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••Vassar" Oct 17—1869.
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17. First Cor. South.
Why Bells, it is almost a month since your letters were received, and
I have not written you a word.1 I wonder what you think of me ? I am
sure I do not see where the days go - they actually fly. It does not seem
possible that I have been here five weelss tomorrow.' I suppose it seems
like two months to those on the mountain. Oh! Belle, Sam was home last
Sunday and Monday - would'nt I like to have been there too- it is over six
weeks since I have seen him. I wonder if he will come up to the "Recep-
tion" - I hope soi I do not see what made you think my letter sounded as
if I was homesick, for I was not - have not been yet.' I do not like my
room very much- it is one of those Long rooms - three girls in it you
know- I am never alone, which to one accustomed to having a room at
home to herself, is decidedly disagreeable- I shall be quiet until
Christmas though, because I know of no room at present that I like as
well. Is it not beautiful here? I never thought of finding such an exten-
sive place - such beautiful walks in the woods, and what a charming view
from "Sunset Hill? " - I was up there this morning; the country looked
very lovely in its autumnal dress, and in the distance I could Just discern
the grand Catskills - are'nt they magnificent, so blue, and never-changing.
In a few weeks when all these pretty leaves and flowers are gone, and cold
weather drives away the birdies, then my beautiful mountains will be my
Oct. 17, 1869 -2
greatest pleasure - old Winter cannot take them from me! Your old
room is no more- I understand the numbers have all been changed
since you were here, so I can find no trace of your "College home"-
Cinnie has the corner-room Third Corridor-South- so that is only
two stories above me you see- she rooms with a Miss Jennie Demarest-
do you remember seeing her when here two years ago ? they are almost
inseparable, before I had been here two days I heard of "Cinnie and
Jennie" as they are known all over the College. They do everything
together; are in the same classes, sing together; it is a rare treat to
hear them sing. Miss Demarest has one of the best Sophrano voices in
the School, and Cin sings Alto - they sing together beautifully. I belong
to their Boat-club, and it is glorious fun to watch them row - the boat
almost flies "before the oars". I like Cinnie very much indeed - Miss
Merrick I do not know very well- Miss Rice Is here also - she is a
Seignor - I like her. I succeeded famously in shopping- LN.M. was
with me- we were fortunate in finding various things "ready made" so
we had more time- I staid down nearly a week- we heard "Rip Van
Winkle"- is'nt the whole play beautiful? I enjoyed it very much - I did
not see either Sam or Belle on my way here, so did not bid them "good-
bye "-was'nt it too bad? Sam was in Princeton, and Belle In Milford.
I had to take care of myself you see - well, it was all right till I reached
Oct. 17, 1869 - 3
Poughkeepsie - I came by cars, knowing I should not fee 1 well if I too*
the boat - I arrived about seven, and on inquiring for "The Bus" found
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to my great disgust that the College was not open till the next day (15~*r).
I heard some one talking about "Vassar", and took the liberty of speak-
ing, and it was a teacher (Miss Goodwin, whom I have since learned to
love)- she told me to come with her, and no doubt she would find me
admittance- well, I went; and arriving here, all I could see was an
immense black building with scarcely a light in it- we went in and were
met by Miss Morse who very freezingly informed me I could not stay-
for a moment I was too provoked to speak- I said "Good-night" and rode
back to the strange city about as homesick as ever I was In my life -
I had no idea what to do- I have a horror of going to hotels alone - all
in a moment I thought of what Father said Just the night before - if I had
any trouble to apply to some of his friends- X found the number of one
and went there- I have often wondered how I dared to, but I was desperate-
I found a beautiful home and In less than an hour my homesickness all
disappeared before the kindness of Mrs Weeks who was so good to me-
I shall never forget it. The next morning I reluctantly left my friends,
and arrived here about nine- after a tedious waiting of nearly six hours
I was conducted to my room- I went through the examinations, then to the
President where a crowd already waited; before my turn came the bell for
Oct. 17, 1869 - 4
dinner sounded, and I was obliged to go with all this anxiety on my mind-
I did not eat much I assure you Belle.' I do not remember ever being so
tired as when I came "Down Cellar" about four. There was no one here,
so I had six rooms all to myself- I wrote four letters to keep myself
from getting lonely. Do 'nt you think I had a hard time ? I am all right
now, and very busy. I have three periods of practice, and three studies,
Mineralogy, Latin, and Algebra- the last I cannot endure. Is 'nt Prof
Farrer splendid? He gave fifteen lectures before the Mineralogy class-
just finished on Thursday. My favorite teachers so far are Misses Clark,
Goodwin, Bralslln, and Powell- the last is teacher of Gymnastics - do
you remember her? I think she is lovely. Belle, there is a teacher here,
(Miss Gilbert) who knows your sister - she says she knew her in Jacksoni
do you remember her ? I have so much to tell you, but it is nearly three,
and I have to dress for Chapel- Have'nt I written you a long letter?
Please write soon, and tell me all the "Lasell-news". I wish I could see
you old girl - good-bye
Julie
Have you seen Miss Bowker yet? please give her my love when you see
her again, and tell her Sarah Monks and I are good friends, and we have
had several talks about her.
Oct. 17, 1869 - 5
9.40 - it 1s nearly time for the bell, but 1 must tell you something -
Miss Merrick called this evening- I was quite surprised I told her
I had just finished a letter to you, and she told me to give you her love
and wants to know when you are coming on? please excuse this writing
different
Belle. I have written this letter two or threeAtimes
Good night, Julie