![Shown here is a marriage proposal letter received by Frances Humphrey of Seal in 1809 [ref. U1050/C76]
The besotted sender writes that Frances may consider him 'an almost perfect stranger', but her charms have not escaped his sight. He reveals his full name – only partially snipped from the page, allowing us to identify him as 'Rich'[ard]. He continues, saying that he has been 'entirely engrossed' by Frances ever since he first set eyes on her at a New Year’s Ball: delaying his marriage proposal only to ascertain whether her 'heart was disengaged'.
Richard discloses that his 'living' is 'nearly four hundred pounds a year' – phrasing typical of a clergyman. He also mentions owning a 'comfortable residence' and a farm, although their locations have been snipped, and possessing 'four thousand pounds in the three percent consols'.
He hopes Frances' parents will approve, asks her not to leave him in suspense, and boldly concludes by referring to himself as her 'adoring husband'.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreibvp36ialqptymaljsb2exgkjsqpw2ykkny5w5q6rleimrf5oa244)
Shown here is a marriage proposal letter received by Frances Humphrey of Seal in 1809 [ref. U1050/C76] The besotted sender writes that Frances may consider him 'an almost perfect stranger', but her charms have not escaped his sight. He reveals his full name – only partially snipped from the page, allowing us to identify him as 'Rich'[ard]. He continues, saying that he has been 'entirely engrossed' by Frances ever since he first set eyes on her at a New Year’s Ball: delaying his marriage proposal only to ascertain whether her 'heart was disengaged'. Richard discloses that his 'living' is 'nearly four hundred pounds a year' – phrasing typical of a clergyman. He also mentions owning a 'comfortable residence' and a farm, although their locations have been snipped, and possessing 'four thousand pounds in the three percent consols'. He hopes Frances' parents will approve, asks her not to leave him in suspense, and boldly concludes by referring to himself as her 'adoring husband'.
Whoever took scissors to this marriage proposal received by Frances Humphrey of #Seal in 1809 thought they'd snipped the sender from existence — yet remaining clues suggest he was a besotted clergyman named Richard from #Westerham. Poor chap! 💔
☟ See U1050/C76
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