This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

W. H. BELT, AGENT 114 Gravier Street New Orleans, La.
John A. Fiedler, jefferson Tex. C. A. Alston, Shreveport, La.
Rogers & Williams Alexander, La.
AGENTS
INDEPENDENT RED RIVER STEAMER
W. T. Boardman, Master
(Drawing of the Dacotah)
DACOTAH
Bay St. Louis, Sept 15, 1889
Mr. and Mrs Louis Leonhard,
Dear Sir and Madam:
It is with a great deal of thought, and reflection I address you.
You are the parents of the young lady I love more than all else, and I am assured her affection for me is equally as sincere.
And I write to you to obtain your counsent to our union. I hope for our happiness this will meet with your joint approval; which we only need to make our happiness complete. I want your love, and esteem and will do all in my power to make myself worthy of your confidence.
In the event you do not favor my proposal, please do me the favor of secrecy and accord me the friendly priviledge of visiting your family as already accorded.
I hope by this announcement our social relations will not be disturbed. I consider it my duty to apprise you of this fact and I want you to know I do it not to interfere with your now happy family. On the contrary will add all I can (if allowed) to make your home circle the more enjoyable.
Very respectfully, W. T. Boardman.