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Date
April 17, 1866
Abstract
VC 1868
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vassar:25162,,Box 63,VCL_Letters_Warner_Martha-S_1868_037
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1 item
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: VCLLettersWarnerMarthaS1868037001
Vassar College.
April 17th, 1866
Dear Helen,
I think you are a smart youth! when I write to you the 24 of March, and receive an answer from you the 2nd April, which I answer the 4th, it doesn't sound well for you to complain of not receiving letters from me. We, that is Hattie, had a magnificent letter from Mother this morning, as "chockfull" of news as ever Sol Gills was of science. Of course it is a great disappointment to give up the thought of seeing Sara; but to tell the truth I had almost made up my mind that if she went through here, it would necessarily be so late, that we could not go down, which would be a far greater trial than her going west, instead of east. It is bad enough to have her five hun-
April 17th, 1866
Dear Helen,
I think you are a smart youth! when I write to you the 24 of March, and receive an answer from you the 2nd April, which I answer the 4th, it doesn't sound well for you to complain of not receiving letters from me. We, that is Hattie, had a magnificent letter from Mother this morning, as "chockfull" of news as ever Sol Gills was of science. Of course it is a great disappointment to give up the thought of seeing Sara; but to tell the truth I had almost made up my mind that if she went through here, it would necessarily be so late, that we could not go down, which would be a far greater trial than her going west, instead of east. It is bad enough to have her five hun-
: VCLLettersWarnerMarthaS1868037002
dred miles away, but to have her so near and be unable to see her, would have been dreadful. I do hope that tomorrow will be pleasant. I actually feel nervous about it, which, after so glorious a sunset is the height of absurdity. What a blessed fellow George Ladue is! I have dreaded very much to hear where they would live, lest it should be up on High Street, or some where around there. Won't it be delightful? Nearer if possible than before. I hope that Father will be home in time for the wedding. I should feel very sorry if he shouldn't see Sara married. How beautiful her presents are! Did she seem to like ours? Oh, how I should like to be at home for a week just now. Wouldn't all our tongues fly - I dreamed last night of being at home and seeing Sara married, and was just running over to Wing's for some eggs, when I found myself placidly staring at the beaureau. I can't tell you how
: VCLLettersWarnerMarthaS1868037003
much disappointed I was. This day has been signalized by a marvellous event. I received a letter, directed to Miss Martha S. Warner, Poughkeepsie N.Y. As it said nothing of Vassar College, they took the liberty to advertise it, so that I didn't obtain it till today. It was a delicate note from Henry Chaney, on a sheet of foolscap paper, telling me about that picture of Eddie Brush. What style of full length portrait can they get for 100 dollars? I believe that if I were a young gentleman, writing even a business note to young lady I should have sent a neater specimen than that. I never saw anything equal the amount of calls that you and mother have made lately. I suppose you'll quite despise my company when I go home, Hattie had a letter from Father yesterday. He didn't seem very kindly disposed toward our presemt congress.
: VCLLettersWarnerMarthaS1868037004
I am very sorry that he has not succeeded any better in his design. What fools it makes men to have power in their hands. If you and I were at the head of this nation, what lots of things we'd do, wouldn't we? I wish we could have seen Father, but consider his reasons for going the other way unanswerable. I wonder if he wants to see us, or misses us much. I would give a great deal to sit down in his lap and put my arms around his neck. Only ten weeks more! It hardily seems any time at all. I most sincerely hope that Aunt Catie's desire may not be gratified. Some of the girls talk of visiting a few weeks, before they go home. But we mean to take the first train that leaves for the east, and not stop till we get into the back parlor, or Mother's room. Is Willie intending to figure as a Home-guard, or Hungarian? I read it the latter, Hattie the former - I am glad Mother likes the idea of the Founders Festival. I think
: VCLLettersWarnerMarthaS1868037005
It will be very pleasant. Mr. Vassar is very feeble, and we shall have to take care not to tire him unduly. He has had a paralytic stroke since Christmas, that impaired his health very much. I have no doubt that this will be his last birthday. I mean to take a photograph of him home. He doesn't look a bit like a hero. His beloved nephew Young Mat reminds me more of a little, swelling, bantam roster than any thing else - Tell Mother, that we are much obliged for her kind offer. I don't think that I want anything but a light calico, and some kind of a summer dress. My underclothing is in a fine state of preservation, stockings excepted, as usual. How pleasant it was for you to go over that printing office. I looked upon the newspaper, with a slight feeling of awe, after I received your letter. I intend to preserve it, as a memento of your visit. Charlie Clark always looked to me
: VCLLettersWarnerMarthaS1868037006
like a very pleasant, and obliging gentleman. Miss Beaument appears to be a young lady after your own heart. I am very glad that you like her so well, it must be very pleasant for you, to have a friend so near. Oh Nell! I have just seen the most beautiful sight! The Aurora Borealis has been perfectly exquisite. I never saw any thing like it before it. The light rose in massive columns reaching almost to the zenith. It was fairly wonderful. Hattie as an astronomer, has standing permission to venture forth after dark, therefore she and Miss Helmer, prepared to go out, but they suddenly faded (i.e. A.B.'s) so they (i.e. H. and Miss H.) remained safe in the fold. Ten o'clock is close at hand, and I am extremely sleepy, therefore I must bid you a fond farewell. Love to all - Mattie. Tell Mother that I have not forgotten her, and am going to write soon. It's no use boarding the minister if he
: VCLLettersWarnerMarthaS1868037007
has reached the mature age of forty years without choosing unto himself a helpmeet, he would not be a desirable one to be chosen by. I am very glad the new church is so flourishing. I hope you will continue to flourish. Lucy is progressing. I wonder if it was her Uncle who gave her that card case. I never saw any thing like her. I wish Carrie's letter would be forthcoming. Has Willie ever launched his boat? The girls are running crazy on the subject of boating on this little pond no bigger than a man's hand.
Good night again Mattie
Minnie and Hattie are loving
Good night again Mattie
Minnie and Hattie are loving
