Until my cousin, David Boulton, was kind enough to send the group of family letters that she inherited, we did not have the first part of this letter. We only had from the <BREAK> to the signature. The first two pages were contained in her documents. So now, with her help, I can present the complete letter from Duncan Thomas McIntyre to Margaret Belle McIntyre. At the time it was written, they were engaged but had to keep it secret, because they were afraid of the family's reaction, since they were cousins.
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                                                                          Chapel Hill, NC Mar 26th, 1882

Dear Belle:

You will, I have not doubt, be surprised at receiving this letter from Hugh, but he does not know anything there is in it. I told him that it was an April fool, and that he must make you believe it came from Angus. I would not send this to you through Hugh only I am afraid some of your folks might think it strange that I should write so often to you. Besides I know Hugh will do as I tell him. Bell I disapprove of letting any one into our secret as much as you do, but if we don't let Hugh into it he will annoy us a great deal. He will suspect the truth and never stop until he finds it out. He is as true to me as steel; he never will tell any body either. Now if you have no objections, we will let him know of my good luck (ie as to winning you) but if you have the slightest objection do not hesitate to speak it out. and you know I will never tell him.

The reason I commenced this letter as did, I was afraid you would do or say something that would betray you if (I) did not tell you about it at first. Belle you can't imagine how glad I was to get your letter. I reat it over two or three times. I do not know what I would do if it were not for your letters, they are to me as an oasis is to a desert. Belle how would you like for me to be c(h)anged, when I come . . .

<BREAK>

. . . back next summer, that is, suppose I would be a quite good easy fellow. I don't believe you would like it much. I am certain I would not have you changed one bit. I don't believe I am changed much yet, only some times I feel mighty powerful old. Our engagment does not seem one bit like, the engagement I had with Maggie Currie. By the way do you know what Mag now thinks about our little time. From what she said last Xmas, I think she is a little mad with me yet. But I think she ought to be satisfied since she has John. Belle I thought awhile that I would stay up here for the normal, but I have gotten clean out of the notion. I don't reckon it would (be) hard for you to guess what put me out of the notion. How do you think we will stand meeting for the first time next summer, simple (simply) as cousins.
I want you to be spending sometime at home when I come home, if you are not there I will go to see you, as soon as I get home. I will not let them know at home when I am coming so you can just happen (to be) there. Belle how would you like to live where Wes is now. It is may (It may) seem a strange question to ask, but (I) expect he will have to sell it next year. I have been think(ing) sometime of writting you one of the lovingest letters you ever had, it will commence with & end with "Darling" and the rest will be "mashed potatoes."
Alex is writting to his girl tonight he just now had me hunting for the place in the Bible where it says "lovest thou Me". I do not know what he want(ed) to ask her that for she has told him time and again that she loves him better than a "sick kitten loves a hot brick." I have read to Alex what I wrote about him. He told me to give you his love. I told him he did not know who it was I was writting to. He said that it was Miss Belle McIntyre. I told him he must be a dunce, that Belle was my cousin. Well he says I don't care who it is I am going down to L__ (Laurinburg) and cut you out. And to tell the truth, he looks like he might do it, he is very handsome. Belle I wish you could (see) my room now. Everything is "topsy turvy." My clothes are scattered all over the room coats & vests on the bed, pair of pants crammed in the window to keep wind out. Besides several unmentionables hanging around on chairs. I was very sorry to hear that Pet is going to get married but I am not going to commit nor go to the far west to fight indians. You tell me to take care of myself until next summer. Are you going to take care of me then. If you are, I will be certain to do it just so I can have you to take care of me. Belle if you agree to letting Hugh into our secret, I wish you would tell him about it so you could answer my letter by letting him mail it. I must close.

As ever yours,

Dunk
NOTE AT END:

The next time you see Mag give her my kindest regards. Belle it will not be but about 65 days till I will see you and how happy I will be at that time. Belle write soon.