Vassar College,
May 25, 1872.

My dear Mamma,
Having taken my exercise right after dinner, now while others
are walking I can write. Chapel service in the evening now is at half
past seven, this gives us three quarters of an hour after supper for
exercise, which is very nice this warm weather.
Day before yesterday I was ordered to the French table. The
command did not give me very much pleasure, for I liked my seat at the table this time. Mollie Hill as beside me and she is quite interesting at times I think if it was not for Miss Haskell, my Corridor teacher. At the french table we have not begun to talk much, simply asking for necessaries in French, Soon I hope we will do better.
 Charlotte Cushman will read in Po'keepssie tomorrow night.
Although I should much like to hear her, there are various reasons to
keep me away. Some of the Vassar girls are going, as she reads for
some charitable purpose.
 We have been desired to state whether we will return next year.
I have giveN my name as one of those who return, because if I should
come back it will be better to have done so. Now, will you please tell
what it is you desire in regard to the subject? It is entirely in your heads
to do with me as you please. I don't want to decide for myself for I don't
know what is best. Since the talk of my going to Europe I have no faith
in my own decisions. I then so utterly failed in my attempts. Carrie
has been at home for so long, would it not be better to have her come here
or somewhere for a change and let me stay at home? Please write me
what the decision of the family council will be.
 Have the "Dolly Vardens" reached you yet? Here, everything is
a Dolly Varden, dresses, hats, etc. Some of the dresses are very pretty,
and again, they remind me forcibly of that tulip bedquilt which Papa admired so much. Don't you remember, it belonged to old Mrs. Hall who had the "little button yallers."
 What a loss we have had In the death of the horses. I have mourned
old grey so much. Jewell I suppose, was old enough to leave the land of
the living, but the other two were quite youthful. Will Martha's daughter
remain with you? I should think you would need her. I hope Papa did not
have one of his usual bilious attacks after his return from Cincinnati.
At what time do you aaw think of coming North? Very soon, I hope. Only
five weeks before school closes. Please give my love to all friends who
may care for It. Mrs. Raymend and Mrs. Hamilton In particular. I love
them so much. Keep lots of love far yourself from Julia.