March 8, 1885,
Last Wednesday eve we Republicans gave the Democrats a reception. The parlors were nicely decorated with red, white, and blue and on each side of the large mirror in the first parlor there was placed an easel. On one was placed Arthur's picture & on the other Cleveland's. The glee club sang two songs composed for the occasion, then we all went into the dining room where we were all served with oysters. We all sang America before leaving the dining room, & while we were there we had three or four toasts. The entrance into the dining room was decorated with red white & blue also Clevelands picture & a little inside where everyone would necessarily pass there was a huge ox yoke suspended. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Last night we had a Philalethian play, entitled "Our Boys". The girls took their parts beautifully. It was very amusing. I wish you could have seen it. I venture to say it was better than East Lynne which you went down home to see. Just twelve weeks from next Wednesday I expect to go home. I can scarcely wait. We have nearly fourteen weeks vacation. We do not have regents here, but I have been in examinations every day but one this last week. I am happy to say I got through them all safe. Many of the girls had to take them over. I send this to A.C. hoping it will reach there before you leave. Give my love to Susie and all who may remember to ask for me.

Mary S.

[Mary Sheldon, '88.]