Vassar College.
Oct. 9, 1873.
Dear Carrie,
Today I find that the letter written to Mamma last Sunday has
unfortunately not been posted. So to make up for the delay I write another
letter, this time to you. Received your nice letter a few days ago, and
today Mamma's enclosing Aunt's letter. Spread it not abroad upon the
housetops, but I have been dreadfully homesick since my return. No
briney tears have been shed. Oh, no, X never go so far as that, but I have
such a longing to (go, back home and never go away from It, that some-
times I have to press back all thoughts unless perchance a few concerning
••meridians," "lat." and the like. For you must know that we are getting
into the depths of Astronomical figures. We have had one problem, "a
very easy one" Prof. Mitchell says; yet that was enough to give us a taste
of what must follow. Almost every night some of us go out star gaalng.
Passers by would think us craay from the frantic manner in which we
rush about shouting "I know what that is." "OhJ what is that name? " and
the constant repetition of some names as, "Capella, Capella." Last night
we learned three new names, and fortunately have remembered them. We
find Prof. Mitchell perfectly charming, as she has always been reported
to be. One night we went over to ask her some question and were treated
to fine large pears. Think we shall go again.
X suppose I ought to tell you all about the wedding, which has been
a red-letter day in our Calendar. A whole holiday was granted to us, and
Oct. 9, 1873 • 2
was spent as taste aad pleasure dictated. About lour o'clock we all
assembled in Cbapel» by we I mean those uninvited ta the reception.
Soon the Seniors aad other wedding guests who were students, as well as
the Teachers, marched in and took seats upon the platform. Then when a
lively march upon the Organ was begun, the wedding party entered. First
the ushers, followed by little Nellie Raymond and another child her age,
and the three ether brides maids attended by three groomsmen. Next the
groom, upon whose arm leaned Mrs* Raymond, and behold* the bride with
her father. As the standing in positions and marching had all been rehearsed,
of course it was dene, "comme ii faux." The President performed the
ceremony, which was very impressive, and almost as sad and solemn as
our own. The ring, "the symbol el eternity" was put en in much the same
way as is done in the Episcopal ceremony} in this case, however, a slight
annoyance was caused by the dropping el the ring as the bridegroom was
to take it* The responses of both bride and groom were loud and distinct,
being heard by those in the back part el the room. Alter the ceremony the
procession marched out in order, the ergan giving forth the Wedding March.
All guests repaired to the Presidents parlors, which, as well as the Chapel
had been beautifully decorated by Or. Avery. Room J. was the supper room,
fc was well supplied with all things tempting te the palate. The festivities
were not long kept up, as the happy couple left for Albany en the nine o'clock
train. The bridegroom is a very fine looking man, and both are said te be
very good.
Oct. 9, 1873 -3
And now after finishing the description of the wedding, I find that
I have omitted to describe the dress of the bride, that which the slanderers
of our sex would say we always think of first. It was of white silk, long
with no trimming behind and much in fronts white veil and flowers. One
of the girls gave me a piece of wedding cake on which to dream. Three
nights, 1 believe, we can sleep upon it* so that 1 have some hopes of dream-
ing of my hero, whoever he may be. Last night however I dreamt of no
gent but Papa, but of him all night long.
Have bought you a pair of black gloves and will send them soon.
Either long ribbon ties or standing ruffs of colored silks are worn. Will
send you ribbon and if I make some ruffs will send one. Already made
they cost three dollars, which is beyond the llinits of my purse.
Lovingly, Julie
(Julia M. Pease, '75)