Vassar College Digital Library

Houts, Annie | to John Houts, May 1866:

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Date
May 11, 1866
Abstract
VC 1869
Note

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Details
Identifier
vassar:24430,,Box 70,VCL_Letters_Houts_Annie_1869_005
Extent
1 item
Type
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: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869005001
May - 11, 1866.
John Glidden, I am real mad at you, would bite you if I could see
you, firstly, because you don't let me hear from you, secondly, because
you send me none of the all-powerful "root."* Just fancy, for a moment,
your sister far away from all the friends of her youth, forsaken and penniless, obliged to borrow even a stamp to send a letter to her forgetful,
recreant, brother, to jog his memory, and refresh his mind on the subject
of his absent sister's wants. Picture this to your-self, and now it is proved
that "truth is stranger than fiction". Now if there was only a little more
romance connected with it, it would be quite fine, but there is most too
much

*[of all evil?]

 


: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869005002
hard reality about it to make it the basis of a novel. Suppose I should write one, and name it "The desertion of Ann Maria by her brother," and render myself famous thereby, would not I be gloriously revenged, and heap coals of fire on your head? I could tell how she borrowed until shame caused her to cease, how she went without a spring hat for weeks and numerous other trials, which this firm-hearted heroine endured, "too numerous to mention" She now comes, beseeching you, for the last time, and, if you can resist this heart-touching appeal, she gives you up, and I can not tell what rash deed she may do. Answer forth-with, or the consequences may prove fatal. The time soon draws nigh for her to return to the home of her younger days, six more weeks only, and she is looking forward

 


: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869005003
anxiously and with bright anticipations to that happy time. She would like to know if her brother intends to come for her, or if he means to have her, an unprotected "Vassar female" make her way as best she can to the haunts of former days. Should he think best, she could go, in company with several others from the same state, who will be journeying that way. But she would be highly gratified to learn by mail the opinion he has, concerning the matter, so that her mind could be in a settled state. Not a line does she receive from him, and, though busied and hurried by many cares, she Is constantly wishing to receive something, if but a line from him. She is very busy now, with her studies, and has some extra work in surveying the farm. She would like to be kindly remembered to Mary, & Charlie, and

 


: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869005004
to have several, very many kisses bestowed on the young "olive-branch," on her behalf. She wishes also to send much love to her brother, to be kindly remembered to Mr. Bell's family and all other friends. She would like to know the state of Mr. Bell's health, and also, when her brothers family expect to move, and any other Item of news would be acceptable. Her earnest request and entreaty Is that you write as soon as possible, and send tho sum specified in a letter sent, well - some time the first of April, I believe. I sign myself,
Respectfully,
[A.M.Q.?]
[Her?] Amanuensis.