Vassar College, Nov. 27, 1870. My dear Papa, I expect that almost by the time this letter reaches you Mamma and Carrie will be at home, lor in a letter I received Irom her yesterday she said that they would come here and see me this week either Wednes- day or Thursday and after that they will go to New York and irom there home. She also said that Mrs, Crabb had invited them to visit her in Philadelphia and all start together lor Texas irom there. 1 hope they will
do so for I think Carrie ought to see something of Phil, before going South,
as it will be hard work to get her away from home again.
What kind of a Thanksgiving did you pass all alone? Did Maline
cook you a nice dinner and how many courses did you have? I imagine
she does not understand getting up a nice dinner very well. This has been
a very pleasant Thanksgiving for me for one passed away from home. The
"faculty" tried to do their best to have us enjoy it, and they succeeded
admirably. The "dinner," of course the most important thing, passed off
very well. 1 will send you a bill of fare and you can than sea for yourself
what we had to eat, as it would take me a long time to tell you all we had.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings we were expecting to have an
exhibition of Prof. Cromwell's stereopticon pictures, but much to our dis-
appointment his views did not arrive In Poughkeepsie in time for the enter-
tainment Thursday night. The Pres. very kindly read to us irom Shakespeare
to make up for the loss of the pictures. Ho selected "Midsummer Night's
Drearand Indeed It was a treat to hear him, his specialty is comic read-
ing and he acted "Bottoms'1 part to perfection. After the reading there was
a reception In both the college and President's parlors, when we were
served with leu cream and cake. The stereopticon views were shown
three times besides, Sat. morning and evening besides Friday evening,
and they fully came up with our expectations. Views were shown us of
England, France, Switzerland, Constantinople, and Egypt, and a few in
Spain. Those of the Alhambra I enjoyed very much having read so much
about it in Irvings books. There was a great deal of statuary also which
was very fine. Ther great attraction was in appearing so lifelike, and as
few of us will ever see the real places, it is a "rare opportunity to make
mere imaginings a tangible reality" as Prof. Cromwell says in his circu-
lar. And now as I have another letter to write 1 must close with much love.
Julie M. Pease.
(Julia M. Pease, '75)
1 hope soon to hear from the "testimonials."