Vassar.
Feb. 12. 1874.
Dear Papa and Mamma,
The new semester has begun for the Seniors and us Juniors in a very pleasant way. Dr. Anderson, the president of the Rochester University, has been lecturing to us upon Political Economy. As he has given two lectures today we have had time for no studies, and not till tomorrow, Thursday, do we go to classes. Dr. Anderson charmed us all by his pleasant ways, as well as his very clear and analytical manner of speaking. Of course in so few lectures we have not gone very far in so immense a subject as that of Political Economy, but he has thrown considerable light upon some subjects which were before utter darkness to rue. Banking laws and tariff questions he has given us a little insight into, which will help us If we continue to read upon the subjects. He impressed upon us the facts so often expounded by you. Papa, that money
at seven per. ct. interest doubles in ten years: and that if we do not wish
to become burdens upon society we must do something useful, be producers
of some kind. Cliffie Loverin and I decided immediately upon our spheres of usefulness. She is to pick up pebbles and shells, as that will give her many rides and walks upon Galveston's charming beach; while I shall be a horse tamer, such occupation necessitating much riding, and in order to ride wild, I must first ride gentle horses. What think you of our decisions? Are they not worthy of Vassar Juniors? For Cliffie has lately been admitted to our class, and will graduate in 1875. Her mother must be exceedingly glad of it; and if it had not been for Mrs. Loverin's desire I think Cliffie would not have tried to overtake our class

 Occasionally I find some Texas items in a paper; and recently there has been a paper called the "South" in the reading room. It is printed in New York city, but is devoted entirely to Southern items of news. I saw there the death of Gail Borden. Who is this Gen. Maxey? Is he an old Texan? For I do not remember having heard of him.

 I hope Mamma that you will not become alarmed concerning the occular organs of the College, since you have heard such woful accounts from Mrs. Bissell. It is true that girls have sometimes to leave here on account of weak eyes, but such cases are owing to naturally weak eyes combined with over-exertion, which is prohibited by all College Laws. If we do as we are desired there is no danger of injuring our eyes, and a girl generally has only herself to blame if she gets them out of working order. Carrie writes that Mrs. Hunt is soon to leave you, so I fear she will have left you ere now. You will all miss her very much, I should think. With Love, your daughter Julie.