Lexington, Ky.
                                                                                                                                                               August 18th

    My dear father:

      I write to inform you that I am engaged to be married to Miss Grace Engman of Lexington.  That you may not
    think this a hasty or thoughtless step, I will say that I have known and been in correspondence with Miss
    Engman for over two years, and have always considered our marriage as more than a possibility.  Before
    taking this step, I wanted to be earning my living and able to support a wife, a point which I have now reached.

      Some time ago, I reached the conclusion that marriage was a necessity for my success and happiness, but
    never pressed the point as you and Susan seemed to hold a different view.

      Of the young lady, I will simply say that she is my ideal of a lady with a character that you will admire.  I feel
    personally a great deal more than this, but will allow you to judge for yourself instead of saying more.

      Hoping that you will not be too greatly surprised, and that you will not withhold your approval, I am

                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                   Your loving son,
                                                                                                                                                                    Clare Hill Draper

     Clare was the son of General William F. and Lydia Draper

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