Head Ins. 42nd Regt N.Y. Vols.

Camp near Stevensburgh Va. April 26th, 64

Dear Sir

To you I am personally a total stranger, but I take the liberty of addressing you, as the founder and liberal patron of the Female College about to be opened at Poughkeepsie N.Y., to make some inquiries in regard to that Institution. I wish to know more of its plan, range of studies &c. than I now do. When will it probably be opened for pupils? What the prerequisites for admissions, and the probable expenses for board and tuition, including incidentals and extras? Will there be any free, or partially free, scholarships? Such other information as would be interesting in regard to the school is solicited.

My resources have been extremely

straightened, yet, while I have been doing what I could to aid in subduing this whole rebellion, I have also been anxious to give to my children such facilities as I hwas able, to prepare them for efficiency and usefulness.

My son is now attending Eastman’s Business College in your city, and I have a daughter, younger, whom I desire to send to some good but economical School, where she may acquire a substantial, rather than an ornamental, education. I would not, indeed, object to any proper adornment of the mind or the manners, so that it be based upon, and accompanied by, a corresponding development of the mental and moral powers. I would have those powers nourished and cultivated as the necessary prerequisite and only proper foundation to any and every ornament,

and as the truest and surest source of beauty as well as solidity of mental and moral character.

Such I understand to be the object and aim of the “Vassar Female College.” I do not know, however, whether it will come within my means or the present capacity of my girl. She is young, - in her sixteenth year, - and her opportunities, not what they should have been.

But I must not farther weary you. If you will be so kind as to give me the information I desire, by letter, circular, or otherwise, you will much oblige.

Yours Very Truly

Wm. J. Burr

Surgeon 42nd N. Y. Vols.

1st Brig. 2nd Div. 2nd Corps

Washington, D.C.

Matthew Vassar Esqr.

1864

Wm. J. Burr

Surgeon 42nd N.Y. Vols.

1st Brigade 2nd Divs 2nd Corps

Washington D.C

has a daughter as pupil