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of The Wilderness.  It told where she lived and that she was a teacher.  It spoke of her desire to have a family.  She expressed an appreciation for the candor detailing the difficulties of life on the frontier but she felt she was up to the task.  She described herself as the oldest of three daughters and her willingness to make the trek to the Wyoming Territory.  After posting the letter, Sarah was eager to read the next letter.
     
    It was three weeks coming.  Using his name for the first time, the letter came directly, without using The Matrimonial News as an intermediary.  Jed told how he had enjoyed reading her letter and felt as if he knew her.  He described his ranch, the proximity of the neighbors and friends.  He told how the preacher and his wife Grace, had helped him compose the ad and original letter but had insisted he write this one.  Finally, he told her he would like for her to come to Wyoming and if she was in agreement, to please advise in the next mail and he would send the funds for the trip and expenses along the way.  Her return letter was posted the same day indicating she would leave on the next train after receipt of the ticket funds.  Excitement was beginning to build, but so was trepidation at the prospect of leaving her portion of the world and all of her family behind and moving to a wild and dangerous part of the country.
     
    Two weeks later, another letter came.  This letter contained a bank draft for her travel and expenses.  In a display of concern and thoughtfulness, Jed wrote, "I appreciate how daunting the prospect must be of uprooting from the only life you have ever known, to meet someone and possibly wed.  In a feeble attempt to allay some of those fears, I have asked my good friend and preacher to vouch for me.  In addition, I have asked my neighbor and hopefully your neighbor soon, to do the same.  You should receive their letters in separate post.  In addition, I give you my word of honor, should the circumstances not meet your approval, I will provide return transportation to New York.  I anxiously await your itinerary.  Further, should your travel information not reach me in time, my friend and preacher, John Carruthers and his wife Grace have graciously agreed to meet your train.  I anxiously await your plans.  Sincerely, Jedadiah Barnette.”  In the same post, Sarah received two other letters, one from Luke and Clara Hastings and the other from John and Grace Carruthers.
     
    * * *
     
    "Martha!  Look at these letters I got today.  His name is Jedadiah Barnette but he goes by Jed.  He's from Lebanon, Pennsylvania but left to search for gold.  He gave that up after a year and now has a ranch near Laramie.  In the letter he says he understands how I might be concerned, so he asked his preacher and also his best friends for references.  Their letters came today.  Both say, "You can't find a better man than Jed."  He's sent a ticket and gives me his word of honor if things don't meet my approval, he will pay for my return trip.”
     
    “Martha, I'm going!  He sent more than enough money for the trip.  I am going to pack and leave tomorrow.  I'll tell Mother I'm spending the night with you tomorrow.  Is that okay?  I hate to lie to them, but I think this might be the best chance I'll ever have and I've got to do it.  I'm really going to miss the kids at school"
     
    "Sarah, if the school board didn't insist all teachers be unmarried, I might feel sorry for them.  With that rule, they don't deserve any consideration.  I don't blame you for going.  I would do the same thing in your place.  I'll go with you to the train station.  Oh girl, what an adventure you have coming.  I'm almost jealous.  I'm going to miss you.  We'll probably never see each other again.  Sister, I love you so much and you're leaving.  Now you get on home and pack your stuff.  Take what you need and if you forget anything, I'll send it to you.  Use that carpet bag