Over the course of these years, it appears Cordelia had five male suitors or acquaintances. She clearly had options and she chose to remain single for unknown reasons. Perhaps, she was unmoved by these men or the cultural expectations of her time to marry relatively early. Other possibilities that seem historically reasonable include that she was able to financially support herself as a music teacher, she had seen her mother run the Green Hotel after her father's early death meaning she did not view marriage as a financial necessity, and perhaps the turmoil of the Civil War years had an impact as well. At least one of the men that wrote her letters during this time, Thomas McCarty, had served as a captain in a local militia formed during the Civil War.

There is also a letter from 1872 from Mollie Davidson. Mollie will write Cordelia numerous times over the course of this collection. Her letters allow the reader to see female companionship and the common experiences they must have shared.

Saint Louis Nov 12th 1870

Miss Cordelia Green

Dear Friend

Your very kind letter was duly received I was not at all angry with you for your long silence. At the same time I could not help feeling very impatient and thought the time much longer than it really was. I thought myself very foolish to force my letter on one that did not appreciate them.

Your excuse was all good.

Since I received your kind letter I hardly know how the time has passed. I don't think I was ever kept as busy in all my life - as in the month of Oct. and since all the time. I can't say I have ever a well day for Eight ... Ten days ago Business slacked a little the excitement of the busy season passed off and I to my room Sick where I have been ever since. I am now barely able to sit up and was it for any other purpose than to write to your and answer your long neglected letter. How I hope you will not be angry with me.

I saw your Ma once or twice while she was down. I was sorry you did not come down to the Fair. I would have had the pleasure of saying "howd do" at least. I did not go to the Fair at all, sold Goods day and night all that week and kept it up fairly will for the weeks after. I have not seen Miss Kate Jo but once since I wrote you last she was looking as charming as ever. Rumor says she and Mr. Thomas are to be married sometime this winter. I know positively they are engaged. Do you see Old... is not ... there. I would not make her believe that Day Goods were more profitable than Store and Tin Ware.

My Janel from KY was here all Fair week. I did not see her during the week she has gone up the country on a visit and is expected to return soon Ma says. I can't go to see her when she does return she says I am now under her charge and have to obey. She thinks her Boy Walt won't live long

Miss Mary is gone. I was sick in bed when she left and did not get to tell her goodbye. I was very sorry to see her go.

The .... family are at the Old Corner Quartered for the winter

Ma was away nearly all October she returned just in time to take care of a very sick son

Mrs. Keith is here. As I can say no good of charm. I will say nothing Please excuse this paper its all I have in the Room and am not able to get out for mom.

I have not been able to attend church for five weeks. Consequently have no news from that source.

Miss Cordie I would be highly pleased to hear from you very soon. I will be more prompt here after.

Very Truly Your Friend,

Walter

Miss Cordelia Green

My Dear Miss Cordie

Will you excuse me for this letter? Well what would you say if I found my way to Liberty and brought a very good ...and called on you? I... a nice looking good man-

Business may take myself and a friend in your part of the state and I thought I would just ask this above questions and while I think of it Mr. Thomas Insight, a Saint Louis Insurance ... man.. is now residing in S.... Kansas is connected with me in ... he is the Kansas Manager for the "Life Association of America," a real good fellow and that is something to say of a man now a days.

I received a letter from Mr. R... me of Mrs. Mudds boarders - you will recollect he up ... And good time generally I left on the Sunday following your departure.

You will keep in mind my promise to you this letter will simply be a reminder of that promise-

I should E...if a favor - if you would say whether the company I propose for my trip - and call on you will meet you a probation. do you attend the Saint Louis Fair?

I am truly respectfully ...

W. H. Dunning

Kansas City, MO Jan. 11th ‘72

Miss Corda-

I was disappointed in not finding you at home last Saturday evening. Your excuse however was satisfactory. I will be please to call next Saturday Eve- at 2 Oclock if practicable. Please answer.

Yours Very Respectfully

James Hunt

P.S. I was told a few days ago that you are to be married very soon. Remember I claim an invitation upon the ground of being an admirer.

H.

Kansas City, MO Feb 8th 1872

Miss Corda-

You can scarcely imagine my surprise when I saw you at the theater last Saturday eve - supposing you were at Plattsburg. When I wrote you a note several weeks ago saying I would call & see you soon. I intended to do it but some matters intervened & I was called from home & when I returned I learned that you had gone to Plattsburg to teach which was a matter of no little astonishment to me as I had been told by one whom I supposed knew & I also thought that circumstances comforted the statement that you would answer to another calling soon.

I regretted to learn that you had left Liberty for I wanted to see you again. Miss Corda; I want your picture. Will you not give it to me if I visit you at Plattsburg. Please answer.

Yours with the highest Regards,

James Hunt

Saint Louis MO

Feb 16th 1872

“My Dear Mrs Bartington” (spelling? - a code/secret name?)

Your very kind note of Jan 22nd came duly to hand was glad to hear from my old friend “Bartington”

Was surprised to hear she was going to (and have since learned) she had actually left Liberty. Saw Mr Jones a few evenings ago and he told me you was in Plattsburg. I hope you will find it more pleasant than you expected. Am inclined to think you always look at the dark side of this rugged path through life. “Mark” had given up to that until a few months since his health improved very much. And he resumed his position in society and to say the least has had a very gay winter. “Parties” Operas “Theatres.” laughing. Skating. All taken in and with a grace that surprised H.I.H. “Alexis” Besides he is a member in good standing of a mo military Co. He has often thought of his old friend Miss G’ and longed for her pleasant and interesting society to make his happiness complete. Since the Lenton season he has settled down and will try to be a good Boy.

Imagine I could see your face brighten with Joy’ during your visit in KS. I was in KS just four hours Jany 16th was in a great hurry and had to return on first train.

I met very few of our old acquaintances during the winter. All was new to me and one “She is too sweet to live a much”

Don’t think I will ever get over the attack. I only call about once a month as I am totally unfit for Business for a week afterwards.

Met Miss Martin on the Street a few days ago she is looking very well

Mrs. Mudd and family were all well the last I saw of them two weeks ago. Mr. Madison still lives and tho widow Mr Percy was in the city a few days ago he is now in business at Shell City, Southwest MO.

I selected this sheet of paper and expected to fill it but will have to close before I am half through have to fill some order so you see I did not wait until I had nothing else to do.

With many kind wishes for your happiness and success in your new home and hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain your true friend

“Mark”

Plattsburg May 14th 1872

Miss Cordy Green,

I am on my road home from Gower and have no time to incite love epistles of any length-

I have determined however to ask you one question and to ask from you a frank and candid answer to the same. Are you engaged or are your affections fixed on any one? If not, are you willing to invite your fate with the writer hereof for better or for worse. This I should have intended to have told you before but was prevented.

Answer on back of this note Yes or No.

If yes will see you before leaving town

Yours-

Thomas McCarty

Camden Point, MO

July 9, 1872

My Own Dear “B….”

Arrived home Monday after you left me I have been laid up out of the noise in my room ever since, real sick, took a ride today, first time I have been out.

You don’t know how much I want to see you, and all the family speak you name so tenderly. Bro. and especially he thinks George Miner decidedly right in preparing to go to your room “of mornings” instead of singing in the chapel, Your name is called oftener than even …. Was at …

Every body is busy getting S…. ready for her visit she will be off she … if next week. We are going to St. Jo Friday if nothing prevents. Her clothes are very pretty and some B…. thinks compare favor ably with them he examined of yours when they were on unhib…. Town.

Did you get your money? B.. W. paid me $1000.00 and would bring me the remainder the last of this month he said.

I ever was so lonely as I was after you left. I felt like you were dead and taken away. S left with …. Dollars. Poof got a handsome buggy and took me out to his fathers Sunday evening. Met Ms. Julia and “Fred” out riding but cannot tell you how she was dressed. Was she often home? I miss her too real much. Have not been the least lonely yes, think vacation will go charmingly. This from prophecies. I am approaching the dark subject form the way it is shading my mood. Well I haven’t heard from “him” since I came home, boo hoo how sp… Wife …. Has one out for good. She’ll have any heal. I’ll show him bout that.

We are going to have a dining Thursday. I would give anything if you would be with me. Ma has your dinner for me all the time. I think I will grow short and early, don’t you?

Had a picnic the 4th … at the Baptist Church. The dinner in Pa’s pasture and me too sick to move a hay towards it.

I’m going to have a regular… we soon near here and there … and concert. I don’t enjoy them any more own the weather is so warm. When are you going to St. Jo? And how is our “Joe”? I hope his health is much improved, sure something about Daisy too.

Have not heard a word from bro Davis or our Plattsburg friends. I hope Sister Williamson will not be lonely. I expect after she gets used to doing without us it will be nicer to her. I did not cry when I left but left … with nervousness, cried every time I passed our room on Saturday.

Pa called to me to tell you howdy for him since all are telling me messages for you but I am too much fatigued to write now. Give my love to your Ma and brother and receive the most yourself and write soon to your true friend.

Mollie D. Davidson

Camden Point, MO

P.S. B…. made me alter this postscript to send his love. He is giving back … us next year. - M