Guileless means innocent. Fanny was often very humble, even in her writing. She calls herself “bashful” at various times, but does not shy away from sharing her opinions behind the pen! Perhaps the way she carried herself and viewed the world as a young teen led to this sense of “guilelessness”.

“Mr. Wilkenson and father were talking of Congress and in speaking of His freedoms from evil intent--Father said he was as guileless as Fanny--& Mr W. “Yes” just as guileless just as guileless as Fanny & that is saying a good deal, & a great compliment to him or something of the sort--I wish I merited the compliment--perhaps it is silly to chronicle this about myself but I have to remember all Father says and does--” Sep 9, 1861