Lincoln writes to a romantic interest, Mary S. Owens, of Kentucky, about whether or not they should marry. He writes, "I ... wish you would think seriously before you decide. . . . My opinion is that you had better not do it. You have not been accustomed to hardship, and it may be more severe than you now immagine." Lincoln adds, "Whatever woman may cast her lot with mine, should any ever do so, it is my intention to do all in my power to make her happy and contented; and there is nothing I can immagine, that would make me more unhappy than to fail in the effort." Abraham Lincoln to Mary S. Owens, 7 May 1837, CW, 1:78-79.