial News

1601 McGee St

Kansas City, Missouri

From: Miss Victoria Beauregard

6 Logan Cir NW #2

Washington, D.C.

February 14, 1874

To whom it may concern,

I have included a letter for Gentleman 407, whose personal advertisement was listed in Volume Four, Issue Six of your paper.

Here is the advertisement for your reference:

407—WIDOWER. 43, of ability and morals with a young son. Height 6 foot 2, weight 200, black hair and eyes. Seeking a lady of fortitude and resilience who can keep a warm, frontier home. Maternal affection for son required. Object, matrimony.

Please forward my letter to his address on file.

Sincerely,

Victoria Beauregard

~

To: Mister Aaron Hotchner

Box 173

Sapíia, Wyoming Territory

From: The Matrimonial News

1601 McGee St

Kansas City, Missouri

February 23, 1874

Mister Hotchner,

You will find enclosed a response from one of our readers to your advertisement in The Matrimonial News. If you wish to respond, please address your letters to Miss Victoria Beauregard of 6 Logan Cir NW #2, Washington, D.C.

Sincerely,

The staff of The Matrimonial News

~

To Sir,

I am writing to you regarding your post in The Matrimonial News. My name is Victoria Beauregard, and I may fit your requirements. I am thirty-two and have never been married, nor have I any children. I work as a domestic servant for a family in Washington, D.C., which has made me skilled in various tasks, including baking, cooking, sewing, cleaning, caring for children, gardening, and preserving. My height is five foot two inches, and according to my doctor, my weight is healthy, though I do not remember the number of pounds. My hair is blonde, and my eyes are brown. I have completed my education. I am literate and capable of arithmetic. I was raised Baptist and now attend a Methodist church every Sunday.

I cannot testify to my fortitude or resilience, but I can state that others have noted my ability to persist through hardship. My mother died when I was six. I lost my father shortly after. I have been on my own since I turned sixteen and have found ways to survive, no matter the circumstances. My employers have kept me on staff for seven years due to my work ethic and skills. I seek ways to better myself when I am not working, such as reading and embroidery. I have also helped them care for their children from birth. Two girls and a boy. I love them dearly, as I do every child I meet.

I must be honest with you and say there are many things I do not know how to do in this process. You are the first person whose advertisement I have responded to. I do not know what information you seek from me. I do not even know how to address you. But I love children. I know how to keep a warm home. And I wish to learn more.