Clayton's Octavo Diary 1854. 


[printed label] WM. M. CHRISTY, 
STATIONER, PRINTER,

 AND 
Account Book Mannfacturer[sic], 
No.65 South Third St. 
OPPOSITE GIRARD BANK, PHILADELPHIA 
Printing, ruling & binding neatly executed. 

Stt 
$1.50 


Harriet J. Keffer 

This diary was kept by Bertha Keffer '76 during her Preparatory and collegiate years at Vassar. It was presented to the 
College Library in 1942, by her sister, Mary Keffer, and at the request of her namesake, Bertha Keffer, V.C. '11, Mrs. 
[Raymond U]. … . 
The name HARRIET J. KEFFER inscribed at the top was the name of Bertha Keffer, '76's mother 


Friday, January 13th, 1854 

David M Caudless 
146 North Avenue 
Alleghany. PA. 


[printed] SATURDAY, January 14th, 1854. 


Sunday, January 15th, 1854. 

This year bought a little diary never thinking that this was around to the right day of the week again. But last Friday I 
came across this and resolved to keep this for longer entries than my little one. Thursday Etta and I went to see Miss 
Morse about one hundred and twelve. B - We want to change our room. Etta - We thought we would like to room 
together on the fifth floor. M - There is no room vacant there. E & B - Yes, 192 is. M - (slowly) yes - if you want to go 
there - without any bed - and sleep on the floor you can. To. E. Why do you wish to change your room? E - My room 
mate is not very agreeable. M. To B. Is anything of that sort the matter with you? B. Oh no my room mate and parlor 
mates are very nice and 


MONDAY, January 16th, 1854. 

I like them ever so much but we thought we would like to room together. M - would you like to go to the first floor for 
the sake of rooming together. E - (not liking that a bit but not liking to back out now) yes mamm. M - Well I will see 
what I can do for you. (To B) you may go. M kept E and told her how much good she might do her roommate by 
staying put and behaving like a christian, told her to try it on ... a month longer. As soon as we had definitely arranged to 
go to M - I was sorry but could not very well back out then. Guess that now I'll stay [fixed[ and not trouble her anymore. 
Thursday I received Papa's Rio letter and it made me feel more homesick than I have since I came here. Poor Papa 


TUESDAY, January 17th, 1854 

President Raymond gave quite a lecture this evening on loyalty - a word he thought we did not know the meaning of. I 
guess something disloyal in his sense of the word came up in Faculty meeting yesterday. We always have something 
new after the big folks talk us over. Ella felt badly last night because I did not speak to her when she called after me on 
the stairs. In fact I was a littled vexed about the manner in which she spoke of L.L. and was afraid of showing it. I had to 
go and confront her which I did by saying I thought she was a goose to behave as when she knew I liked her better than 
anyone here. Though I did not say I could do that and not care awfully much for her. I am not in love to distraction with 
anyone in Vassar. 


WEDNESDAY, January 18th, 1854. 

Have had a touch of the blues to day and either I have been cross or every one else has, perhaps both. It was a [hicky] 
thing I told Ella about the apple roll ring on the floor for now we all have something to say about it even Rob. Heard 
today of Miss Pa.-n's slapping a girl over the fingers for not playing rightly and now despise her more than ever. 
Practiced an hour this morning. [L. S-rs] told me she thought (and Miss S-ll said so too at the same time) I was the 
smartest in the Latin class and then I told her the same and we soft-soaped one another quite awhile on the plan of "you 
scratch my back and I'll tickle your elbow." Miss [Simleys] head was all right today and we got along splendidly this 
afternoon. The Pres. told of Roger Sherman slapping his babdy being slapped by his mother and then kissing her hand 
and leading her to a [scaf.] … 


[Printed] THURSDAY, January 19th, 1854. 
Got caught last night. Etta came 
to sleep with me and when we 
were undressing some one rapped 
on the door and I roared come 
in, thinking it Lottie but it was 
Miss Hamlin who wanted to know if 
we were not aware we ought to go 
to Miss Lyman for permission to 
sleep out and said she was sorry 
to disappoint us but Etta must 
not stay. Etta said "yes mamm."-and 
went. We are not going to study 
in May's room anymore between eight 
and nine and be good generally. 
Miss Lyman requested through the 
Pres. this evening that we try being 
quiet in the corridors in our talk 
till Monday and see how we like 
the change. 


[Printed] FRIDAY, January 20th, 1854 


[Printed] SATURDAY, January 21st, 1854 
Took the old lady out to skate 
this afternoon to have some fun 
out of her. Feel considerably lame 
in consequence. It was a bad 
motive to take her out from but 
she enjoyed it as much as if 
I took her on purpose for her 
pleasure and my bad motive 
hurt no one but myself. Just this 
moment I happened to think may 
be it made my darlings feel bad 
to see me do such a thing so 
I'll try and be better in fu 
ture. When I think of them it 
makes me want to go right off 
but then I don't think I could 
bear to leave Papa all alone. I wish 
Prof. Backus would officiate in Chapel 
every evening. He quiets and 
rests me so, and makes me 
want to do better much more 
than the President does. 


[printed] SUNDAY, January 22nd, 1854 


[printed] MONDAY, January 23d, 1854. 
Had a gay time to-night at 
supper over the Professor's baby. Laughed 
till we were tired. Thought it a good way 
to shake the supper down. Some 
thing was the matter with the 
three waiters and they had to go 
out to laugh. It is curious to 
see them when they are feeling 
funny and Solomon 
looks at them. I am glad it 
is not against the rule for 
preps to laugh. 


[printed] TUESDAY, January 24th, 1854. 
Had a short speech to night about 
the day of prayer for colleges. 
Can always tell if we are going to 
have a speech the night after 
faculty meeting by looking to see 
if Prof. Backus is in Chapel. He is 
always on hand if there is a speech. 
Poor May is sick again. It seems 
as if something was troubling her 
more than any of us guess for 
it can't be all physical debility 
which cause these nervous attacks 
which she tries so hard to conceal 
I am anxious too about Alice C's. cough 
What if she should go before I see 
her! Coming along the hall to-night 
and noticing how one by one my 
friends dropped into their rooms and 
left me to finish the journey alone 
I wondered if that were typical 
of my life, if all my friends would 
go home first leaving me behind till 
the last one. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, January 25th, 1854. 


[printed] THURSDAY, January 26th, 1854. 
Continued from next page 
from Alice last Wed 
nesday which I answered 
yesterday. It was three 
weeks on the way I 
suppose it was snowed 
up. She sent me a very 
pretty work bag for a present 
Our prospects look very 
dark just now. Papa stand[sic] 
in Mobile a week waiting 
to see Judge Bersteed about 
his bond and did not and 
men are in Washington 
trying to have him re 
moved and Col Edwards 
appointed for no other 
reason than jealousy. I 
hope we will get out 
of this fix soon some 
way 


[printed]FRIDAY, January 27th, 1854 
Mon[FRIDAY and 54 are crossed out]68 
It has been just as 
I expected it would. I 
have not written a word 
in my Diary since Papa 
was in jail and am only 
writing now by accident 
Papa got out of jail all well 
and won his case and 
did not have to pay a cent 
Old Mother Salisbery had to 
pay it all herself. I only 
wish it had been twice 
as much. Received a letter 
from Herbert to-day but am 
not going to answer it till 
the 23 or 30 of March to pay 
him off for waiting so long 
before he wrote to me. even 
if I wait till then it will 
not be so long as he wait 
ed before answering my 
letter. I also got a letter 


[printed] SATURDAY, January 28th, 1854. 
Last night we had a short 
speech from Mrs. Prine, the 
woman who is going to Japan 
I was sadly disappointed for I 
thought she had been there and 
was going to tell us what it was 
like but instead she was just 
going and wanted some one 
to go with her. Went out rid 
ing this evening. The sleigh had 
about ten too many in it and 
we were abominably crowded. The 
two Misses Lord and Miss Preston 
tried to be funny but I don't 
think that is their forte exactly 
Lottie Rossiter wrote to Sam Walker 
to telegraph for Lottie to come home 
which he did so she went 
at three o'clock today. May 
she get well recovered before 
she comes back again! L.R 
went riding last night. 


[printed] SUNDAY, January 29th, 1854. 
Deacon Smith preached to 
day. He said his sermon was 
on one verse of the book 
of Esther but I think it 
was on the whole book 
He told us the story of Esther 
and then drew three lessons 
from it, the first showing 
where woman's influence was 
the next how great its extent 
and the last its power. He 
is a better preacher than the Pres. 
There were some lovely flowers 
in Chapel which afterwards 
were given Miss Lyman because 
it was her birthday 
I wish it had been mine 


[printed] MONDAY, January 30th, 1854. 


[printed] TUESDAY, January 31st, 1854. 

[printed page no.] 3 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 1st, 1854 
Tomorrow is a great day to a 
great many girls. Would it were 
to me! But I have everything put 
off till the last as an example 
I suppose of my everlasting sin 
of procrastination--the buster of 
success.--Five years ago seems a 
short time comparatively yet how 
many and how great changes have 
taken place since five years ago 
to-night when Papa Auntie Glenn and 
I sat all night by my darling 
Mother All the time since then 
seems like a dream only there 
has been more trouble in this 
time than people usually have in 
dreams. And from all poor naughty 
I have been chosen to be benefitted 
Surely there is some use for me 
for which I am being thus prepar 
ed.. May I find it out before another 
long five years wears away. 


[printed] THURSDAY, February 2nd, 1854. 
to write to, it did not seem 
at all pleasant. Whenever I suc 
ceed in anything I want to have 
some one who cares for me to 
go to and tell and who will 
make me feel glad over it. 
I never feel so homesick as when 
I get bad news from home and 
next to that time is when I have 
good news and want to tell it 
to the home folks. Had a little 
scrawl from Harry to day. Hope 
for a long write from Papa to 
morrow. I wish it were the 
June examination instead of 
February. I wish the Faculty 
had to be examined before 
a lot of people twice a year 
when we are. They would soon 
do away with all such 
botherations if they came 
home to themselves. 


[printed] FRIDAY, February 3d, 1854. 
Thus endeth the two days of torture. 
I agree with Mr. Jewett in say 
ing "Pity the sorrows of a poor young 
woman." Yesterday was a blue day 
in my calendar and to-day I 
have had the meanest of colds in 
my head. Miss Lyman's corridor 
is covered all over with matting 
and her sister is here so I sup 
pose she is worse. Poor old Lady! 
Prof. Backus was the leader in Chap 
el to night Before supper if I had 
not been afraid of making my 
eyes red I would have had a good 
cry I felt so tired and homesick 
but since listening to Prof. B. and 
getting May's invite I feel better 
How people with only themselves to 
please and tend to get along I dont[sic] 
see for even because I had no one 
here to sympathize with me in my 
success, though there are good ... 


[printed] SATURDAY, February 4th, 1854 
Have been feeling something 
like crossness because no let 
ter came from home to-day only 
a mean little scrawl from Harry. 
I should not say that for I was 
glad to get it if only for a proof 
that when he had a spare minute 
he did not forget me. 
Asked Miss Morse if I could 
go to church with Miss Brown 
and she was good as pie as 
she generally is to me. 


[printed] SUNDAY, February 5th, 1854. 
Heard a good New Church 
sermon but it was not 
by Mr. Giles but by Mr. Keyes 
I found that I had been 
mistaken in thinking that 
it was he I heard in Septem 
ber. Prof. Farrar is the kindest 
man around this institution 
On the way to church he 
stopped his sleigh and took 
in the Misses Hogg and 
Miss Fulick and I heard afterwards 
that he regretted 
very much he had not 
thought to get on top with 
the driver and take Miss 
Brown and me in too. 
Next year I mean to be 
in his Bible class if 
it is a possible thing. 
I'll see what my friends 
can do for me by writing. 


[printed] MONDAY, February 6th, 1854. 
Could not have been suit 
ed better in regard to my 
recitations. Have Latin of 
Miss Smiley the first and 
fifth periods; French of Miss 
Kapp the second, Rhetoric 
of Miss Clark the third. 
I feel sure of learning more 
French with Miss Kapp 
than with Miss Simmonds 
We had no lessons to recite 
to day and consequently 
I spent the day principally 
in fooling, though I did 
make a cover for my trunk 
and sew a little on my 
blue shirt. I wish I could 
learn to improve the ex 
tra time we have thrown 
in so as it should be 
improved! May be I can 
if I try. 


[printed] TUESDAY, February 7th, 1854. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 8th, 1854. 
We had Prof. Backus in 
Chapel this evening. He read 
the thirteenth chapter of Cor 
inthians which is all a 
bout Charity and made a 
prayer at the end which 
[long dash] 


[printed] THURSDAY, February 9th, 1854. 
Was stopped somewhat suddenly 
last night by the close 
of Silent time and forget 
now what I was going to 
say but I think Prof. B. is a 
good deal of a New Churchman 
Am tired enough to go to bed 
but instead must go at old 
Caesar. We had a new fandan 
go in gym this afternoon 
was rather strainsome. Etta 
returned this afternoon. Was 
sick the reason she did 
not come before. Alice 
was in bed all day yesterday 
with head ache. Better have 
that than heart ache. May 
wrote to Pres. R. to be put 
in Miss Kapps French so 
that she might learn a 
little more this term 
than last. 


[printed] FRIDAY, February 10th, 1854 
Lecture by the Bishop was 
good except in one particular 
and that was, (according to 
my idea,) that he made his 
sentences entirely too long so 
that one had to pay the closest 
attention in order to keep 
the thread of his discourse. And 
as it is tiresome to have to 
listen so closely he had better 
shorten his sentences. 
Saw in the paper yesterday 
that a diary to be of any use 
ought to be truthful and 
that one ought never to leave 
it unwritten for several 
days and then fill them all 
in at once without noting 
the fact, therefore I acknowl 
edge this to be written on 
Saturday instead of Friday. 
Now my conscience is clear 


[printed] SATURDAY, February 11th, 1854 
Principal events of to-day 
were the meetings of the 
Students Association. It a 
bolished the Transcript because 
the Faculty would not 
let them publish it quarterly 
instead of yearly and intended 
to send a notice to their 
Exchanges of the fact in a printed 
circular and it resolved that 
each student should send 
a notice to her corridor teach 
er of what she particularly abominated 
in our fare. At 
noon another meeting was called 
and they decided to send a 
written note instead of a 
circular to their exchanges 
and voted against that 
way of altering our eatables 
and decided on masterly 
inaction for the present 


[printed] SUNDAY, February 12th, 1854. 
Had a splendid sermon from 
Bishop Huntington. in the 
evening Mrs Bixby told us 
about the Birmese [sic]. They say 
that when they die "they die 
and go to smoke." Their god 
is called godimis. The women's 
highest idea of happiness 
after death is to become 
a man. The men's is to go on 
higher till they get to have 
no sensation at all of any 
kind. They believe in the 
transmigration of souls and 
fear if they lead bad lives they 
may become some animal. 
Fried silkworms is their fa 
vorite dish. The women wear 
earrings as large round as [drawn circle] 
Some are hollow so as to contain 
their jewels. They got 
their religion from the Hindoos 


[printed] MONDAY, February 13th, 1854. 
coming out of the chapel 
we went allright but when 
we got outside we stopped. 
Have not found out yet 
who my mice came from 
not can I imagine who is 
so terribly smashed on me. 
Reported that Mr Lyman is 
smashed on Miss Sewall, [Latin 
phrase]. Gave her a flower 
today from Dr. A's. bouquet 
and she smiled sweetly. I 
wonder if they guess how 
much we watch what 
goes on at the Faculty 
table. I notice that poor 
Dr Blackford is having a hard 
time again in Greensboro 
May he live to get through 
it all correct is the sincere 
wish of ... 


[printed] TUESDAY, February 14th, 1854. 
Five years ago, the present 
time, I was rather a seasick 
girl. I believe it was just a 
little after I had left the supper 
table so abruptly. How 
well I can remember all about 
those times although I did 
not keep a diary. We had 
a speech to night about our 
"general movements," to the 
dining room, out of it and 
out of chapel. The Pres. told 
a story of the horses for the 
New York ferry boats when he 
was a boy--how they went 
right fast as long as they 
were within reach of the 
man's whip but went 
slowly as soon as they got 
out--and said we were 
like those horses, as long as 
we were in his sight 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 15th, 1854. 
Have nothing particular 
to say here so guess I'll not 
try to make up anything 
but will read "Messenger". 
Have made up my mind 
to write to the boys for the 
promise I want on Johns 
birthday. May Our Father 
inspire my pen in that 
letter! If they could only 
see what I have I know 
they would promise me 


[printed] THURSDAY, February 16th, 1854. 
Horrid ugly blue day. 


[printed] FRIDAY, February 17th, 1854. 
Decided not to write the letter 
I meant to John and Harry and wait 
till I see them as until then 
they will be exposed to no temp 
tation. Meditated all Silent Time 
on what I would probably have 
to do after leaving school and 
came to the conclusion that I 
must have some definite aim 
in view and fit myself for 
it and not keep going on 
in this blind aimless way. 
Made up my mind that 
it was not a sufficient to aim 
merely to obey the Golden Rule and 
try to be an accomplished, well 
educated woman to please my 
Father and friends but that I 
must have something definite 
in view. 


[printed] SATURDAY, February 18th, 1954. 
Etta, Alice and I went 
all over and saw all the 
girls about Mays birthday. 
All seemed pleased with the 
idea. Guess we will have a 
fine time. Myra saw Pussy. 
It has rained so that we 
could not have our sleigh 
ride and I, for one, am 
glad of it for I knew all 
the time it was too much 
of an extravagance for me. 
The others are sorry and 
will try it again but I 
guess I'll have courage and 
sense enough to keep out 
of it next time. They came 
at me so suddenly last time 
that I hardly knew what I 
was about. I am afraid 
that when folks come at 
me so they could make 
me do almost anything. 


[printed] SUNDAY, February 19th, 1854. 
Feel pretty miserable all 
day today. Mean in a 
little while to get undressed 
and lie in bed and 
read till I go to sleep. I 
suppose Miss Hamlin thinks 
I am dreadful wicked 
to stay away from prayer 
meeting but I get 
enough false theology 
during the daytime. 
[flourish with pen] 
it for a real love of them 
and not because she had 
to, etc. etc. but he could not 
force her love. She will 
keep her promise. That is 
why she did not want 
to make one. 


[printed] MONDAY, February 20th, 1854. 
Took a lone walk to-day a 
round the lake. Going the 
mud was almost ankle 
deep; coming the snow was 
knee deep. But it was 
fun except when I most 
fell down. The men have 
a big place cleared out at 
the end of the lake, I guess 
it will be gay rowing next 
year. Jen was sent for by 
Miss M. again who said she 
would waive the telling of the 
rooms she was in study hour 
but she must promise to 
keep the rules. V. B. would not 
promise. The President sent for 
her a little after and said if 
she did not promise she should 
be expelled. So the poor child had 
to do it And then he said how 
he wished she would do 


[printed] TUESDAY, February 21st, 1854. 
Miss Lyman died to-day at 
four o'clock. She peacefully slept 
away. I first heard of it at the 
gymnasium. It was curious 
to see how the girls received the 
news; some looked as jolly as 
they heard it as they had a 
moment before, some looked 
grave, and a very few cried. 
At supper the room was as 
still as chapel almost; no 
one spoke above a whisper and 
the creaking of the waiters 
shoes was plainly heard. The 
President made some very fitting 
remarks in Chapel. He said we 
must not feel sad. Miss Lyman wish 
ed us to rejoice that she was gone. 
Her prayer for days had been, not 
that she might stay but that she 
might be made willing to stay. Dr. 
Avery seems to feel worse than any 
one else. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 22nd, 1854. 
We had funeral services to-day 
in the Chapel. There were a great 
many strangers here from town 
All the gallery was filled and 
down stairs packed. Nearly all 
the girls had on black entirely 
and it made it look very mel 
ancholy. (How funny that looks) 
There was a meeting of the S. A. 
in the morning at which it was 
determined to send to town for 
flowers. The Fresh. a wreath the Soph. 
a cross, the Jun. an anchor, the 
Sen, a crown, the Spec. and Preps 
cut flowers. The anchor and crown 
which could not be got in Po'keepsie 
are to be obtained in Montreal. At 
another meeting it was decided 
that we all wear crape [sic] for thirty 
days. after the services there 
was a procession of twenty three 
carriages of teachers who went to the 
train and visitors. 


[printed] THURSDAY, February 23d, 1854. 
Day of Prayer for Colleges. Had 
Chapel services at 11:15, prayer meet 
ing in the afternoon and evening. 
I went only to the first 
Heard a good sermon by Rev. ... 
Hall of New York, a Presbyterian. He 
is an Irishman and has only 
been in this country three 
years. Preached entirely without 
notes. Began a frame for 
May which was spoiled 
in the making. About 
every evening I think 
of going to Dr. Avery and 
saying I want some med 
icine but before her office 
hour the next day feel so 
much better I put it 
off hoping to get well 
of myself. I have a great 
admiration for Dr. A. and 
if I had anything serious 
troubling me would go to her. 


{printed] FRIDAY, February 24th, 1854. 
Mira went to Pussy to-day. 
Pussy said she-a-thought 
that-a-fruit cake was-anot 
necessary, nor-a-candy 
or-a-raisins, a...chickens-a 
could we strike some of those 
off. As we could not help 
ourselves we struck of [sic] the 
cake and raisins and 
candy. She is afraid we 
will spend too much money 
and-a-Vassar College has 
a name-a-to be sustained and 
-a-she wishes we would try 
and not feell [sic] her objections as 
restrictions at all but try and 
feel cheerful over it. It is queer 
how she can imagine in what 
other way we could take them. 
It is a pity Vassar is in such need 
of a character for solidity that we 
can't have a spree once a year. 


[printed] SATURDAY, February 25th, 1854. 
The lecture yesterday evening 
was glorious and I too al 
most forgot the speakers hair. 
in admiring his talk. Sir 
Philip was very good according 
to Mr Curtis representations 
When May was got up stairs un 
der pretence [sic] of seeing a fine 
view in 112, just as soon as 
she was fairly in Mira toast 
ed her and they all drank 
her many happy returns. Poor 
girl she was overwhelmed and 
I thought she would fall to 
the floor but luckily there was 
a chair near by for her to hold 
fast to till she recovered. On the 
whole it was a success and 
all seemed to enjoy themselves 
I think the absence of chairs 
helped off the stiffness. When 
I have a party it would be 
well to tote off all the chairs 


[printed] SUNDAY, February 26th, 1854. 
Last night after I got to bed 
I suddenly thought of the bas 
ket of remains and hopped 
out and set it on top of the 
two pitchers, the basins being 
filled with water, so as to 
keep the mice off. Had 
lots to write home about 
to-day. I wish every week 
would have as many events. 
I hear them all going 
to prayer meeting but 
ain't going. The great subject 
of conversation is Miss 
Slocum who has been put 
back from the Senior Class. 
I pity her but am not yet 
sure whether herself or the 
Faculty is most to blame. 
Whichever it is she will 
have a hard time for the 
rest of this term. Lottie 
is in Poughkeepsie visiting 


[printed] MONDAY, February 27th, 1854. 
Miss Smiley slid neatly 
over the 21st chapter that 
we were dreading so when 
Prof. H. came in by telling us 
to turn directly to the advance 
in the 22nd Was a good 
girl today, copied up my 
French and practised besides 
Elocution. Today we had a 
whispering exercise beside 
the breathing and sounds of 

A. Little H... made Little 
Hinkle laugh in Latin by 
saying one of her happy 
thoughts. I distinguished 
myself in a very uncomfortable 
manner in the 
class, but did better than 
my associates. It was an 
abominably hard lesson any 
way. 

[printed] TUESDAY, February 28th, 1854. 
For the last of Feb. I have 
nothing to say besides my 
little book record except that 
I have begun to read Philip 
the Second. I think of begin 
ning a tidy for Mamma and 
making her some of the deep 
tattaing [?] that Abbie White made 
a pattern of. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY,March 1st, 1854. 
The report of Miss Lovell of 
what the Faculty think of Founders 
day programme was made 
in S. A. this eve. They propose that 
we go to Sunnyside and spend 
the day. After some talk the 
Stu. did not agree to go. Then 
Miss Jewett proposed that we 
have the ordinary collation. 
Miss Fulsom opposed the plan. 
After a good deal of discussion 
and two votes had been taken 
Miss Jewett lost by fourteen. 
A pretty close vote for so many. 
The subject of college colors was 
settled and we are to send 
for the number of yards we 
want (of ribbon) before Saturday. 
There was more discussion 
the meeting than in any 
before. Some said, in effect, that 
the only objection to the collation was 
Miss L. and now she was dead there 
could be none. 


[printed] THURSDAY, March 2nd, 1854. 
"As the communicants meeting 
is on Saturday evening the usual 
prayer meeting this evening 
will be omitted" was this 
evenings notice. Rather a sing 
ular reason for putting off a 
prayer meeting. I wonder if 
only communicants go to it! 
Heard from Clara Critken today, 
and was told for the third 
or fourth time of -- I won't 
write such an illnatured sounding 
thing even in my diary. 
I wonder if I should 
ever rise to be a celebrated 
crackter [sic] if my diary will 
be published with my 
life and letters. It would 
be so exceedingly interesting 
to the public. I am really 
afraid to put down my thoughts 
for fear they will be published 

N.B. That sentence is like "Credo" 
in "Rick" 

[printed] FRIDAY, March 3d [sic], 1854. 


[printed] SATURDAY, March 4th, 1854. 
Miss Monks and Miss Nich 
ols were the essayists of the 
evening. The latter's essay 
was a plea for Charles Dick 
ens and was first rate. 
She is a smart girl and 
thinks correctly of Charles 
--according to my idea. 
May is coming to sleep 
with me tonight. Miss Ham 
lin had been in Po'keepsie since 
yesterday noon. Exchanged 
the old cracked plate Com 
edy gave me, for Smith, 
for a decent looking one 
that he will probably ac 
cept even if it is not 
the identical one he sent 
up here. The girls in Vassar 
are the poorest set I ever 
came across for change or 
big bills either I guess from 
the way they spoke when I tried 
to change that today 


[printed] SUNDAY, March 5th, 1854. 
All I remember of the 
sermon was the anecdote 
about the boy eating 
honey and when his 
father asked him how 
sweet it was he said 
taste it and see for yourself. 
Rather impudent. 
Feel quite satisfied with 
myself to-day in point 
of writing and what I 
will read this evening 
Yesterday's snow all melted 
and now everything 
is nice again. Sent 
on my bill to-day. It 
was a disagreeable thing 
to do, but such things 
have to be done and the 
best way is to grin and 
bear it. Screwed my courage 
up to asking the boys for 
the promise I want to-day. 


[printed] MONDAY, March 6th, 1854. 
Nothing-[
two lines in French] 


[printed] TUESDAY, March 7th, 1854. 
Miss Smiley was sick so 
we had no Latin to day 
Prof. Hinkle told us of it the 
first time; the second, 
after waiting five minutes 
we cut--in all directions 
for fear we would meet 
the Prof who might send 
us back. Even the Seniors 
stopped and stared to see 
the Preps cut. Misses Monks 
and Folsom have killed 
a cat and they are going 
to stuff it. Nice wok [sic]! 
Am going to begin on 
my other tatting chemise 
after Silent time and 
Latin. Have got about 
third way through Philip 
the Second, vol.I Found 
a trowel on my wanderings 
to day which I'll 
keep for future gardenings 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 8th, 1854. 
There is to be a concert by 
the Cecilia society this even 
ing. Would I were a member. 
Found my music book in 
No.13 where I looked lots of 
times. Miss Preston was so 
good when I asked her about 
it that I almost begin to 
like her. President said we 
would have no new Lady P. 
till next year etc. etc. but 
the same arrangement as 
at present would continue ... 
Did not take off our blankets 
this morning as ordered. 
Studied Rhetoric with Mame 
Kiersted. Was picked up on 
"Augustine" in class this 
morning. I will be mad 
to morrow if I find out 
that my way was wrong. 


[printed] THURSDAY, March 9th, 1854. 
chairs put the books 
from the stand. under 
the table poured all 
the water out of their 
pitchers and put out 
the gas in all the rooms 


[printed] FRIDAY, March 10th, 1854. 
Lecture by Robinson Pres. of 
some college and author 
of our Algebra--on the 
real movers of the world. 
First rate good for him 
I think. About half the 
girls think it was splen 
did and the other half 
that it was abominable 
I don't like lectures on 
Friday evening for we 
have to study so hard 
Saturday in consequence 
This has been one of 
the least eventful weeks 
since I came to Vas 
sar nothing done, nothing 
to say about. 
Went with Etta before the 
lecture and unmade 
the two beds in Alice's 
parlor upset all the 


[printed] SATURDAY, March 11th, 1854. 
Miss Brown was too 
tired to go and call on 
that young lady avec moi 
for which I am truly 
thankful. Went with 
Etta to see Prof. Hinkle 
He did not see me com 
ing after the other two & 
shut the door in my face 
but excused himself im 
mediately. I think he is 
gay. Made a little tatting 
and did nothing--another 
Saturday wasted. 
Paid Mr. Schon to day 
He was in a much 
better humor than usual. 
Gay old gentleman 
Heaps of gay old gentle 
men around here it 
pears like. 


[printed] SUNDAY, March 12th, 1854. 


[printed] MONDAY, March 13th, 1854. 


[printed] TUESDAY, March 14th, 1854. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 15th, 1854. 
Last night May and Grace 
were scared because they 
thought some one was at 
their window and they scream 
ed. Which brought in Misses 
Preston, Swayze and Hamlin. 
The [sic] got quieted down soon 
and went to rest again 
It was kept pretty quiet all 
day but at night Eva R. 
came up and heard the 
news and said she was 
going to frighten the girls 
and sure enough she did. 
About two hours after a 
deputy came up from the 
1st South to know if they 
should barricade their windows 
to keep people out. 
and Lottie and Jen yelled 
out as soon as I got home 
to know all the story about 
Miss Pennell 


[printed] THURSDAY, March 16th, 1854. 
May's man is growing. 
To-day the story is that he 
got in the window and 
had a heap of jewelry out 
and was just going off 
with the watches and 
when they screamed he 
ran. He went through several 
stages before he got 
to this. Miss Hamlin 
says he was all made by 
the watchman shutting 
down the windows when 
it began to rain. Anyhow 
it was nice for a little 
excitement. Jen slept 
with Lottie Last night and 
left me to guard the ... 
side of the house ... ... 
Miss Morse sent for ... 
and told her she ... ... 
down stairs on account of 
[line too light to read] 


[printed] FRIDAY, March 17th, 1854. 
Yesterday my home letters 
came so I received ... 
to-day. My boys promised 
what I asked without a 
... for which I was 
gladder than I have been 
...anything for a long 
long time. St. Pat's 
day and we had tea at 
... ... gyms were 
to come in the evening 
but we were excused 
from them so I did 
not have to walk. Wrote 
to Mr. McCandless which is 
one of the hardest things 
I have to do and I am 
thankful it is done 
Have withstood Etta's 
teasing so far and guess 
I can stand it till the 
... Wrote to Mamma & sent 
it yesterday. 


[printed] SATURDAY, March 18th, 1854. 
Spent all the morning 
studying Rhetoric. It is 
a shame to always give us 
harder lessons for Monday 
than any other day. Prac 
tised in the afternoon and 
did one or two other 
things and Saturday was 
gone. Nothing happened 
more than usual and 
I am glad vacation is 
coming when there will 
be a chance to rest. 


[printed] SUNDAY, March 19th, 1854. 
... ... classes excused 
... 
... ... was sick. May 
and Etta and I walked 
... B. c. time up and 
... the observatory 
path. It was a most 
delightful day. That 
at way off looks as 
if I were studying Latin 
Wrote to Christine that 
I had fully made up 
my changeable mind 
to stay here during the 
Easter time. I expect 
to have a gay time reading 
then if ... don't worry 
the life out of me before 
then. May is helping her 
so it is much as possi 
ble 


[printed] MONDAY, March 20th, 1854. 
Made up my mind to 
go to Brooklyn. Had a long 
letter from Papa and he 
sent me Parson's Essays, 
Hohnes Mechanism of thought 
and Scripture paradoxes and 
gave his explanation 
of what I wanted to know 
Gave in my ticket at cor 
ridor meeting. Don't want 
to go very much but 
guess I will to please 
my parents 


[printed] TUESDAY, March 21st, 1854. 
Letters to-day which frustrated 
my plans of yesterday. 
Miss Spelman 
writes that she has to 
go away from home to 
nurse her sister so that 
I cannot go there. Can't 
say I am very sorry but 
... will be. Letter from 
Julia wanting to know 
when I will be in B. 
so that she can come 
and see me. Am not 
going to tell the girls of 
the change in my 
ideas for I don't want 
to die before my time 
by worrying. Told Miss 
Hamlin to keep it quiet 
and so she will. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 22nd, 1854. 
Small explanation this 
evening on examina 
tions. The three weeks 
review determines whether 
we pass in our studies 
and the two days are 
for the benefit of the 
examinating committee. 
President Raymond made 
several little jokes, about 
our changing our names 
and having pet names 
go down to posterity. He 
wants good names and 
respectable if not beautiful 
go into the Vassar 
Catalogue. Thankful I 
have not one of that 
sort. 


[printed] THURSDAY, March 23d, 1854. 
Letter from John containing 
a riddle. Why 
is a man eating soup 
with a fork like one try 
ing to kiss his sweetheart. 
Heard of the revolution in 
Paris, mean to read up 
Sunday. President 
said in Chapel that they 
had written to Mr Gough 
and if he came he would 
be here about eleven to 
morrow. May he come. 


[printed] FRIDAY, March 24th, 1854. 
Went to Delta and saw 
Much ado about nothing. 
It was first rate. How 
the girls get up their 
costumes I can't see. 
They are almost as good 
as if they were regular 
actors and had everything 
instead of having to borrow 
a little here and a 
little there. Society Hall 
was about as full as it 
could be, teachers in abundance. 
Letter from Papa enclosing 
a notice of Dr. Harper and 
some seeds which I hope 
had nothing to do with 
Mr. Buckley. Did not think 
they would take at my 
word so quickly. Mr 
Gough did not come though 
we watched all 4th Period. 
One girl said a watched 
pot never boils. ... 


[printed] SATURDAY, March 25th, 1854. 
Read In Trust all the 
afternoon and am 
sorry I wasted my 
time so. It would not 
be so bad if there were 
not so many simple 
remarks in it, especially 
about the broad high 
forehead, expressive mouth, 
and roman nose of the 
three weeks old baby. 
Miss Douglass appears to 
think the first duty 
of a married woman 
is to have a baby to 
go down to posterity-at 
any rate every one 
had one in less than 
a year from when 
they were married. 


[printed] SUNDAY, March 26th, 1854. 
Wrote to John, Miss Spelman 
Matha, Clara, Julia, Papa 
In the afternoon and 
evening Dora read Dream 
Life by Donald G. Mitchell 
It is good and leaves one 
something to think of besides 
babies I seem to 
go by starts, usually I 
read nothing and now 
I have read two books 
in two days. Called on 
Miss Brown and she 
told me some queer 
stories about Alice 
Clark and others 
I wonder how much 
she knows about the 
Carters. I hope not 
so much as I do for 
their sakes. 


[printed] MONDAY, March 27th, 1854. 
Nobody ever had more different 
plans. This morning 
I was as fixed in 
my resolve to stay here 
through the vacation as 
possible--to night my trunk 
is packed for going to 
Philadelphia. All because Papa 
said I might run over 
there for a day or two from 
Brooklyn. I thought if I 
could go at all I might 
as well go for the whole 
time as I cannot go to 
Brooklyn. But I must take 
back my invitations to 
Clara an [sic] Julia. I will 
go and see [squiggle] on my 
way back here Monday 
if nothing happens 


[printed] TUESDAY, March 28th, 1854. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 29th, 1854. 
Meeting of the Students Asso 
ciation lasting till after 
eight. The President was 
caught on the way out of 
Chapel and reminded of 
his promise to explain the 
reasons why the Faculty would 
not let the S. A. Support Mary 
Kneisel any more. He ex 
plained very satisfactorily 
to me, and then said he 
would answer any questions 
they wished to ask on the 
subject and the [sic] asked and 
he answered, in the meanwhile 
giving quite an animated 
speech on the want 
of Trust the S. A. had in the 
Faculty. After he left they 
discussed Founders Day again 

-decided to ask H. [initial] Beecher 
before finally deciding on 
Prof. Raymonds reading 

[printed] THURSDAY, March 30th, 1854. 
Our trunks were toted off 
this afternoon to my delight. 
Had a letter from 
Papa enclosing check for 
fifty dollars. And the 
news that he had resigned 
as C. I. R. but he did 
not say what he was 
going to do. May he 
have some business that 
will bring him North. 
A glorious concert this 
evening by four Philharmonics 
under Prof. 
Ritter. Miss Lloyd and 
Miss Mussel played. The 
Misses Lord sat right in 
front in the gallery with 
white kids on and an 
opera glass and looked 
childlike and bland 
and mighty simple. 


[printed] FRIDAY, March 31st, 1854. 
Arrived in Phil. 8-15.P.M. 
Went down to Po'keepsie 
in a carriage with 
May, Etta, Alice, Abbie 
and Kiersted. The first 
three went on the 12-20 
train and we others 
wandered around town 
till the 1-15. Over 130 of 
us went down. Was Piloted 
to the ferry by Lott. W. and 
then I was leader and 
piloted the Tituses and 
Shultis across the 
Ferry and to the cars 
myself. Talked to Mr. Hon 
ell most of the way to 
Phil. A Gay Old Gentleman. 
Kate asked me to join 
their party. Miss Hamlin 
came to talk to me in the 
cars but I was cool and 
calm. She don't like me 


[printed] SATURDAY, April 1st, 1854. 
April Fool's Day. The 
clock face was covered 
with paper and we 
all looked at it and 
were fooled. It rained 
all day long. Began my 
green tidy and made a 
little tatting. Played Rounces 
all the evening till 
after ten before one game 
was finished Poor Uncle 
John Aitken seems pretty 
feeble. Wrote to Julia and 
Clara Raynor telling 
them not to come to 
Vassar during the vacation 
to see me. 


[printed] SUNDAY, April 2nd, 1854. 
Went to Sunday School 
and Church. There were 
not many people in 
either place and I 
should not wonder if 
the society was broken 
up soon. It is a pity 
people are poor and 
fight so. Mary, Fannie 
and Sue. Aitken came 
over in the afternoon 
and Ben brought Mary 
and Lizzie Snyder to see 
me. Wrote to Harry and 
home. We sat in the 
parlor without the gas 
lit all the evening and 
talked books and authors 
The boys had to take the 
girls home. Glad I aint 
boys to have to go home 
with girls whether or 
no I want to. 


[printed] MONDAY, April 3rd, 1854. 
Spent the evening at Fanny 
Aitkens. Dont think she 
is the most ladylike girl 
I ever saw. If I was a 
boy I would not like to 
have cold potatoes thrown 
at me in my face and 
on my good coat. If I 
were to sling one my pere 
would give me a short 
address on the evils of 
my ways. It rained all 
the evening and we were 
caught in it in the after 
noon. Rode up in a car 
without paying any 
fare. Ella under took it 
but in the crowd could 
not find the conductor. 


[printed] TUESDAY, April 4th, 1854. 
Was a little extravagant 
but I could not help it 
because it was for Sallie 
for her birthday. Poor Uncle 
John is worse. I don't 
think the children realize 
how sick he is, or else 
I think he is worse 
than he is. It seems as 
though he might go off 
in any of the smoth 
ering spells he has. Ben 
is most to be pitied for 
he seems to think so 
much of his father. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, April 5th, 1854. 
Had a real good time at 
Lizzie Snyder's last night 
and danced the ... again 
Awkward looking 
body I guess I am in 
them as it is the second 
time since nine years. 
Hope I have spent my 
last cent for I have 
not much more than 
enough to get back on 
Have only been extrava 
gant in two things this 
time which is pretty 
good for me. We went 
over to Mr. Smith's store 
and got weighed. I 
weighed 142 1/2 pounds 
Am coming down a 
little or else had on 
thinner clothing 


[printed] THURSDAY, April 6th, 1854. 


[printed] FRIDAY, April 7th, 1854. 


[printed] SATURDAY, April 8th, 1854. 
Fussed over my dress all 
the morning and in 
the afternoon we went 
to the matinee; it was 
decidedly a mixed up 
play that we saw and 
there was considerable 
dancing. The last scene 
was very beautiful, but 
on the whole it was dif 
ferent from what we ex 
pected and I did not 
admire it much but 
I was glad I went for 
it was something new. 
Our escort told us to tell 
anyone who might ask 
us about it that "it was 
very deep." Spent half 
an hour after I came 
back bathing Mary's head. 
She seemed entirely worn 
out. 


[printed] SUNDAY, April 9th, 1854. 
Saw Mr & Mrs Ballon 
in church. He sent her 
up to the altar to see 
what those young girls 
were doing with the 
flowers and then she 
recognized me. On my 
way down stairs to wash 
some ivy he stopped me & 
asked me lots of things with 
out knowing me. In the 
evening lost a lock of my 
hair and read spots of 
Innocents Abroad, selected 
by Ben. Saw Dr. Harper 
go by in the afternoon 
but had no chance to 
call to him. Wish I 
had for I wanted to 
talk to him so much. 
Sat up with Ella and 
the boys till everyone 
had gone to bed. 


[printed] MONDAY, April 10th, 1854. 
Left Phil. on the 3-10 
train. Made a very 
quick trip to Newark 
When I got there they 
put me down at the 
wrong place and I 
had a gay time find 
ing where the girls 
live Guess I'll not 
be such a fool next 
time. Took a walk 
in the evening and 
got some ice cream 
and after we went 
to bed talked till very 
late. They scolded me 
for not coming on Sat-
day. Saw Mrs Guyger in 
the evening and Mr 
Pinney. 


[printed] TUESDAY, April 11th, 1854. 
Went over to New York 
at little past nine. 
Found that my trunk 
had not yet left 
Philadelphia and had 
to telegraph for it. Call 
ed on Mrs Lockwood 
who was at dinner, 
fortunately for us. She 
has a beautiful new 
house with alcove bed 
rooms beautifully furnished. 
Called on 
Clara and got another 
sound scolding for 
not coming before. 
Hope my friends will 
hereafter expect me 
when I say I'll come 
and not when they 
take a kink I will 
be there. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, April 12th, 1854. 
Studied a little last eve 
but not much for I 
was tired. Went to class 
to-day without knowing 
very much but 
got along tolerably well 
as we had dictation in 
French. A great many 
of the girls are not 
back yet. Etta and 
Alice came this morning. 
May did not take our 
advice but came back 
on time. The girls say 
they had a gay time 
here boating excursioning 
etc. But I don't wish 
I had stayed. Found 
letters from Harry 
and Mary. 


[printed] THURSDAY, April 13th, 1854. 
In choral class this 
morning the second 
sopranos were as stupid 
as before the vacation 
and I am ashamed 
of them. Fin 
ished the first vol 
ume of Philip the Sec 
ond. Am beginning to 
feel as if there had 
been no vacation. It 
is so easy to get back 
into the old habits. 
Had gymnastics. The 
prohibition on walk 
ing after five o clock 
has been removed 
for which I say three 
cheers. Am going to 
have Mrs Green make 
my skirts. Tuttle told 
me about her trouble 
as Prep. Special. 


[printed] FRIDAY, April 14th, 1854. 
Got out Philip the 
tooth. In the evening 
wrote up my small 
diary and read and 
talked instead of studying 
Latin. Studied my 
French in the afternoon. 
My trunk came yesterday 
to my great delight 
but I had to 
pay two dollars and a 
half for it. Guess my 
fifty won't be near 
fifty very long at the 
present rate. Wrote to 
Mrs McCandless;and 
wrote to Rob telling 
him not to worry 
for my trunk was 
here all correct & 
unpacked. [two lines 
too faint to read] 


[printed] SATURDAY, April 15th, 1854. 
Studied a few minutes 
in the morning and 
most of the rest of 
the day I fussed over 
my dress. Lottie read 
some of the Newcomes 
to me while I worked. 
Miss Morse sent for 
May and told her she 
would have to give 
her Miss Irwin for 
a roommate which 
was mean consider 
ing that she had 
told her that she 
need not have any. 
Studied Latin in 
Mays room with Miss 
Meeker who is quite 
an addition to we 
folks. I like smart 
folks to study with 


[printed] SUNDAY, April 16th, 1854. 
Had a "... ..." to 
preach for us to-day. For 
a wonder the sermon 
was not about Martha 
& Mary. He was an ugly 
little fellow with a 
crooked, one-sided, wig. 
Preached us pretty near 
to sleep, but had such a 
cracked voice that we 
did not set quite to 
it. Tuttle wrote to Harry 
and it was a gay old 
letter notwithstanding 
she said I held the baby 
for the little girl who 
told me the way in 
Newark when I did 
not at all. Read a 
little in the library 
in the evening 


[printed] MONDAY, April 17th, 1854. 
Letter from Mamma 
saying I must get my 
calico dresses here, so I 
guess I'll not get any 
at least not till I am 
sure about going home. 
Took May and Tuttle over 
to Mrs ...'s. A goose 
chased us and frightened 
May. We sat down under 
one of the trees to 
play euchre on the way 
back but it was so 
near the road and in 
such plain sight of 
the building that we 
only played one game 
before coming in. 


[printed] TUESDAY, April 18th, 1854. 
A wasp stung me 
just before Silent time 
but by putting mud 
on immediately I 
seemed to draw out 
the poison. Got a 
piece of classical 
Latin poetry (as I thought 
... three classes for I 
did not have a chance 
to look at it in 
Latin class when I 
read the accompany 
ing letter. Subject of 
it was "Carmen" 


[printed] WEDNESDAY,April 19th, 1854. 
Sunday April 19, 1868 
Today I wrote to 
my old uncle I wonder 
how soon he will answer 
me. Papa is quite 
sick to day and Mary 
is trying to be. 
Mrs Harper goes tomorrow. 
I don't think 
there is much of a 
chance at present 
of my going to the 
Xenia seminary to 
take singing lessons 
We have broken all 
ties to Slippery Dick 
and have declared war 
To day the Sentinel 
denounces Papa and 
the Mail defends him 
What a change from last 
winter! We may have to 
leave the State yet 


[printed] THURSDAY,April 20th, 1854. 
Prof. Backus was not 
in Rhetoric if Miss Clard 
did ask him to come 
in every day till we 
did not care whether he 
came or not. We were 
quite Smart last night 
We translated about 120 
lines of Cicero in an 
hour and twenty min 
utes, a line and a 
half a minute. This 
is our last night 
with that author I 
trust and believe 
A beautiful mist is ov 
er all the earth like 
some soft veil to hide 
the preparations for natures 
beautiful appearance 
on a sunshiny to-mor 
row. 


[printed]FRIDAY,April 21st, 1854. 
Annie Love spent the 
evenity with me, mir 
abile dictu, and over 
our ravelling ... had 
quite a pleasant talk 
for nearly two hours, on 
clothes and people. 
Saw Miss Darling, whom 
I supposed to be still 
away and was reminded 
that I must call on 
her soon. 


[printed] SATURDAY, April 22nd, 1854. 
Rose ce matin at half 
past six and was 
dressed by the time the 
rising bell rang and 
went down and fix 
ed May's hair for her 
picture. Worked on 
my dress rouchs all 
the morning while Etta 
darned. She and May 
are going to belong to 
Tuttle's croquet club. There 
is a quiet sort of row 
going on between Etta 
and Alice, sorry to write. 


[printed] SUNDAY, April 23rd, 1854. 


[printed]MONDAY, April 24th, 1854. 
[initial]T. told us the news 
at supper that she had 
run off and gone to town 
this afternoon. She walked 
in and a young gent 
brought her out in his 
buggy to the lake steps 
Pretty risky business 
but it must have 
been fun. I am afraid 
she talked too 
much at supper and 
that my friend of 
the big eyes knows 
of it. Some one made 
a noise in Cor. meet 
ing and I know Miss 
Hamlin thought I did 
it for she stared at 
me so. She suspects 
me of everything I 
guess now 2 days. 


[printed]TUESDAY, April 25th, 1854. 
It is after half past 
seven and I have just 
returned from the Students 
We have had a long discus 
sion on Mary Kniesel, the 
last I hope for she is to 
send here [sic] dressmakers bill 
her [sic] to be paid and the rest 
of the money for her is to be 
sent to Mr. Van Meter. Her Sem 
inary has been burned and 
she dont know just what 
she has lost except two 
pairs of corsets. She must 
have had three pairs for 
she had one on, a good 
lot for such a poor girl. 
They want us each to pay 
fifteen cents more for 
Founder's Day. I have paid 
as much as I am going 
to for one. 


[printed]WEDNESDAY, April 26th, 1854. 
not go to Chapel. Jen 
and Fan and lots of 
others have been called 
up for something. They 
two got off quite easily 
as they had only done it 
once for fun. F had to 
tell this afternoon where 
she got the cigarettes 
so probably Lot. will be 
sent for. I should 
think that in all 
this investigation Tut 
tle would tremble. 
It is said that Nell 
Epler received a box of 
Cigaretts [sic] every day from 
one of the Bizby boys. 
Fred Hinkle is the 
go between. I expect 
the President will give 
us a fine speech on the 
subject next Tuesday. 


[printed]THURSDAY, April 27th, 1854. 
Great excitement throughout 
the building not for Founders 
Day but for the row 
on the gambling smoking 
and drinking question 
also the flirting with 
the Bizby boys. Rumors fly 
all over the college. Every 
time Jen and I meet we 
have some new edition to 
relate. The last was that 
Misses Ledue and Cornell are 
as deep in it as the others 
and were found gambling 
after ten also drinking. 4 
girls were to be publicly ex 
pelled tonight in Chapel but 
they weren't. There are 
thirty or forty others who 
are to be privately expelled 
Two girls were so drunk 
last Sunday that they could 


[printed]FRIDAY, April 28th, 1854. 
The latest to night is 
that Waltby and Dane 
have hid out of the 
fuss and Epler alone 
told the truth and is 
alone to be expelled. Dane 
mean. Of course every 
one is furious at that 
Epler has the sympathies 
of the teachers. We will 
probably hear of it in 
Chapel Tuesday. Up 
till twelve at the F.[ounders] D.[ay] 
performance. It was too 
long for any use. The 
reading lasted over two 
hours. Lough and Safford were 
so cold in the beginning that 
we almost suffocated. The 
music was good except the 
singing which was not much 
count. The tableaux were fine 
but not worth thirty dollars. 


[printed]SATURDAY, April 29th, 1854. 
It was lucky I sewed 
all day yesterday for not 
an earthly thing have I 
done to-day, except working 
an hour in the garden 
In the afternoon just 
as I was beginning to study 
Miss Brown came. She 
was very blue and, as 
usual in such cases, talked 
all the time about the 
sad condition of the Waltham 
school and the bad way it 
is of educating the N. C. children 
outside the church. I am 
sorry the school is so but 
as I can't help it I am sorry 
that she is always complaining 
of it to me. She is rather sceptical 
[sic] of the stories about 
the scrape of Maltby Dane & Epler 
May she be in better spirits 
next time she comes. 


[printed]SUNDAY, April 30th, 1854. 
Fooled away most of the 
time between Bible class 
and Chapel so did not 
get to writing till after 
noon. Wrote six letters 
though before nine. Then 
read a little in Philip 
who passes away slowly. 
Annie Love was up in 
the evening to see Miss 
Hamlin who, as usual, 
was not at home. She 
must be in the scrape 
or she would not want 
Miss Hamlin so much. 
Lottie Rossiter is too I 
guess by her looks. I wonder 
what they had to do. 
Annie always is very envious 
when on [sic] goes to tell 
her anything and when she 
is told says O yes she kows [sic] 
all about it! 


[printed]MONDAY, May 1st, 1854. 
Written 1868 
I am one year old this day 
My first birthday outside 
the paternal mansion 
and it is rather a lone 
some affair. I have told 
no one that it was my 
birthday so did not even 
get a good luck wish. But 
such a good letter from 
Mamma came that it 
was not so very bad. It 
is queer what she likes 
me for. If I was some 
one else I would not 
like me a bit, it seems. 
I mean to suggest going 
out west next time I write 
home. The south is not 
fit for decent people 
to live in when they 
belong to our persuasion 
I hate the place. 


[printed]TUESDAY, May 2nd, 1854. 
To-night the expected blow 
came. He began "Smoking, 
Drinking, Card playing, Clandestine 
correspondence with 
young men, going on in Vassar 
College" and then went on 
to say what he had heard 
from fathers and brothers. He 
then said what he had found out. 
In two cases cigars had been sent, and 
came. The cigars had been smoked in a 
frolic and the wine drank [sic]. He 
fussed lightly over that. Then enlarged 
on the girl's unwillingness to help him 
discover the facts. In two cases such 
was alowable [sic]- in Honor among Thieves 
and in shielding good men from tyrants 
It was wrong here. He read the girls 
names out in Chapel. Said he would 
rather have ten scourgings than do it. I 
never felt so sorry for anyone in 
my life as those three poor girls. They 
are not to pass the front fence or 
the stream back or to receive gents 
in the parlors. The cards he skipped. 
A birthday package from Phil. came 
this afternoon. My friends are too good 
to me. It makes me want to do 
what I cannot. I have thought 
much of George to-day. Wonder if 
he thought of me yesterday. Though 
he may be ever so good in future. 


[printed]WEDNESDAY, May 3d, 1854. 
Yesterday it appeared that 
some other people remember 
my birthday besides Mamma 
Very pleasant for me. 
It appeareth strange that 
Mrs. McCandless don't write 
I must heap coals of fire 
on her head next Sunday 
Walked with Dora out in 
the woods in the rain 
so that she could get 
some flowers to anylize 
[sic]. Began my pink 
bracket It will not 
be handsome but it 
will answer the purpose 
and fill a place 
on the walls. We fear 
that Mrs Humphries 
called this morning 
and found our par 
lor in disorder. 


[printed] THURSDAY, May 4th, 1854. 
Prof. Hinkle was in 
Latin this noon. Came 
just as I was finishing 
luckily. I drew a 
picture of him. Very 
good picture but not 
much like him. Noth 
in in particular to 
say. Two ladies from 
Phil, principals of schools 
have been here. One 
wears a cap on her 
head like a crown. 
Trimmed up with 
purple feathers. Looks 
like Queen Victoria would 
if she were an old maid 
and fixed her hair in 
little bunches of curls 
sticking out the front 
and the side under 
her crown. 


[printed] FRIDAY, May 5th, 1854. 
Left two things out of 
my letter to Ella that 
I meant to put in, about 
my cold and my brack 
et. Will speak of them the 
next time I write. Have 
nothing to say. Am afraid 
that John is still sick 
as no letter from him 
has come yet. I hope 
for one to-morrow. I 
am so sorry about poor 
Mary ..., that she don't 
get better. I hope that 
they will have sense 
enough to make her go 
away some place and pay 
attention to getting well. 


[printed] SATURDAY, May 6th, 1854. 
Had a delightful ... in 
Papa's letter that they think of 
coming north in the fall-
not in so many words but 
I guessed it and I am going 
home in June I guess. Did 
not eat any supper last night 
except a doughnut I stole. As 
I felt the same indisposition 
to eat this evening I did not 
go down at all, preferring to 
eat the remaining doughnut 
in Silent time to sitting 
half an hour at supper 
doing nothing. Hope my 
cold will get well soon. 
Also that the supply of 
coal will not give out 
again this spring, or I 
will have another. 


[printed] SUNDAY, May 7th, 1854. 
Went to chapel and 
found it was cold 
and that Prof. Orton 
was going to preach 
so I left just before 
the sermon. Heard after 
wards that it was a 
very good one. Read 
the Messenger till the 
service was over when 
I went to walk. Took 
a roasting hot bath 
and went to bed under 
a pile of covers 
last night in hopes 
of bettering my cold 
but succeeded not 
at all. Hope to be 
better to-morrow 


[printed] MONDAY, May 9th, 1854. 
Have just been hearing a 
most romantic story from 
Lottie Walker of a Mrs Dick 
Colwell in Jersey. Hope to 
it remember. Discovered 
that I made a mistake 
in my planting l'autre 
jour and planted pinks 
for mignonette et vice 
versa. Don't think Miss 
Lerow is nearly as good 
a reader as Miss Swayze 
She is too monotonous. 


[printed] TUESDAY, May 9th, 1854. 
Practised with Emily 
Dane in gymnastics to 
day during the steps. Etta 
fooled over the dumb bells 
and I chastised her. Then 
she would not take my 
arms so I left the 
ranks. Then Miss Colwell 
asked if I would practise 
with Miss Dane. Saying 
yes, I did so while Etta 
stood by the wall and 
grinned. Determined to 
have my picture took. 
Am in a pickle about 
what to wear. Mr Kirtz 
wants us to wear white 
but I guess my silk 
will be light enough 
for this time. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 10th, 1854. 
Cecilia has a soiree tonight. 
Wish I were a 
member. I would go instead 
of studying Latin. 
Conundrum business comes 
on slowly. One of last 
night was Why is the Pres 
ident like a Wildcat. Because 
he is related to pussy. an-
other-Why is a horse 
running away like a 
dress being slit down the 
back. Because they both 
go licketty split. They 
were both rejected. 
Taken-When is a man 
in the smallest possible 
space.-When he is in a 
pickle. Miss Bennetts 
name was proposed for 
membership in the 
Philaletheau, to night. 


[printed] THURSDAY, May 11th, 1854. 
Tried to draw a picture at 
supper to-night of we'uns 
studying Latin. May sprawled 
across the foot of the bed 
Etta with her feet cocked 
up on the foot board. 
Me seated at the top of 
the bed, Kiersted alongside 
of me, Alice in the rocking 
chair side of her. Etta was 
saying "I have that in my 
notes" Kiersted "May what 
does hospitio mean" Alice 
"I have the order of that" 
I, "wait till I find my 
notes" May "Please read 
your notes Bertha." It 
was not a success in 
the artistic line, though 
very expressive. 


[printed] FRIDAY, May 12th, 1854. 
After much consideration 
have made up my mind 
not to go to ... Fields lecture 
on French Literature 
this evening. Because by 
close calculation I have 
decided that if I don't 
go this evening I can 
almost finish my dress 
tomorrow. Got the two 
skirts finished this afternoon. 
May is sick this 
afternoon. Prof. Backus 
officiated in Chapel. Wish 
the President would resign to 
him. Miss Clark told us yesterday 
that a gentleman Principal of a school 
visiting here said he was much 
confused to see that there was 
communication in every class 
he saw.[three words too light to read] to that 
Lady & said she was delighted 
with the girls here because 
they did not [two lines too light to read] 


[printed] SATURDAY, May 13th, 1854. 
Changed my mind 
and went to the lecture 
whh.[sic] lasted a period and 
was splendid. The President 
had her change her subject 
to "What French will do 
for you." She said that 
even if we learned French 
pretty well it would not do us 
much good in French society 
for the people were too sel 
fish and fond of good conversation 
to invite anyone to 
their parties who could not 
enjoy them and be an or 
nament to society. Said it 
would do us a great deal of 
good in reading French writing 
Memoirs and Letters) It would 
teach us to give parties and get 
up general converse instead 
of having off people for the eve. 
Told us the story of the french 
gentleman she gave a reception 
to who wanted to know why 
the Americans were so ... 
in asking information 
about France. Each taking ... 
... alone .... 


[printed] SUNDAY, May 14th, 1854. 
(Written Monday.) 
Had a most splendid 
... talk by Prof. Back 
us before the society of 
Religious Inquiry. It was 
on Home Missions. It was 
the most interesting thing 
I have heard in the College 
He is an American in 
sentiment and don't believe 
in letting the enthusiasm 
of foreign missions 
drown the home miss 
ions He spoke of how 
wonderful a thing it 
was that Christianity kept 
pace with the population 
But it is no use trying 
to repeat. I only spoil it. 
Etta came in afterwards 
and we read Dr Johns 
till ten o'clock. But we 
were not very interested 


[printed] MONDAY, May 15th, 1854. 
Had my picture taken 
this morning. He took 
the girl that should 
have come after me be 
fore me so I was late 
to noon Latin. As there 
was a good excuse and 
it was not my fault 
I suppose it won't matter 
Heard that the soft look 
ing minister who has 
been here several days 
and who preached yesterday 
is going to write 
us up in "Scribners." He 
appears better in the pulpit 
than out. It would be well 
if he could always stay 
there. He is about the 
softest looking specimen 
that we have had here. 


[printed] TUESDAY, May 16th, 1854. 
... was at the gymnasium 
this afternoon 
Wonder if he will report 
about the girls shoes. If 
he does ,woe is me! Etta 
and I came suddenly 
upon him on the front 
steps after supper, when 
we went out to see if 
it was warm enough to 
go out and read Dr. Johns 
It was warm enough and 
we went out and read. 
But, if I were a man visit 
ing a ladies college I would 
let them know when I was 
around so they would not 
be startled at coming suddenly 
upon me. Also I would be 
too bashful to be always perambulating 
the halls just 
when all the girls were there 
going from one place of duty 
to another so I would. He don't 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 17th, 1854.

 Sunday 68 
Today morning Papa started 
for the Presidential Con 
vention at Chicago. He expects 
to be gone about 
two but I expect he will 
be gone three weeks 
We are still waiting 
like the Micawbers for 
something to turn up 
The Senate have as good 
as acquitted Andrew Johnson 
and there is very small 
chance of the State being 
admitted in less 
than two months if it 
is at all. If it isnt 
we will all of us turn 
up in some other state. 
The 2 states I particu 
larly want to be in are 
the states of health and 
wealth. May we be in 
both very soon Even so 


[printed] THURSDAY, May 18th, 1854. 
Guess I wont rub out 
the record of three 
years ago. It seems 
like six since the 
summer I used to 
write now and then a 
day up by my window 
in Mrs. Weiss house. 
Yesterday Pussy sent for me 
I went down in fear 
and trembling for fear she 
would give me a roommate 
But she only wanted to know 
why I was absent from Chapel 
2 weeks ago. Told her I had a 
cold and the Chapel was cold 
she excused me from that and 
for being late to Latin Monday 
As I ... was going out she 
said "I suppose you would like to 
know what your marks are" said I 
"yes mamm." She said they were 
very good with the exception of 
one month in Latin. A little 
more study would make them 
perfect. I am very glad of it Would 
like to know that month Thanked her and 
... how I had wanted to find out 
about them. 


[printed] FRIDAY, May 19th, 1854. 
Went down to supper this 
evening with Corinne and 
we were the first in 
the room and when we 
saw what a horrid old 
supper there was we left 
after pocketing some cookies 
from our respective tables 
It was well we were in 
soon or we would have 
had to stay An illustration 
of how the early bird catches 
the worm. When I went 
at noon to the mail 
Miss Preston said in her 
ugly way you won't look 
so smiling when you see 
its only a paper. I told 
her it was just what I 
expected. I wonder why 
she need be so disagree 
able. 


[printed] SATURDAY, May 20th, 1854. 
In our walk around the lake 
before tea May told me of 
her plan for next year. She 
is going to stay at home 
and see what she can do 
to make the folks there 
happy as she says she has 
never done for them but 
the contrary, them for her 
But je ne le crois pas ... 
She is to keep on with her 
French and Latin. I wish 
I knew enough to be able 
to do the same thing. Lucy 
Sellers father came for her 
this morning and she is 
started for California having 
passed examination in 
her studies. She is lucky! 
Have on a summer dress 
for the first time. This is 
a good place not to wear 
out summer clothes in. 


[printed] SATURDAY, May 20th, 1854. 
A nice looking old goat 
preached a good sermon 
to-day. But he has the 
snarliest voice I ever 
heard which most marred 
it. He looked too sweet to 
have such a voice. His 
sermon was full of poetical 
quotations from Paradise Lost 
to the Queen of the May. Very 
funny. Called this "a unique 
seminary" "a seminary of secular 
learning for young persons" 
etc. Had the greatest 
hunt to-day for letters and 
the clover I had to send 
the girls. I always have 
to hunt for things. I 
hope I may get out of 
the habit before a 
great many years. This 
is the first gloriously hot 
day. 


[printed] MONDAY, May 22nd, 1854. 
Miss Hamlin is so good 
I wonder what is the 
matter. She kissed me 
said she was glad to see 
me and asked if I miss 
ed her. and altogether act 
ed as though she had been 
away a month instead of 
two days. I did miss her 
when Miss Preston came trotting 
around ten o'clock, but 
was not very down hearted. 
Poor Dora is sick with a 
sore mouth. Etta is 
right-pert again. I caught 
Miss Kapp's eye today in 
class and she looked so 
nice that I have been 
homesick almost, ever 
since. Miss Brashir rubbed 
out one of Lou Kellogg's 
exercises for Bible class topics. 
Lou got in just in time to see 
the last of it disappear. 


[printed] TUESDAY, May 23d, 1854. 
chronology made distaste 
ful to us here? By the stars 
and giving us dates. Why 
at the end of President 
R's sermons are we like 
carriage wheels? Because 
we are tired. When is 
a woman not a woman? 
When she is a-bed. When is 
a man not a man? When 
he is a miss. Why is a 
thoughtless man like the 
wrong side of a looking glass? 
Because he never reflected 
What is the diff. between a 
man facing the west in 
the morning and a woman 
doing the same in the afternoon? 
One casts a shadow before, the 
other " " " behind. Why 
is the world like a dog's tail? Be 
cause it wags. Why is the 
icing on cake like a 
hen? Because it is a layer 
[ printed page number] 10 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 24th, 1854. 
Had nothing to say yesterday 
in this account Not 
much more to-day. This 
has been rather full of 
work. Had a tremendous 
French lesson and at nine 
have to practice "Down in 
the Dewy Dell." Have just 
been talking with Jennie 
about how she is to introduce 
her conundrums. 
I think a good way would 
be to tell how each was 
thought of. I guess I will 
write down some so as 
to remember them in the 
great hereafter. First, in reference 
to the row at the 
Chapter meeting. What 
was the word "well" 
supposed to be worth? As 
sent (a cent) How is 
over backwards 


[printed] THURSDAY, May 25th, 1854. 


[printed] FRIDAY, May 26th, 1854. 


[printed] SATURDAY, May 27th, 1854. 


[printed] SUNDAY, May 28th, 1854. 
Have nothing to say 
at all any more than 
the skipped days but 
have time to say the 
nothing. Have written 
four long letters, at least 
three were long, and 
am now on a fifth 
to Lizzie Snyder. Friday 
night Jen came off 
gay with her conundrums. 
Took a part from 
Hiawatha, twisted to 
suit the purpose, for 
the heading. Thursday 
we drew for things. First 
in fun then by the decision 
of a tossed penny 
in earnest. I came 
of ... to my thinking 
Lottie the same to 
hers, Jen the worst ... 


[printed] MONDAY, May 29th, 1854. 


[printed] TUESDAY, May 30th, 1854. 
Had a lecture by the President 
on the frivolity of 
the Literary society. It took 
him forty minutes to get 
to the point of his discourse 
what all the rest was introductory 
to, namely, that 
the girls must not wear 
masculine attire in their 
plays. Reminded us of the 
character of actresses. Said 
he had been invited many 
times to go but never went 
for fear of having his moral 
sensibilities wounded. 
Poor man! If he is ashamed 
to see a girl's ankle 
he better never go to gymnastics. 
He said too much 
of the time was spent on such 
things for the good of our intellectural 
growth. 
(according to recollection) 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 31st, 1854. 
Added up my account 
to-day and came 2 dollars 
short this month, at 
least, I am sure that 
about everything I bought 
I set down, so cannot see 
where it has gone to. 
Someone must have 
it, as I haven't. I am going 
to hide my purse 
this week and see how 
it will come out next 
month. Had a very 
easy time today though 
the Rhetoric was twenty 
four pages long. Slept 
the sixth period. ... 
came up from eve 
ning choral class where 
we have been singing 
Down in the Dewy Dell 
Ten till ... 


[printed] THURSDAY, June 1st, 1854. 
President modified his 
Tuesday night's remarks 
a little to-night. Wonder 
if Minnie got after him. 


[printed] FRIDAY, June 2nd, 1854. 
Played croquet after 
tea with Misses Hastings 
Pennell and Brown, who 
asked me yesterday. Had 
a first rate time. Hastings 
and I played together 
and came off ahead. I 
would like to play a 
little more so as to 
be in p (two days after) ractice 
for the summer campaign. 
Read most of the 
afternoon. May came just 
as I wrote the above ... 
and asked me to Delta. 
Had a real good time. 
They gave up the grand 
show they expected to have 
on account of the President's 
remarks. But they had 
essays and music and 
every one enjoyed it. 


[printed] SATURDAY, June 3d, 1854. 
The one who seemed 
least to enjoy the show 
last night was Miss Blisses 
young man. I should 
think the poor fellow 
would have been scared 
at being with so many 
of "the sex." Sewed some 
on my new waist and 
studied Latin in the 
afternoon. The morning 
was all taken up in 
Student's association and 
in going to Mrs Green's 
for my dress and taking 
my new one to make, at 
which I most came 
to a grease spot. The 
officers were elected with 
out any fight, but it 
took over two hours. Miss 
Crocket was mad at being 
put on the committee 


[printed] SUNDAY, June 4th, 1854. 
Miss Lord told us we would 
only have one more Bible 
class. I divided Bible 
as Colonel Reynolds does "... 
ch." Sleepy sermon on 
commerce. Had the 
grand honor of sitting in 
Miss Lord's place. She would 
not let me change when 
she came in and when 
the bananas were passed 
around she made me 
help myself first. 
Walked with Lily Lewis 
after supper. The sun 
was out and it rained 
so I had to come 
clear up to my room 
for my umbrella. 


[printed] MONDAY, June 5th, 1854. 


[printed] TUESDAY, June 6th, 1854. 
Have finished our last 
night in Virgil. Didn't 
read tomorrow afternoons 
lesson for we think we 
know the end. Have 
... up for Sunday. 
Slept a half an hour 
after dinner and read 
half and hour in the 
Journal. Then studied 
all rest of the afternoon 
on Rhetoric. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, June 7th, 1854. 
Letter from Mary Glenn 
this morning which has 
made me feel rather sober 
to-day. Uncle John has gone 
home to rest. I wonder if 
we will ever be good enough 
to rejoice when one 
of our friends is taken home 
from a life of pain. We 
ought to, but we never 
do and always feel sad. 
Though we are glad he 
went so quietly with so 
little pain. I am 
sorry too for poor Mary 
who was getting along so 
nicely in the country 
when she had to go home 
to watch by the sick bed. 
May it not take away 
all the country benefit 
and leave her weaker. 


[printed] THURSDAY, June 8th, 1854. 


[printed] FRIDAY, June 9th, 1854. 


[printed] SATURDAY, June 10th, 1854. 
At last my wish has 
been fulfilled and I've 
been to the old graveyard. It 
contains, sixteen trees, mostly 
apple, eight tombstones, grape 
vines, lots of shade, also 
weeds, and the ashes of 
eight people. From the dates 
I think they are two old 
peoples, their three sons, one 
son's wife, and two grandchildren. 
Some stones were upset. 
One one was cut in something like 
"Stranger stop on passing by 
As you are so once was I 
As I am so you will be 
So prepare to follow me. 
Underneath in pencil "To 
follow you I'm not content 
until I know which way you 
went" I know who wrote the lat 
I told Miss Lord at the table 
and she was very shocked 
and didn't even smile. We told 
Miss Hamlin who laughed and 
wanted to know what else funny 
was there. Such is the difference 
between peoples. 


[printed] SUNDAY, June 11th, 1854. 


[printed] MONDAY, June 12th, 1854. 
Nothing in particular hap 
pened to-day but I have 
had a right lazy time. Was 
not called on in French, luckily. 
Prof Farrar and a Boston teacher 
were in Rhetoric class and 
only three girls recited. 
The rest of the period was 
taken up by his asking 
questions and discussing 
History and Fiction. He 
told Miss Clark at the 
end that the young 
ladies in his class 
seemed to have a mind 
of their own. We ought to 
have. Did not have any 
Rhetoric much to study as 
we review the last half 
which I knew so after 
reading it over and reading 
the girls Latin I spent 
the afternoon reading. 
Now for study 


[printed] TUESDAY, June 13th, 1854. 
Nothing to say but that 
I am no longer a Prep. 
there was the usual rustle 
over the chapel when 
he said he would read 
the names of those who 
by a vote of the Faculty 
were admitted. I guess 
everyone was as some of 
the simplest I know 
were. Dora told me 
yesterday that my name 
was on the board to return 
my book but I 
am not going to till I 
finish it to-morrow. It 
is so dark I can't see 
We keep forgetting to buy 
some matches and our 
borrowed ones have given 
out. 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, June 14th, 1854. 
Miss Morse has been persecuting 
Jennie again. When they 
drew for rooms she didn't 
draw on Fannie's corridor as 
she wished so she changed 
with a girl who was on that 
one. To day Pussy gave it out 
that there was a rule against 
changing, when they had to go 
to her to tell where they had 
chosen. Asked Jen where she 
drew, made her change back 
again, made her hopping mad 
She went to Dr A. to no purpose 
Dr. said next year if she 
could not stand her present 
quarters she might change her 
We draw next. I am going 
to strike for Miss Thornton's 
room in the corner. 
Then, if the fates permit 
Etta will get there with me. 


[printed] THURSDAY, June 15th, 1854. 
Drew for rooms. When I chose 
I mustered up courage enough 
to ask Miss Morse if Etta 
could have the same room. 
She said "none but Seniors 
choose their roommates, let 
us hope she will draw there" 
Thinks I "many thanks for the 
permission to hope." but did 
not hope much. The 
Freshmen talk of "cutting 
Latin tomorrow as it is 
printed to come off at 
"11.P.M." instead of "A.M." 
Guess they will be stopped 
Letter from Clara. She has 
been sick, which is why 
she did not write 
sooner. (according to 
recollection Friday night) 


[printed] FRIDAY, June 16th, 1854. 
Etta drew on 1st North 
Tried to change with Miss 
Shultiss but Pussy forbad 
it after two hours search 
she found a sick body 
who had to go down on 
account of her health. As 
she had first choice she 
easily got in my room 
lucky we. O nos beatos. As 
I expected the Freshy were 
stopped by a neat little 
notice to the effect that 
they would "please go to 
recitation at 11.AM." They 
asked me to Delta's last 
meeting. It was very 
pleasant. Miss Hawke had 
the good bye for the Seniors 
-not as good as she can do 
May is going to sleep 
with me. After this Annie 
Love till the end. 


[printed] SATURDAY, June 17th, 1854. 
Skipped to-day and 
have now Sunday) nothing 
of consequence, as 
all the other things in 
this book are, to write. 
Wrote to Mrs McCandless today 
stating when I would 
be there Rather an 
awkward thing to do as 
I have not heard from 
there lately but it had 
to be done. Still hope 
to hear from there before 
Wednesday. 


[printed] SUNDAY, June 18th, 1854. 
Have nothing say in particular 
except that I am feeling 
considerably provoked with Etta 
just at present as I have 
just learned from Alice 
that although the swelling 
has gone out of Etta's feet 
as Etta herself told me-it 
is now gon higher in the 
calf of her leg- as she didn't 
tell me. The girl is crazed 
not to get medical advice 
about it. I am much afraid 
of dropsy and wish 
I could go to the library 
and read up on the symptoms 
of that disease. Very 
likely I am nervous because 
of Uncle John's recent death, 
but it must be something 
serious when anyone swells 
up in that way, especially 
about the feet. If the girl had 
sense she would not let it go so. 


[printed] MONDAY, June 19th, 1854. 
Lottie pinned up my overskirt and on my 
bows behind but they 
were put on so loosely 
that I was in a state 
of fear the whole time 
till after our first sing 
then I came up stairs 
to fix tight not noticing 
how soon our next sing 
came and when I got 
down it was over, sad 
to say. I don't see how 
they ever got along without 
me. Had a nice letter 
from Mrs. McCandless 
and the forwarded one 
from Mamma. This 
is all written from 
memory tomorrow before 
the Philalethean address. It 
is a fine thing to have so 
fine a recollectionary organ 


[printed]TUESDAY, June 20th, 1854. 
Have enjoyed the day exceedingly 
so far and am 
now writing down the 
events before packing up 
my book. Now that we are 
through I am in a hurry 
to go away and get out 
of all this muss. The 
history of the Senior class, by 
Miss Glover was first rate 
and the prophecy was very 
good. I would like to be 
Miss Hopper in that 
beautiful place on the 
Mediterranean. The Sibyl 
was rather rough on poor 
Dora Hileman and I should 
think that Miss Monks 
would hope that the cat 
would soon be buried and 
forgotten. Miss Folger and Miss 
Jewett did well at the ... 
The Juniors and Sen. like to fling 
at one another! 


[printed] WEDNESDAY, June 21st, 1854. 
The end 


[printed] THURSDAY, June 22nd, 1854. 


[printed] FRIDAY, June 23d, 1854. 


[printed] SATURDAY, June 24th, 1854. 


[printed] Balance of pages in this item 
are blank.