Poughkeepsie       Thursday   22d Decr/64
My dear Mr Raymond.       You would naturaly suppose I had nothing to write
about so soon after you left us, but events multiply so fast around us that
we can be at no loss for topics-----   The nGreat Political11 Union Banquet"
came off last evening at the new Iron Mammouth Furnice buildings on Water-
Street & such a gathering of people on such an occasion was never seen
before in Po1-----altho' the weather was unpropitous all went off with a good
eclat, inspiring the devotional feelings of Patriotism just in season for the
Executive    last call of 300,000 more men and at a moment during the height
of thier exhlerations last eveningperhaps the whole assembly would have
volunteered for the long term, but the efferessence passed off with the warn-
ing hours of night, and morning light us sherd in after a mercyless snow
storm with a clear sky and mercury at 0 -
Preparations are busily making for the "Grand Annual Celebration"
of Eastman College pupils" this evening and that on a large scale-___The
"Furnice Buildings" above discribed is the place of Renidvous----   Supper
Two Bands of Musick from N.Y City, and many civilians are to be on hand,
s
succeeded by a grand assembly of invited Lady guest    ending in a Ball------
the room is some 250 in 1 engirt an ample wi^th, Tickets of admission are
being distributed-----one of them has just been sent (Complimentary) Founder
V.F.C. for self and family.
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December 22,  1864
At 7 P.M.
MGrand Procession1' moving, some 1500 young Gentlemen in companies of
200, as they passed my domic il, halted each division giving three cheers,
this was not however out of any special respects to me individualy, but for
the benevolent scheme of inaugurating a new area for Womans mental pro-
gress.
--------- Friday Morning----
I have just been reading the "Eagles" account of the doings at the "Grand
Banquet" of last evening.    Comment is unnecessary   I send you the paper.
The weather being favourable to test the capacity of the Heating
apparatus of the College, Coal is now being carted to the Gass & Steam
House to give a trial of its powers next week, beginning on Monday-----  I hope
it will prove a complete success--   It is just a week ago yesterday since I
was out to the College, having been confined to the house with a bad cold-----
Letters continue to come to "V.F. College address-one yesterday from a
r
M.  Spring of Baltimore, M.D Enclosing a package of Antiquarian documents,
cancelled obligations, Letters, vouchers, ricepts &c&c of Gen. Washington,
Rob: Morris & others from the years  1793 to 1814 which he wants placed
in the archives of the V.F. College.-----                       Our other Seminarys of
Learning are have thier holiday Exhibitions____   Especialy the Military
Drill-Schools which by the bye are quite florishing-----   The modern introduc-
tion of military tactics into those Schools has given a fresh impulse of
      258
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December 22,  1864        - 3
interest to them-------they were most if not all on the wane before intro-
ducing this feature,    Is not this fact significant of an ideaz the decorative
leading the usefullf would not some symbol of the decorative by the way of
a uniform costume for the young Ladies in Vassar College fascinate  &
heighthen attractions, stimulate ambition &c&c these simple matters
impress my mind favourably-----keeping of course within the limits   of
extremes---------   This feature and that of the College Educational term is
all at present that leaves my mind unsettled.   SatY.   24. . This Morning
light disclosed to me the fact that "Old Hudson" was substantialy embar-
s
goed, throwing the remainder of the season    business upon our Railroads-
Miss Church picture must come to us through this medium------  Matthew goes
to N. Y. to-day to attend to it-----that is if MT Rollinson can get it from on
Board of the Tantamar-----        There has been such a long history of this last
specimen of our former President8 business tactics that I am quite anxious
to see the last of them,------   Doct Babcock called yesterday a m, for the pur-
pose of seeing you in relation to your visit East         I gave him as weir as I
could a brief synopsis of your tour----- your interview with his old friend8
. r    .
M. Mitchell & Daughter.   He appeared quite happy at the results----------   "Swan"
is absent at N. York, presume to lay in a Stock of Holliday gifts for his childrei
I must let this festival season pass off quietly as my health does not allow
indulgence in it-------

December 22,  1864        - 4
As I send you the las test "Eagle" I make no comments on the news
of the day------Amanda attended the Lyceum Lecture last Evening to hear
Geo. Vandenhoffs Readings of Shakespere Richard 3.   &c.    Crowded House
E.P. Whipple comes off next-----   subject-------
Well I find my paper about used up----- I only add that Amanda & self
was talking over quietly matters & things in general and among them we were
wondering how you and Wing got home that cold Stormy day following your
departure from Po-------    We hope safe and comfortably &c         Amanda joins
in best regards, with the usual complements of the season
Yours very truly
M. Vassar
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