11 October 1872 - Bridgewater on Loddon

My dear Miss Proctor,

You will probably be surprised to receive this letter from me but the importance of the subject matter & the anxiety I feel about it must be my only excuse.

The fact of the matter is plainly this: I have determined to alter my condition of life, & long ago I determined that whoever should be mine must be one that loved my Saviour & would place no hindrance in the way of my working for Jesus.

The first time I saw you, you made an impression on me, that although I tried very much at the first, I could not erase, & that love has been growing stronger ever since until you have become the only one on earth I desire to call my own, & I write this to ask you to become my dear wife.

I will not ask you to decide upon so important a question without due consideration, as it will involve the happiness or otherwise of one heart at least, if not two.

Show this to your dear Father & Mother, get their advice before you decide. But especially, lay the matter before your Heavenly Father & seek that he may guide you aright. For my own part I fully believe I am acting under the leading of God’s providence.

I had thought of waiting until I came to Wedderburn again & then asking you this important question, but there are many changes in this world. I don’t know how long it may be before I got up there again. I feel so anxious, I long to know my fate & can wait no longer.

Of course, I make this proposal in the hope that no one else has been fortunate enough to win your heart & your consent to marriage. I shall be glad to receive a reply to this as early as you can conveniently give one & believe me to remain in fondest love, yours devotedly & affectionately,

William Henry Wingfield