Vassar College.
[Probably May 18, 1873]
Dear Carrie,
As the time draws near for my return home I become quite calm
and feel quite as usual. For I can scarcely realize that I shall be at home
so soon. Don't you remember alter the war, how anxious you and I were
to come North and how we could not believe until we were fairly on our
way that we would really start? So it is now with me, It seems as if It
were merely a pleasant dream which might not come to pass. You who
have not been away from home so long at a time, I should think, could not fully understand my great desire to be at home again.
At last summer has come to us with all its force. The last two
days have been insufferably hot so every one says, and even I have felt
quite comfortable. Today the sun shines so that we will all put off our
walks until after tea, so disagreeable is it to walk under the burning sun.
 Last night the Sophomore party to the Freshmen came off. In
spite of all Miss Terry's opposition and intrenchment it was a pleasant
affair. It was very warm for dancing, as it was sultry and I had no desire to go, but being "duty" of course all hostesses should be there, I went taking Jennie and her little friend, Maggie Lemon. But I myself had a nice time, and had the satisfaction of feeling that my two Freshmen enjoyed themselves. The supper consisted only of varios creams of ices and cakes. Miss Terry allowing nothing more, but each one present was given a little bouquet, also for amusement a little bonbon containing a fancy paper cap. No music from town was permitted, and so we had to content ourselves with two pianos which some of our class played. Then both Gymnasium and supper room were beautifully decorated which of course added to the pleasure. I am seated up in state today with my new polonaise on, which Is
called very pretty by my parlor mates, but I am not cool, any more than
you I fear, for new dresses are never cool. By the way, In Karris gloves, the only seamless ones Po'keepsie contains, I cannot get that shade you wish. But there Is another glove made by Harris, the Victoria, which though less price is very highly recommended to me. I am going to get a pair for myself, and think I had better for you. Two pair of two buttoned Victorias can be bought for a little more than Harris seamless, and they seem almost as nice. "My pen is bad" for truly it is, and I flatter myself my writing Is a little worse than usual. Perhaps though I am basely deceiving myself, yet I do know that my German writing is more readable.
There goes the Chapel bell, which must necessarily put an end to
this letter.
Julie