Vassar.
Jan. 14. 1874.
Dearest Carrie,
Your letter which I have been expecting all the week came
today, and was received with a hearty welcome. But I feel ready to scold
you soundly for not giving me some account of your doings during Christmas
week and afterwards. Mamma as well as Papa left all the news and accounts
the holidays to you, and now between you all not even bare facts have
reached me; and I had hoped for a brilliant description from one, at least.
Do tell me what people do and say, since I cannot be there to see and hear.
We haven't yet begun fully to realize that there are twelve whole weeks
before us until spring vacation, and consequently have not yet become hopelessly blue. Lessons with me, though, have not gone very well since my
return, and unless my luck changes soon, I may get the "dumps", a favorite
word with my next door neighbor and classmate, Clements. 
 I wish your dream had been a reality and that you were here in the
flesh rooming with me In a pretty room. Oh, Carrie, next summer seems
so far away, and wish to be with you all again at Wood-Lawn is so great-
But you will think that I am in a fearfully homesick mood, whereas It is not the case. I have merely been wading through the snow for a half hour,
which is not particularly inspiriting; and having hanging over my head the
writing something for the Theta, paper on Friday night.
 I am glad you liked "Off the Skelligs". I suppose the writer's name
was In the book. It Is written by Jean Ihgelow, an English woman.
Miss Broughton has a new book out, "Nancy" which Is said to be a bright
and piquant story. I want to read it, and hope it Is not quite as lovesick
as "Red as a rose," etc. Do you remember when we read that, and how
long ago it seems? Please send me that chorus, "God be merciful unto
us". We must have it in Choral class, and I think it is scarcely worth
while to get another.. The snow has reached you in advance of us. Today it has begun, and from
all appearances will continue no one knows how long. However we cannot
complain of the cold this winter. Indeed the complaint is all on the other
side, for I hear these northern people saying almost dally, "How I wish
it would become cold". This warm weather out of season is not conducive
to good health; so I, with the others, ought, I suppose, to be thankful that It is coming to a close. U only the sleighing had come during vacation, so that I might have had another ride after Dr. Allison's fast horses. By the way, Josie Buffington has promised to come over here for Founder's Day, and intends to bring with him two of his College friends, Harry Whitney and Charlie Craik. That will be very nice for us, but under such
circumstances I will need a new dress. Do you think Papa would let me
have a light silk? Such a thing would be needed next year, and I might just
as well have it now while goods are cheaper. I am going to send to New
York for some samples, and will send for some of silk and even If I do not
get a dress, no harm will be done. These boys have sent word that they
will come, but if they change their minds, I shall not bother myself about
a dress.
 Give my love to Mrs. Hunt, if she is still with you, and tell her that I hope to have the pleasure of sharing her visit, next time.
 Please excuse half sheets of paper. They are filling up my desk, so I must
put them to some good use, and I can find no better than filling and sending them to you.
 Do, Carrie dear, write me often. I know how very hard it is to write
when at our house; but remember the days when you were alone at Troy,
and then see if you have the heart to let me go a week without one of your
dear letters.
With heaps of love and kisses, the latter I hope may make the trip
in safety,
Your fond sister,
Julie.