Vassar College,
Nov. 5, 1871
My dear Carrie,
I do aot feel a lilt like writing letters aad se shall write you a very
short one, "only to let yea know that Z am well aad hope yea are the same,11
Today being the first Sanday In the month, many girls went In town
to church* but Z did net and have been very glad that Z did not, because
Prof. Backus preached aad It Is the first time far several years that he
i i	)	5	s
has. The last time he preached here, his sermon was upon St. Peter,
i^icfyug all the good points In his character and	him a splendid gnfHftr
The next Sunday Pres. Raymond preached a sermon taking the ether side
of St* Peters character. This seemed almost an Insult aad Prof. Backus
has never preached since until today. His sermon waa very good aad we
would all feel better to hear such a one occasionally. There was something
so rousing about it, making us wish te try hard aad de our best. Aad yet
the faculty think that his sermons do us ne good. Z de net like him as a
man for he seems very conceited aad has rather a contemptuous manner
but he is certainly very Interesting when he tries to be.
We have got late a fearf ully hard place In Algebra, and it takes all
our time te work our examples. Z have tried very hard te get every one
and yet have been minus four. Z am very stupid In mathematics and Indeed
la all my studies this year. Prof. Parrar called our class in Algebtadowa
to talk with us and comfort us In ear affliction, aad really did make us more
cheerful over it, telling us that In all ear coarse la mathematics we
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Nov. 5, 1871-2
never have anything harder than Freshman Algebra, and that it was hard
not only to us but to everyone. The thought of my essay still fills my mind
with sorrow.
Where does Maj. Evans keep his wife? Is she in Austin. I Imagine
him something like Captain Roberts—not In looks but In manner—am I
right? It is strange that Gen. Eakln should say that ha was acquainted
with a Miss Pease of Austin, perhaps he knows Papa wall. I received a
long letter from Aunt Maria Robinson this weak. She particularly requested
mo not to give you any of tha news sho gave ma because she intended writ*
lag soon to you herself. I hoar from no one but yon all at homo because I
have not written a latter except homo since X came back. X do not know
where Grace Pike is, can yon tall ma?
Flease give my love to all friends who may no may not enquire for
me and accept much yourself from your loving sister
Julia.
(Julia M. Pease, '75,