Vassar College
Feb. 8, 1869.
Dear Sue.
I have been waiting in vain to hear from you, ever since
Mother left. What do you mean by treating me so? didn't you promise
to take the place of a mother to me In this respect? X am in rather an
exhausted state at present, in consequence of repeated encounters with
Miss Lyman; within the past few days, in all of which 1 have been defeated.
There is no use trying to contend with Miss Lyman She is not to be
moved. You can, if you persist, do something with Dr. Raymond, and
the rest of the faculty. But there is no use. You may as well give it up
if she shows signs of opposition. Last week, I tried to persuade them to
let me drop Latin and take German. Miss Lyman informed me that the
president had considered it, as carefully as If I had been his own daughter,
and had decided that X had better not. As I did not yelld gracefully, even after
that, she said that she would ask him to reconsider it. When I went to her
a second time for my answer, she told me that prof. Bacjus would give It to
me. X mounted to the fith story, and found him In his study. After laboring
with me, for nearly an hour, he convinced me that It was best. There is
no use trying to oppose the higher authorities here. The girls wonder
that I dare to protest. But I refuse to submit when I think X am right,
without an effort. Yesterday, as it was a beautiful day, and communion
Sunday, X thought it would be pleasanter to walk to Po'keepsle, instead of
Feb. 8, 1869 -2
riding in the omnibus. Miss Lyman refused to let me, as she was
afraid it would injure my health. It is very nice, I suppose, to have
her take such an interest in me; but it makes it rather uncomfortable
at times. I received a letter, and a couple of papers from Carrie. They
were very welcome as I had not expected any on Monday evening. I saw
the Parkers at church Sunday. They wanted me to go home with them,
and stay until the next morning. I did not dare to accept, as I was afraid
that Miss Lyman would never let me go there again. I expect to go in
next week Friday, and stay until Tuesday as we have a holiday on
Washington^ birthday, which fortunately occurs on Monday. Have you
heard from Mother? I hope she will not think It sufficient to write you
thinking that you will send me the letters. Mr. Vassar went down to New
York with them I introduced him to them in the depot. I saw him in the
office yesterday and hinted very strongly for him to bring Mary out to
see me. I rather expect her tomorrow.
You probably will not be very much interested in all that I have written,
but it Is all that I have to write. Nottihg ever happens here. It is all so
systematically arranged. It would be an infinite relief if something would
occasionally go wrong. I have heard from Frank once. Please remember
that the mail is the great event of the day. Do write me and tell me all of
the news.
Kate
Send me Mothers letter when you hear from her.
From Kate (Huntington) Taylor, prep, studeat, 1868-69; special 1869-70.