This is the letter written by Johannes Nydahl to Tabitha Gurina Rygh (Agnes Carlsen’s grandparents) in 1895 from Augsburg Seminary.

Rolf Carlsen can be heard reading the letter in the Podcast for the 60+ Anniversary of the cabin purchase, he reads it right away starting at 3:20.

 

Miss Tabitha Rygh,

It will perhaps surprise you to receive this letter from me now at this time and I have indeed also been in doubt whether I ought to write or not yet I shall venture to do so no matter the consequences will be. 

What I would like to say is also somewhat delicate and difficult to express. I might of course, by hints and suggestions, give you to understand what I mean but I shall prefer, however, venture to speak very plainly. That suits me better and I think it will also be more acceptable to you. Plainly speaking, then, it is this. That for some time now I have earnestly desired to form a more intimate acquaintance with you and had hoped to bring about this while you were here in Minneapolis. But somehow I did not get the opportunity, or rather, did not make use of the opportunity I had. Being kind of timid in such matters and afraid of publicity, I was restrained from making any conspicuous effort in that direction. Was also afraid that I might come in the way of others. Now I would like to ask if you are willing to open up a correspondence with me. Would that be objectionable to you?

Maybe you are in such a position that it would not be proper for you to correspond with me. In that case, better not. Or maybe you do not wish it? This too, better not. Don’t do anything to please me, simply. But, if there are no such obstacles I should be very glad to exchange letters with you. Will you be kind enough to let me know your mind with respect to this?

I you hope you have that much confidence in me, and know me enough to feel assured that I do not intend to play with anybody’s affections. Whatever is said is meant seriously. I mean to be straightforward and honest myself and expect the same from you in case you enter into any communication with me. I have no fears, though, with respect to you for I consider you to be a true and upright girl. Otherwise, I would indeed not write such an open compromising letter as this.

There will, perhaps, be some difficulty in corresponding regularly when I go to Norway next summer (1895), but this can easily be overcome if there is nothing else in the way. And if you have no objections we might make some arrangement for meeting in private during the Songerfest and talk matters over then. 

Now, I sincerely hope that this letter does not surprise or scare you too much. But that it may result in bringing about a more intimate relationship between us. 

I would like to hear from you at your earliest convenience. 

Yours Sincerely,

J. L. Nydahl