Details
April 19. 1868.
My dear Mother,
It has been so long since I have written to you that I feel under a good deal of restraint as I would with a stranger. I think you cannot complain of negligence.
I was so glad to get your letter yesterday and especially that you were willing to have me take riding lessons. I was so surprised for I thought it would be too expensive. I am really anxious to be as economical as possible and considering all things, do not think I am extravagant. I shall depend upon my friends for the necessary outfit. Hattie Harrington and Saidee have both offered me their habits and I shall be very glad to avail myself of their offers.
Hattie Palmer returned yesterday from her vacation and I was so glad to see her. She is one of the finest girls I ever saw. Her name is so much like mine that we are seated together in all our classes and are together nearly all the time any way- She is the most like Flora of any girl I ever saw. She brought some beautiful oleander blossoms from home. When I was in town the other day I ordered some hot house flowers for for my hair and dress Founder's Day and although I shall have no new trumpery to
The tickets with reserved seats are $1.00 and it will probably be about fifty cts. to and from. I thought it too good an opportunity to lose
Next Saturday night Anna Dickinson lectures at the college here. I feel as if all the good things were coming together. I am having such advantages as I never used to dream of. I shall never half repay you and my kindest of fathers for all you have done for me I am afraid. Harry Hutchins has made a good choice in going to Michigan University. There are so many Michigan girls here that I hear much of it. I am really glad he is there.
Monday Morn.
We have begun already to press flowers and have just been changing the papers in the press. We have four specimens in press now - ninety-six more to get. If you ever find any wild flowers in your meanderings and can press them
I had thought that the picture I sent you looked as if I lacked spirit I would not have sent it, but now the girls say it does not look so animated as I do. No one thinks it
Mary.
[Mary (Parker) Woodworth, '70]