Letter to Mary Johnson of Worthington, Ohio from Miss Damaris R. Solomon of Lockbourn, Ohio

In this brief letter written to Mary Johnson of Worthington, Ohio from Damaris R. Solomon of Lockbourn, Ohio, Solomon assures Johnson that she has not forgotten her and apologizes for taking so long to write. She goes on to say that there really is no news to tell. She then shares her excitement at the possibility of Johnson coming for a visit. Additionally, after the letter was received by Johnson, it appears that she used the rest of the blank page to draft a letter to a suitor named James. It is assumed that the suitor was James Moreland. Johnson appears to be answering his proposal at her father’s urging. It is unclear whether she accepted or not, but other letters indicate that she was at one time engaged to James Moreland (she addresses him as “My Beloved.”)

Mary was daughter of one of Worthington's founders, Orange Johnson and wife Achsa (Maynard) Johnson. She married Francis Sessions on August 18, 1847. The Sessions were interested in promoting art and art instruction in Columbus. The Sessions art collection formed a basis for the Columbus Museum of Art collection.

Damaris Solomon was a long-time friend of Mary's from the Worthington Female Seminary school.

James Moreland was one of Mary Johnson's suitors. It appears from their correspondence that they were engaged for a time but the engagement was broken off.