Oct. 18.1867 My dear Miss Stilson Right glad I were to receive a note from you under date of the 12th current, acknowledging the safe re- ceipt of " V. C. & its Founder". I began to have fears that like several others sent by the " American Express Company " had failed to reach its destination, I am also happy to hear you were pleased with the work. If the particulars I gave you of the late opening of the College were " interesting " to you I am happy & amply paid for writing it, as nothing gives me more pleasure than to please my College Children, and like yourself when I fall to thinking about our absent ones I wish them all back again, but as you remark " this is a "Working world" and have all of us " wings & must expect some will " fly away ", like the Dove in olden times with the emblem of invitation to return with safety to its green pastures &c. I rode out to the College yesterday a lovely day, Saw many of your old Schoolmates, they were glad to hear from you through me, some were walking, Riding, Rowing, and some rolling 10 Pins in the New Ball Alley opened yesterday in the Gymnasium Build- ingon the south side in Basementone Alley on either side 100 feet long. Room Lighted nights with Gass, heated with Steam, many practice evenings & 150 pupils have enrolled their names. It is much liked as a physical exercise, and that you know is my great object " Physical Exercise ". I hope my dear Miss S. you will find it to your Convenience to return to the College soon. I remain truly Yours M. Vassar. 34' 51