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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 19, 1865
Text: Vassar Oct. 9, 1865 My dearest Mother, I went to church yesterday. Only think how grand I felt as I saw the windows crowded with girls who couldn't go, because it wasn't their communion Sunday. I actually laughed to myself all the way down. I was so delighted to get out side the lodge. I can't say that I enjoyed it so well when we reached the city and every one stared with their eyes and mouth wide open, and every one going into church stood still to see us gracefully descend...
Show moreVassar Oct. 9, 1865 My dearest Mother, I went to church yesterday. Only think how grand I felt as I saw the windows crowded with girls who couldn't go, because it wasn't their communion Sunday. I actually laughed to myself all the way down. I was so delighted to get out side the lodge. I can't say that I enjoyed it so well when we reached the city and every one stared with their eyes and mouth wide open, and every one going into church stood still to see us gracefully descend from the omnibuses, I walked in first with Miss Usher, and sat at the end of the seat. The church is small and very fanciful. Mr. Corning who writes so much for the Independent is the minister. I liked him very much indeed except a furious denunciation of the Conn. legislature for refusing the negroes the right ofsuffrage, and at the Communion he compared John Brown's last supper with his wife, to that of Christ with his disciples. His text was, "Not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed in life" It was very finely written indeed. His manner in many of his expressions were like Dr. Hogan, or, as I heard others say, a faint imitation of H. W. Beecher. There are seventeen of the girls long communicants, six teachers at least, and Profs Buckham and Farrar. These two gentlemen walked down yesterday and home again. Prof. Buckham didn't come into dinner until we were eating our pudding. I am in Prof. Farrar's Bible Class. I like him very much. We are to be subdivided next Sunday, when I am in hopes I shall fall to Prof. Tenny. I must tell you an adventure of Nettie Huntingdon's. Prof. Buckham didn't hear his bible class until evening yesterday, because he went to church in the A.M. Nettie is in Miss Lyman's class, but was very anxious to hear Prof. Buckham so she thought she would go into the gallery, but be-ing very anxious to avoid attention, she took off her shoes and proceeded on tiptoe. Alas! for the fallacy of human expectations! Her foot slipped going from one row of seats to the next, and down she went, bump, bump, on the two next. Great agitation below! Prof. Farrar Buckham anxiously inquired "Has any one fallen?" A small girl in the gallery rushed to the rescue. On her way she discovers Nettie's shoes which she seizes, and presses on, mistaking Nettie's entreaties to keep quiet for signals of distress she ran to her, still bearing the shoes aloft, and announces to the alarmed Prof, "no one hurt." Poor Nettie retired completely overwhelmed with chagrin and mortification, inwardly resolved never again to attend Prof. Buckham's Bible Class "sub rosa". Pres. Raymond preached us an excellent sermon yesterday afternoon, text "The perfect law of liberty". I like him very much indeed. Prof. Knapp is splendid! I really believe he's the best teacher I ever saw. He is a wonderfully, linguist. He has lived in Paris and understands all the crooks andturns completely. We study our French just as we do Latin, take the Grammar thoroughly and parse and every thing. He is very handsome too. I am very glad you are out at Kalamazoo, but you must be sure sad come and see us. Hattie is studying Astronomy. Prof. Farrar thought I had better, but I told him I thought I had better study it another year, as I wanted to study Analytical Geometry & Chemistry first. Like a reasonable man he acquiesced in my judgement and thought so too. Give a great deal of love to Uncle and Aunt, they must enjoy your being there. Have you seen any of Hattie's friends? Is Willie going out to Kalamazoo? How does he get along? I do so much want to see him - Isn't it funny about Mary Colburn? Give her my congratulations when she comes home I wonder how Mr. Colburn likes it. I have decided to fascinate Matthew Vassar Jr. or "Young Mat" as he is universally denominated. He is a gay young widower of fifty or more, who makes himself quite popular among the girls. I wish you could see old Mr. Vassar, his face is a perfect sunbeam,he seems entirely happy and contented to walk over the buildings and nod at all the girls. Every pleasant day his carriage is here. Mother dear, if I don't tell you what you want to know or anything you must tell me. I think I write my letters very much at random, but I don't make any progress in improving them. I do want very much to see you, but I haven't been homesick a bit. I said this A.M. at breakfast that I hadn't shed a tear, and Miss Deppen said she wished I had done some of her crying for her. How is Mrs. Howard? & Bell Adams, give my love to Mr and Mrs. Raymond, when you go home. Do stay ever so long. I wish I could kiss you good night. Mattie (Martha Warner, '68)
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 16, 1865
Text: Vassar Oct. 16, 1865. My dear Mother, I came very near writing to you last night if it was Sunday, and was only prevented by being so sleepy that I went to bed instead. Yesterday went off quite as entirely to my satisfaction, perhaps more so, than any since I have been here. In the first place it was rainy, and that was precisely what we had been wishing for, ever since we came. It rained violently all day and, I hope, has done much good. Then we were all dressed some time before the bell...
Show moreVassar Oct. 16, 1865. My dear Mother, I came very near writing to you last night if it was Sunday, and was only prevented by being so sleepy that I went to bed instead. Yesterday went off quite as entirely to my satisfaction, perhaps more so, than any since I have been here. In the first place it was rainy, and that was precisely what we had been wishing for, ever since we came. It rained violently all day and, I hope, has done much good. Then we were all dressed some time before the bell rang, a very unusual circumstance which put us all in high spirits. Next the Bible Classes were subdivided yesterday and to my intense joy I was assigned to Prof. Tenney — Hattie and Minnie to Prof. Knapp. He takes it up with reference to the Greek.We are going to study Isaiah. It was so stormy yesterday that Prof. Knapp who lives in the city was not present, so Hattie came into our class, she told me afterwards, that she did not know but she envied me after all. In the afternoon Rev. Thomas Beecher, of Elmira, preached for us. His text was, Luke 24.32. "And they said one to another. Did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?" It was very plain and simple, not at all Beechery in his style or manner, but it was certainly one of the best sermons I ever heard. I don't mean in point of rhetoric, but of instruction. I hope that Henry Ward will come up to see us this winter. He ought to, being one of the Trustees. Miss A very doesn't look as if she had had a history although after the reading of your letter, Hattie and Minnie concluded that there is something about her mouth conveying the impression of some kind of a secret. (What a graceful sentence) She looks to me something like young Mrs. Wardwith all the sweetness taken out of her face. She has a very decided look, just as if she was capable of doing what you said. I don't know her at all, but she is not a favorite with those who do. I only hope I shan't be sick here. Hattie says that she shall never let me be taken to the "Inventory". I don't think Miss Lyman is much of a sight. She is very pleasant, but can be awfully stern. I don't think she is any more like Mother than I am sure I don't know what. Prof. Knapp, Prof. Tenny, and Mrs. Pres. Raymond, are our biggest sights, also the little Raymond child aged four years - I wouldn't have you think that I don't like Miss Lyman. I do, very much. I am growing very impatient to see you. you are surely coming are you not? I am going to take you up to my room, see if I don't - I feel just as stupid as an owl - therefore you must excuse the brillancy of this document. I shall try and do better next time. (You'll get tired of that before long I'm afraid).Minnie had a paper this morning saying that Tillie Davenport has married her Major General. I am very glad. The same paper brought intelligence of the death of Mrs. Degarmo Jones. I didn't suppose she was so old. What a pity that you couldn't remember Mr. Freeland's message - Please give our love to him especially mine - Mrs. Raymond I always send love to, whether I say so or not, also Mrs. Freeland Mrs. Hibbard and the girls - How is Mrs. Howard? Tell Nell I shall write to her pretty soon, unless there is a prospect of something interesting's happening - Our life goes along in a sort of monotone, nothing occurs that would interest any one outside the building. Rev. Mr. Beecher took dinner here today. Miss Sayles and Miss Avery sat one on each side of him - We have lost our nice dining room girl. She had a fuss with Mrs. Fowler, and was started off - We have got the pokiest thing in her place. Yesterday she didn't get us helped to meat until we had been at the table twenty five minutes - We had ever so much fun and Mrs. Fowler gave her a scolding that made her cheeks burn. She did better today - Minnie and Hattie sendmuch love - Has Father entirely forgotten us. He hasn't so much as sent his love to us since we left. How is Le Maire? likewise Billy Gray? Love to all at home & abroad - Your loving daughter - Mattie S. W. You didn't ask me any questions did you?
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 17, 1865
Text: Vassar Oct [?] My darling dear mother, What business have you to go home before you got my letter, which I sent to Kalamazoo? I hope Uncle Safford will not take the trouble to send it to Detroit. I can't say that it was a classical production. I am mad enough tat aunt Mary Frances to [?] her up and despatching her to Belancy Bay. So seldom as Aunt Safford attempts to go any where too! How many weeks is she expecting to remain? I am so glad you had Miss Weed stay at our house: it must...
Show moreVassar Oct [?] My darling dear mother, What business have you to go home before you got my letter, which I sent to Kalamazoo? I hope Uncle Safford will not take the trouble to send it to Detroit. I can't say that it was a classical production. I am mad enough tat aunt Mary Frances to [?] her up and despatching her to Belancy Bay. So seldom as Aunt Safford attempts to go any where too! How many weeks is she expecting to remain? I am so glad you had Miss Weed stay at our house: it must have given you a great deal of please to se her. There is a teacher here Miss Wiley who looks some like Mrs. Kindab. Did you have a pleasant wine there? How did her hopeful children behave Did Mrs. Dr. Barrett go to our house with the rest of the family? Have a doubt of it. Do tell us something about Mary Calburn. how she is, and what the baby's name is. I think I shall invite them to call it Martha Spooner I had a very nice letterfrom Carrie yester- day. Nellie is owing me a letter, but I shan't expect one till house cleaning it over. Please tell Willie that I watch the mail every day in hopes of seeing his handwriting. Minnie had a letter from Hattie today. She says that Father has reported Minnie's cold, she is quite over it now. The letter was very interesting told all about Mayor Duncan's wedding and Mr. Johnsons funeral. I wish you would please send us papers occasionally. I had no idea I should miss them so much. Minnie, Hattie and I started out yesterday afternoon at five o'clock, and made four calls before tea. One was on Miss Leland fourth floor, a fat little thing who looks like and appears very much like Emma Kellogg. I like her even as much. We fixed her gas with a hair pin to make it burn better. Our next call was on the second floor, at Miss Dibble'sShe was nice enough, but her room mate Miss Rhoades was even so much nicer. She is the smartest girl in our Latin class. I should judge, from present appearances. Then we went to see Miss Bechwith on the first floor. She was not at home so we pro ceded to Miss Usher's where we stayed till supper. I like her very much indeed. After tea and chapel Prof. Farrar met us in the Chemistry room to see about Chemistry. Then we came home and studied a little while till Miss johnson and Lizzie Cramer came in. We had just the jolliest time possible. We always do when they are here. Lizzie is going to study Geology. I want to even so much but Hattie would let me , and Miss Gilbert says that you lose much more than you [?] by trying to do too much. Consequently I have submitted with as good grace as posse ble. We have been sealed alphabetically in chapel. Minnie of course is at one [?] and we at the other. We have this advantage however we can watch Miss Lyman and see how shebehave in chapel. Also we can see any visitors, who by hook or crook are in at chapel which is a great privilege. I have there by seen three coat wearing animals whom I otherwise should never have known existed. Mother I do wish you could see Madam. she is so silly Satuday she took several of the girls down town and they to get on the good side of her, flattened till she was half crazy with pleasure. The poor woman actually bought herself a light blue [?] (she is fully forty three) and took it to the dress makers. she is told then to make it any two or three inches in front. "Oh no" the dress maker said "not in front" "yes indeed I walkways hold up my dress so" she does make the most ridiculous appearance of any on I ever saw. I do want to see you ever so much. I hope you will make your appearance before long. Do please send me a piece of your dress and [?] us every thing that happened. You write spleen did letters. I wish I could send you some chestnuts. The frost starts them off nicely now. I am going to get some this afternoon I guess. It will depend upon what time we get out of chemistry. Is De. Barrett's sister that is there Ellen? Give a great deal of love to father and the rest. Tell every one to write to us. How is Bridge? Tell her that our girls name at [?] is Mary O'Hare. I don't know what one chambermaid's name is the one we did have suddenly disappearedher substitute informed us that she had "the shakes". She is fully impressed with the fact that Hattie and Minnie are teachers I wish it would rain We are suffering for the lack of it. We are all very well Hattie and Minnie send a great deal of love [?] tell Emma to write to me sometimes love to Miss Raymoona Mrs. Gre land Mrs. Hittard and every one. I do wish I could kiss you. Goodbye Your loving daugh ter Mattie How many grapes did you have. I wish Charles Goldburn would mind his business & write to us. Have you written to Aunt Rebecca yet? I hope Auntie I will write to us MattieTell Nellie that I am listening attentively toward the West for howls. I support that having no one else to quarrel with she has begun on her image in the look glass. I hope she [?] cracks in the looking glass.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 18, 1865
Text: Vassar, Oct. 18, 1865. My dear sister Nellie. Don't read this out load. If Father or Willie are around. My principal, particular, and exact reason for writing to you just now is to sound the praises of Prof. Knapp. We assembled this A.M. in the Livy class, fear and trembling on our countenances, a most horrible Romulus and Remus lesson in our hands. I thought I was completely steeled by my Cicero and Virgil experience, but I never dreaded the thought of reading any thing so much, in my...
Show moreVassar, Oct. 18, 1865. My dear sister Nellie. Don't read this out load. If Father or Willie are around. My principal, particular, and exact reason for writing to you just now is to sound the praises of Prof. Knapp. We assembled this A.M. in the Livy class, fear and trembling on our countenances, a most horrible Romulus and Remus lesson in our hands. I thought I was completely steeled by my Cicero and Virgil experience, but I never dreaded the thought of reading any thing so much, in my life. Prof. Knapp called the roll, took our review translations, which we write out and bring into class, gave us ours for yesterday, told us that he was otherwise engaged and would not heard us this morning, and by the way, we needn't write out the translation for tomorrow, and dismissed us, with the injunction "Go quickly to your rooms." It was all done so naturally and unconcernedly,that a stranger would never have imagined that any more was the matter than he stated. I actually feel affection for him already. I presume at least I hope, that his engagement was to attend a class of Madame's. she doesn't know how to teach very well, and her classes feel somewhat out of patience with her. Miss Johnson went to Prof. Knapp a day or two ago, and asked to be put into a lower class which Miss Fesseadeu teaches, he questioned her a little and said he would go into her class and hear her. Consequently I presume he has gone now. As far as Madame's table is concerned, I sat there for three meals, and found that they only talked French around Madame and never uttered a syllable while I was there, the result was that I was sick with headache and went back to my own table. I believe that they do talk rather more French there now. Prof. Wiebt "the music man" has a German table which I think I shall join. They have no opportunity to speak English under the watchful eyes of Mr. Mrs. and Miss. Imagine methere. The sun has been beautifully eclipsed today. Did you look at it? Miss Mitchell gave Hattie some pieces of glass and we spent most of the time we were not in classes, squinting at his Solar Majesty. Miss M. has been making observations all the morning. We had our study hours assigned today. I am glad for we have been annoyed by visitors when we wanted to study. They are from nine A.M. until twelve, from two till five, and from half past seven until nine - I did beautifully in Livy this morning congratulate me. (I presume that by this time, you understand that today is tomorrow). We were very glad to recieve a paper this morning. How sad Mrs. Strong's death is. I wonder what will become of her little children. I don't know what to say about John Ward, it seems almost as if he deserved it, but think of his poor wife, almost a bride, and of that boy. I should not think he could forget a single instant that he is a mur-derer. Have you got Hattie's letter about that chenile? Minnie's birthday comes next week. Miss Gilbert sent a great deal of love back to you, therefore you need not be afraid to sen some more. She often mentions you and seems to consider you nearly perfection. I guess it is her way to make a great deal of anyone whom she fancies, she does just so by Minnie They are both great favorites here. Miss Mitchel thinks Hattie is fine, she told them one day at the Presidents table about her, and how smart she is, and Miss Wiebe came in here one day and told of it, in her funny German fashion. No American would ever have done it so. I am very hungry for a letter. I had no idea that they made such a difference. I hope you didn't ask any very important questions as I can't find your letter. Who were the ministers at our house? Were they pleasant? I would a great deal to be able to take tea at home tonight, and spend the evening in the back parlor. Give my love to the familyand the girls. I suppose that busy is no name for Sara's state of mind. Prof. Buckham has brought home his family - such sweet pretty little things - the orthodox number for Vassar College, a little boy and a little girl, the girl with light curls. Prof. Buckham looks like a different person. Mrs. Farrar had been visiting almost ever since school began, and that is why we haven't seen her - Quantities of love from all of us to all the people. Your loving sister Mattie (Martha S. Waraer, '68)
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 25, 1865
Text: Vassar Oct. 25/65 My darling Mother, I am going to try and write to you before the retiring bell rings, so that it can go tomorrow A.M. but I hardly think I shall succeed — I am very glad that my belongings are turning up so rapidly - I hope you will appropriate everything you find. Miss Fessenden came in here this evening just before tea and made us quite a visitation, she admired Katie Peale very much. I think she is the nicest of all the lady teachers. Minnie, Hattie and I had the honor of...
Show moreVassar Oct. 25/65 My darling Mother, I am going to try and write to you before the retiring bell rings, so that it can go tomorrow A.M. but I hardly think I shall succeed — I am very glad that my belongings are turning up so rapidly - I hope you will appropriate everything you find. Miss Fessenden came in here this evening just before tea and made us quite a visitation, she admired Katie Peale very much. I think she is the nicest of all the lady teachers. Minnie, Hattie and I had the honor of sitting at Miss Lyman's table Sunday night. We had a very pleasant time, and I soon discovered that she considered Mrs. Sumner "one of the rare women of the earth".Mrs. Perkins she evidently did not admire, and said that she could hardly realize that Minnie was a married woman. She spoke very highly of Mrs. Geo. Foote i.e. Miss Dwight. Miss Mitchel I admire more than I do any woman here, she is tall, has grey hair which she wears done up in two little knobs on each side of her head, that look as if they would be curls sometime, the rest is in a black chenile net drawn up on top of her head just as Emma's is. She being a Quakeress always wears black and grey, and her whole appearance never alters a particle. She is a noble woman. She asked me yesterday why I didn't come into her class this year. I told her I thought I could study it to better advantage another year she said she should never have another class like the one she has now. I forgot to tell you that Miss Lyman didn't know me in my everyday clothes and invited me there yesterday noon. To day is Minnie's birthday. I am very sorry that your answerto Hattie's letter hasn't come yet. She is very much disappointed. Finding that I have plenty of time, I am going to read the Odessy, as soon as the books come. There are only four of us in the class and as one of the teachers said, "there's is metal there". Miss Starr Prof. Knapp says pronounces Modern Greek better than any American he ever heard, she seems to be a born scholar. Miss Glover is a very fine scholar, so is Miss Blatchley, time will develop the resources of Miss Warner. We are all in the same Latin class. There is one little girl here Miss Carter, who is only fifteen, is reading Livy, in the first French class and studying Astronomy, she is a very throrough scholar also. We are all of us very well, haven't had a sick day yet. Minnie was threatened with a head ache last week, but didn't have it. Country air and bread and milk are beginning to tell upon my physical frame. I shouldn't be surprised if I had gained several pounds. The President gave us a lecture yesterday, on the subject of waste in gas and heat, both of which are a far greater expense to the College than they had anticipated. Give a great deal of love to all. Tell Helen that Hattie was delighted with her letter, and will answer it before five weeks are up. Minnie and Miss Gilbert send much love. The breakfast bell has rung - I haven't been writing all night. Good bye - your loving child Mattie. Excuse haste.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: November 10, 1865
Text: Vassar Nov. 10./65 My darling dear Mother, How much do you suppose I can get written before the tea bell rings? I shall try to get down the page. I can't tell you how delighted I was to hear from you, as for worrying about Hattie's having more letters from you than I, it never occurred to me that she did, but what comes to her comes just as much to me. What a shame that Alice Holmes and her baby are so feeble. I hope that it will live. Is she going to try Mincassia? There is a Miss...
Show moreVassar Nov. 10./65 My darling dear Mother, How much do you suppose I can get written before the tea bell rings? I shall try to get down the page. I can't tell you how delighted I was to hear from you, as for worrying about Hattie's having more letters from you than I, it never occurred to me that she did, but what comes to her comes just as much to me. What a shame that Alice Holmes and her baby are so feeble. I hope that it will live. Is she going to try Mincassia? There is a Miss Treadwell here from Jackson who lives very near Mrs. Hobart. I like her very much indeed. She has a really remarkable face. Miss Wiebe says "she looks like our poet Schiller." I feel quite proud of her.I expected nothing more or less, than that the Brooks and Bernards would appear in red or green on the first Sunday How do you admire the new style of bonnets ? I think that they are the most graceful shape that I have seen. How thankful I am that Mrs. Wheaton has something new to put over her self. Where is Mrs. Tarbox going to live? I should like to have seen her married - at least I should to have seen her husband during the ceremony. There is the tea bell. Don't you think I'm smart. Miss Gilbert is sick. I am afraid she has a touch of ague. She really is quite sick. I had the honor of teaching our Greek class, as for giving out the lesson went. She is so different from what E has always imagined. Every one likes her very much - Some of the girls think she is the nicest teacher here. She has been very kind to us, very indeed. I had a nice long letter from Sara today, she does write capital letters. I do want to be at home next month. What are you going to do Thanksgiving Day? Doesn't it seem improper to have it in December. Aren't you sorry for Mrs. Rumney? It does seem as if she had children enough. How's Cousin Bell? Give a great deal of love to her. Are the old lady and gentleman any respectabler than formerly? Frankie Hunt wrote to Prof. Farrar's wife to the effect that we were here Prof. Farrar stopped Minnie coming out of chapel last week and told her that his wife despaired of hunting us out and therefore wished us to call on her, consequently night before last, we started out and invited Miss Sayles to take us. We had a most delightful visit. I do love Prof. Farrar, his wife is very pleasant. The Prof. knew Mr. George Curtiss very well, (you know he came here from Elmira) It seemed so pleasant and home like there, that nothing less than the demands of some terrible lessons at home was sufficient to tear us away. I am going to cultivate Prof. Tenney, he lives so near it would be delightful to go and see him. I have given away my beloved mud turtle. H. and M. didn't find him a congenial parlor mate. Miss Avery came in here Sunday and staid nearly an hour. She was very pleasant, talked about almost every thing. We have got to go into the Labratory at least half an hour a day - I presume we shall enjoy it very much. What a kind considerate man Mr. Pease is, the more I know of him the better I like him. Do tell me what Mrs. Coucklin did to those collars? Did she make them chokers or what? I don't believe I brought your stocking - I remember seeing one and not the other when packing but thought the other one had been put away I am very sorry about it. When is Father coming? Nobody had mentioned it lately. Do the girls say much about their Father marriage? are they making many preperations for Mrs Fomeroy? How does Mary feel? How's Miss Seger? Love to her. Mrs. Sumner Mrs. Raymond, Mr. and Mrs. Freeland ditto - How I wish I could go to church.You don't know how much I like to hear from you. Give a great deal of love to every one I known especially May Colburn and her baby - Send us some pound sweets do. I think I should like to have you send the whole city at the same time. How does Helen get along? Tell Willie I do want a letter. Can't you come with Father? I fairly ache to see you. Good bye your loving daughter Mattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: November 17, 1865
Text: Vassar Nov. 17./65 My darling dear Mother, What a dear good woman you are to write to me so often. You are worth half a dozen Helen's in that branch of the fine arts. Not that she is at all to be slighted - but I don't believe she has injured her eyes sitting up at night to write. However Nellie "its very good what there is of it." I should like to see Mrs. Taylor - Did she tell any news worth hearing? Anything about the Peases or Catlins? I suppose she has material for...
Show moreVassar Nov. 17./65 My darling dear Mother, What a dear good woman you are to write to me so often. You are worth half a dozen Helen's in that branch of the fine arts. Not that she is at all to be slighted - but I don't believe she has injured her eyes sitting up at night to write. However Nellie "its very good what there is of it." I should like to see Mrs. Taylor - Did she tell any news worth hearing? Anything about the Peases or Catlins? I suppose she has material for conversation sufficient to last at least one year. I should enjoy hearing her talk. By the way where's Miss Seger? Please remember us to her. Also to her Mother. Miss Grant that was, Mrs. Ban-ister that is, is visiting Miss Lyman. She is a very remarkable looking woman. We haven't been to see her yet, but are going tomorrow morning. Miss Lyman told her about us, and she expressed a strong desire to see us. She spoke very highly of Mother to Miss Gilbert. I was delighted with her appearance as far as I saw at chapel. She is as tall as Miss Lyman, and I had always imagined her short. I wish I could pass myself off on her as Miss Morrison. By the way I am going to send home for our family Bible in order to prove satisfactorily to myself and the world at large, that my name is Martha Spooner Warner, and not Morrison. On the whole I have decided not put my eyes out looking for Father. I have concluded that he will be visible to the naked eye when he does arrive. Bridget must be a useful member of society since her two wakes. I wouldn'twake a man that died drunk seems to me. "But every one to their taste as the old woman." I read that chapter. It is very beautiful. They are building the organ in the chapel, so that we can't have our half hours with Miss Lyman. I am sorry for she wanted Mrs. Banister to address us. Prehaps however the organ will be finished before she leaves, as I believe she is going to stay some time. Minnie had a letter from Maggie a day or two ago, in which she said "Mrs. Powel has just returned from Elba. Mrs. Town is ill, she has but one opinion in regard to her sickness - consumption." Won't it be dreadful if we never see her again. Only four weeks more to Christmas! Does it seem possible? Has Aunt Rebecca written anything more about our coming there? I believe I should prefer Vermont on some accounts. Aunt Mary is very anxious we should come and see her. I should like to I think. Who is the "little minister" at Mr. Eldrige's church? I thought Dr. Eels was there.Tell Father I am extremely obliged to him for putting "Knickbocker" in with our books. For that matter the girls feel their obligation equally with me. I read out loud in it last night, to the great edification of all present. I had no idea it was such a keen satire. Mill Gilbert sends much love. Hattie and Minnie are considering the subject. O Mother! You can't imagine how much I want to see you, and have you see us, and how comfortable and happy we are here. I do believe that we three girls are as contented a trio as can be found in the college. Every says when they come in here, "Oh! what a pleasant room! only two bedrooms, how's that? Just you three, why how happy you must be! All I want to make me "perfectly happy" is, some sweet apples. I want you to see Miss Starr, she is lovely - Tell Nellie that a letter that came from her would be highly acceptable - But I know the dear child is very busy - Remember us to every body - kiss Mary Colburn's baby for me. Tell Mrs. Raymond that the President's little Nellie reminds meme extremely on her little Hattie. Give my love to every body and tell them I want very much to see them - We have begun to practise in the labratory. I like it very much. If I hadn't anything else to do - I think I should stay there all day long — I do love Prof. Farrar dearly - There's chapel bell Good bye my dear dear Mother - Your loving daughter Mattie Dr. Magoon of Albany preached for us Sunday. We liked him very much.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: November 25, 1865
Text: Vassar Nov. 25 My dearly beloved and ever to be respected Maternal Parent, With whom do you think I have had the exquiste felicity of visiting this evening - Guess. Its no use, you'd never imagine in the world. It was no less distinguished gentleman than John Gilbert! He came up on his way to New York, and Miss Gilbert obtained permission for us to see him - As you may imagine we were nothing loth to avail ourselves of the opportunity to converse with one of the species of Sunday A.M....
Show moreVassar Nov. 25 My dearly beloved and ever to be respected Maternal Parent, With whom do you think I have had the exquiste felicity of visiting this evening - Guess. Its no use, you'd never imagine in the world. It was no less distinguished gentleman than John Gilbert! He came up on his way to New York, and Miss Gilbert obtained permission for us to see him - As you may imagine we were nothing loth to avail ourselves of the opportunity to converse with one of the species of Sunday A.M. coat wearing animals. He is quite good looking, very pleasant, very much of a gentleman, and althogether is a remarkably agreeable person. Hattie and I were the envied ones at our table last night I can assure you, as we gave mostglowing descriptions of our call. Miss Gilbert went down to New York with him, and never took us too! wasn't she mean? I hope they will see Father. Mr. G. took Uncle Edwin's address. They both seemed anxious to see him. Miss Gilbert evidently considers him something little short of a miracle. Father is splendid! He has written to us every day since he has been in New York. I think he is very kind indeed - Isn't it delightful that he should have met Mr. and Mrs. Catlin? How delighted they all must have been! I wish they would invite us up to Burlington for the Holidays - wouldn't it be magnificent - I think they might. Hattie is half crazy to walk down to church this morning. I think Miss Lyman might let her, but Hattie won't ask her as she doesn't know of any teacher who is going, and has no faith in being allowed to go alone. Minnie has a hard headache today - Two of the Episcopalian girls came in to see if Minnie would be willing to ask MissLyman if she could take them down, but Minnie was not able to go - and Miss Lyman wouldn't let them go alone. I do hope we shall all be allowed to go to Church Thanksgiving day - I really think they ought to. If we have service here, I hope and trust that it wont be in the afternoon. Next Sunday is Communion Sabbath, so that we will all go without difficulty. I wish that we had Communion on the same Sunday that you do at home, it would be much pleasanter, then it comes immediately after morning service, which seemed very strange to me, as I had never seen it before. It seems so queer to have Miss Gilbert gone. I find myself listening for her step and wondering why she doesn't come. She has been very good to us indeed. I didn't dream of her being so good and kind. I think those tintypes of baby are very good. We all like them much better than the photograph. Are they all scratched? I hope not. How is the little Colburnbaby? I hope you go up there often. When you see her kiss her for me. I wish I could see all three of them. Tell Will that when the organ is quite built I am going to propose his name to the Executive Committee as blower thereof - Does it seem possible that Christmas is almost here? We have had scarcely a thought of winter here. Some of the girls are very busy preparing for Christmas, but we benighted creatures at 23, have almost forgotten that there was such a day, to say nothing of making presents for it - I assure you we were much gratified by your kind invitation for spend Sunday at home. Minnie said "I say girls let's go." We all said "Yes by all means, of course we will", but Miss Gilbert put an end to all our plans by marching off to Now York and we couldn't go without a teacher. I would be ever so much obliged to you, if you would send me some of that very narrow red velvet. I think I could wear it and I should like it extremely. I thank you very much for the blue it is beautiful - Please give a great deal of love to Mrs. Raymond and Mrs. Freeland, Mrs. Hibbard & Mr Freeland of course - I am very glad Mrs. Clark came to see you. What has become of John & his wife? How sad about Mr. Sile-bee. What has caused his sudden poverty? I wish I could kiss you Mother dear Shan't I be glad when next summer comes? Are you going to have any one at home Thanksgiving Day? I am fairly aching for a sight of home and home people. Now don't you say I am homesick - On the contrary I am gaining flesh every day - There are some dear good girls here. Minnie is an immense favorite & Hattie & I shine comfortably in reflected glory. Minnie is just as good and lovely as she can be. I love her better every single day of my life, love to every one from your loving daughter Mattie.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: December 1865
Text: Vassar, Dec. 1865. My dear Nellie, I can't wait another instant tar to tell you what a grand time we had yesterday - In the first place we didn't have to get up for breakfast until eight - i.e. we had breakfast at half past eight, and Miss Lyman gave express orders that no one should wake up her roommates but that every one should sleep as long as possible. After breakfast every one did what seemed good in her own eyes. Hattie and Minnie went up to Miss Sayles room to help about the...
Show moreVassar, Dec. 1865. My dear Nellie, I can't wait another instant tar to tell you what a grand time we had yesterday - In the first place we didn't have to get up for breakfast until eight - i.e. we had breakfast at half past eight, and Miss Lyman gave express orders that no one should wake up her roommates but that every one should sleep as long as possible. After breakfast every one did what seemed good in her own eyes. Hattie and Minnie went up to Miss Sayles room to help about the tableaux, and I came home and read Aurora Leigh, until Helen Dana and Nettie Huntington came in and talked until chapel time at half past eleven. Pres. Raymond preached a very fine sermon. The choir chanted the "Te Deum". Cousin Emma(as she told us to call her), is a very beautiful singer. She and Prof. Wiebe sung the principal parts. I heard a great many remarks of the difference between her singing and Miss Wiley's. After chapel she came home with me, and stayed till about half past two during which time I recieved a letter from Charlie and one from you, wasn't I delighted tho'! I like her very much indeed. She is exactly my height - has light hair, and a very sweet expression. Likewise she is a very perfect lady. After she went I began to dress for dinner, and had just begun to curl my hair when Miss Griggs made her appearance saying that I was wanted immediately in the Art Gallery. I slipped on a wrapper and ran with my hair all flying. I was seized by Miss Fessenden, and told that I was wanted to act the fact of a fashionable young lady fixing herself before the looking glass and must collect all the finery I could. Consequently I went home and finished dressing when I appearedvery gorgeous in my alpaca and mauve ribbons. Then I rushed up to the chapel and saw the preperations, they had a curtain suspended across the chapel about a foot from the end of the stage, and a large frame, which black gauge stretched across for the front and black cambric for the other three sides making a sort of hugh box, with a seam ripped up on one side to allow us to go in and out. We flew around and rushed up and down, until a quarter past five when dinner was announced. All the Profs, and their families were invited and some other people. They filled three tables with the teachers, while the girls had charge of their own tables and carved their own turkeys. Minnie carved ours in the most highly scientific style, she and Prof. Tenney were the only ones who didn't stand to carve. Our bill of fare was as follows. Oyster Soup, very nice. Roast Turkey, cranberry sauce, squash potatoes (mashed), celery, gravy - third, plum pudding, fourth, nuts and raisins apples. It was very nearly seven when weleft the table. Every thing was very nice, and the girls all seemed to enjoy it very much. Immediately after tea there was a reception in the College parlors and the Presidents, all being thrown into one great room. We went in for about five minutes and then disappeared. I rushed down stairs and in about twenty minutes or half an hour marched into the chapel gallery in the following attire. Minnie's blue silk skirt, Hattie Johnson's white lace waist, four bracelets and Hattie's white shawl. I ought to have told you that Madame Castani, a most remarkable woman, who makes her living in that manner, came a day or two before hand, with a quantity of Greek and Turkish costumes, which she was expected to arranged into tableaux - she watched the girls very closely to find those that she could trust to fill them out - The teachers made up seven, that afternoon which were American. Profs. Farrar and Vaningen assisted them, and they did nobly, adding very materially to the interestoccasion. The first tableau was "A Pasha waited upon by attendants." It was very pretty and much admired. Next came "The Greek Fugitives," the principal figure of which was Minnie standing with her left hand pointing to the Turks in the distance, two children hanging to her skirts, while her noble liege lord squatting on the floor had another one with him. She looked vary grand indeed, and made quite an impression. Next came "Siote defending his sister" which they said was beautiful but I didn't see it as I was at that time in the dressing room. Next was the "Flower of the Family" Every one's expectation was high when the curtain rose and there sat the baker with his cap and apron on, and by his side - a barrel of flour of course there was great laughing, when the curtain ross again, when the baker hammered the hoops as if to open it and when they were all loose out came little Nellie Raymond from the barrel. She looked a pretty and cunning as could be,and as you may wall imagine the effect was capital. Next came "The old plan and the new, or the old plan, and our plan." It was a tableaux in two parts, a screen being drawn between them, sufficiently to prevent their seeming one picture, and yet allow all to be seen. On one side were Miss Mary Granger with a pallet and brushes in her hand standing before an Easel, while Hattie Johnson siting by a table piled with books was criticizing her picture, the background was formed with the College flag so arranged that "Vassar" was plainly discernable. On the other side stood Hattie with her hair done up in a knot, her hoops off, an old calico wrapper on, and her sleeves rolled up, her dress pinned up, and a calico apron on. In one hand she held a mop and a pail stood beside her, altogether she was a most capital Irish girl. Helen Dana sat beside her dressed in a calico dress sewing dilligently, while not far off (on account of the limited space)stood Marthy Spooner herself, dressed as described above, with the addition of a great heap of blue and white flowers on top of her hair, a waterfall cushion underneath her curls, making them stand out not more than half a mile a long white ribbon around her comb, a red opera cloack trimmed with swan's down hanging down her back, her best handkerchief in her hand, busily engaged in fixing the flowers on her hair, looking in a mirror for that purpose. They said it was very good and I have had quite a number of compliments. Next came a Greek tableau of which I don't remember the subject. The American tableaux were all prettier than the Greek ones, at least we thought so. The "Rose of Castile" excited much anticipation and a table nicely piled with Castile soap caused great laughter. But when the "Real Rose of Castile seen in the light of other days" was announced, we all expected something grand, and Iassure you, that the same soap with a tallow candle burning before it raised a shout. "Faith, Hope, and Charity," was the most beautiful of all. Three girls in white robes, one resting on an anchor, another holding a cross, and the third dropping her charities on the floor. It was very beautiful indeed - A portrait of Schiller attracted great attention. She was Miss Treadwell from Jackson. Her face is very much like the pictures of Schiller. The closing scenes were first a Godess of Liberty, steading by Union, while at their feet sat a weeping slave with chains around her. In the next scene Union had lifted her up and Liberty had thrown her arm over them They all went off beautifully, and every one went home feeling highly contented with herself and friends - I didn't tell you about the other Greek ones, as it would have been tedious. Miss Avery came back yesterday and brought out all her infirmary - Miss Lyman thought we could do great wonders, if we could have such fine tableaux on so short a notice. I was delighted to get your letter. What was the matter between Mrs. Birch and the Dr? I am utterly discouraged about them if that is what they are going to do. What a polite young person Miss Lawrence is! I wonder Lucy is really engaged. Of course any of us would have said the same under the circumstances. I am very glad that you had such a pleasant time at that quilting. What did you do yesterday? Write soon and tell me all about it. I do hope you had a good time. I presume you have long before this discovered the whereabouts of your paternal relative and could enlighten me as well if not better than you I. I am very sorry to hear about Eva Standish. How are her sister and niece? I wish I could set my two eyes on you your relatives and neighbors - also onher blue silk trimming. I had a letter from Charlie yesterday, he says his duties may call him here any day and wants instructions how to proceed. Please ask Mother to write him a little note of introduction to Miss Lyman, and tell him to take the Vassar omnibus, & that will unlock all doors - What a goose Mattie is. I am ashamed of her. I'd go out as nurse girl before I'd be dependant as she is, to say nothing of spending money for a plume when my family were suffering - Remember us to Jenny Davy. I would give a great deal to see her. Give a great deal of love to Mother, Willie, and all the loveable people. Minnie wants Father to send her ten $ too because her ma is an orphan. Don't you think I've written nearly enough? I do. Ask Carrie Hawley if she has decided to drop me. I haven't done or thought of a single thing for Christmas With a great deal of love from all of us I remain your off servant - M.S.W.Mattie didn't see the second "Rose of Castile". It was a row of knives, saws, instead of soap. She was'nt near enough to see the distinctly and had not heard it before I don't we you a letter. I am going to write to you a decently long letter some time. Christmas is coming - aren't you glad we are away?
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: December 02, 1865
Text: Vassar, Dec. 2, 1865 My dear, dear Mother, It's Saturday evening again and I am writing to you. How ridiculous that I haven't written since Father was here. It seems at least a month. Words cannot tell you how very greatly we enjoyed his visit - It was almost like going home ourselves, the girls said the next day that it did them good to see how happy we looked. I was as proud of him as could be. You don't know how handsome he looked. He saw every one we wanted him to besides....
Show moreVassar, Dec. 2, 1865 My dear, dear Mother, It's Saturday evening again and I am writing to you. How ridiculous that I haven't written since Father was here. It seems at least a month. Words cannot tell you how very greatly we enjoyed his visit - It was almost like going home ourselves, the girls said the next day that it did them good to see how happy we looked. I was as proud of him as could be. You don't know how handsome he looked. He saw every one we wanted him to besides. I think we had a delightful visit. I had the pleasure of reciting Greek yesterday before John Gilbert, likewise of shaking hands with him to the distress of all the other young ladies of the class, who couldn't say"good bye" to him, nor ask him to come and see them at home. You probably remember writing to me about Miss Avery our doctor. She went down to New York with Mrs. Banister Thursday, without leaving word where she was going to stay. The next morning a telegram came saying that her father was dead. No one knew where to send or what to do, they telegraphed to Mrs. Banister in hopes she would know where she had gone but I believe she didn't, and tonight she has come back without knowing anything about it. She stopped at Miss Grant's room and she said to her, did you get the telegram? "What telegram, is my Father dead?" Miss Lyman has gone down to the depot with her, as she has gone to try and get home before the funeral. Monday - I wrote so far Saturday evening and then went to see Prof. Farrar. The all absorbing topic just now is a Literary Society which is forming - As far as I can see Minnie and Hattie are going to havematters in their own hands to a great extent. I am very glad they are going to have one for it will do us all good. The President has been very kind indeed, and takes a most lively interest in all our proceedings. Yesterday we went to Church because Miss Lyman made a mistake, and supposed that they did things decently and in order here, and had Communion every two months. We found that it only comes once in three months, but were much delighted at being allowed to go to church. I wonder if we would have such a longing to go, if Church was accessible every Sunday. As it is there is hardly a girl here who doesn't spend half her Sundays wishing she could go to church - I suppose that Dr. and Mrs. Pomeroy will have started on their wedding tour provided, as I imagine they are married in the morning - before this letter reaches you. How anxious we all are as to the result of that marriage! If it turns out wellI think it will be a most excellent thing for all, even Mary, because if her Father was going to act so I am sure that it will altogether more agreeable to have a nice lady at the head affairs that her younger sister. I want to write to Sara in time to have it reach her Wednesday, which will necessarilly be a sad day for them. Emma says they are going to call her "Mary" i.e. Sara and Mary, while she will have to say "Mother," I don't like that. If I didn't say "Mother," I'd say Mrs. Pomeroy - I wonder what they'll do with that little girl of hers. I don't see but I have managed to write as thoroughly unsatisfactory a letter as I very well could. Hattie had a letter today from Lottie Dwight - she didn't tell any news. How are Helen's eyes? Don't let her use them too much. I am going to electioneer this evening after silent hour and study hours. Mattie say tell Mother I am busy writing tickets, and sign my name and send it. Only two week to vacation, M. says send a ticket. Good by Mattie & Hattie.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: December 13, 1865
Text: VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Dec. 13 1865 My very dear Sister Nell, I don't owe you a letter to be sure, nevertheless, I feel moved in spirit to write you a birthday epistle in as much as I can't give you any birthday kisses. What a pity that you did make your advent into this world in summer, and then we could all celebrate together. I haven't any thing remarkable to say, having used up all my ideas on your last letter. The all absorbing topic at present is, "...
Show moreVASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Dec. 13 1865 My very dear Sister Nell, I don't owe you a letter to be sure, nevertheless, I feel moved in spirit to write you a birthday epistle in as much as I can't give you any birthday kisses. What a pity that you did make your advent into this world in summer, and then we could all celebrate together. I haven't any thing remarkable to say, having used up all my ideas on your last letter. The all absorbing topic at present is, "When are you going to leave?" A great many are going Wednesday, but we stay till Thursday, thereby going down with Cousin Emma,and seeing the last of the College also. We received a very urgent invitation from Aunt Mary this morning, via Miss Gilbert. I wish that we were not engaged for Brooklyn, as she says that it is probably the last vacation she will be keeping house. Fanny Miller has written us, not only inviting us for the Holidays, but for all other vacations we may have here. (What a pleasant thing it is to have friends. Libbie Trowbridge has sent us word that we must let her know as soon we reach Brooklyn. Hattie had a letter from Charlie yesterday saying that he expected to be at Poughkeepsie this week. Miss Lyman has given positive orders, that no young lady should be seen, save under cover of a letter of introduction. But Hattie told him to ask for Miss Gilbert, and she'll electioneer him through, having much influence at head quarters. We have had an addition to the ornamental furniture of our room, in the shape of a philipena present to Minnie, from Mother Hubbard. It consists of a man! named "Thursytes" in honor of the "homeliest man who ever came to Troy." His stately figure meas-ured four inches in his stocking feet. His dress consists of one pair of pants, of red delaine, made very loose and gathered at the ankle, a green jacket or sack, trimmed with one row of very narrow serpentine braid, flying open to display a most beautiful red waistcoat, some what disfigured by paste, and a belt of red and white which looks as if it might have bordered white cotton cloth. His head bears a blue cap bordered with red, in the center of which is fastened a rubber cord by which he is suspended to the gas fixture, then when the dear little fellow is pulled, the elasticity of the cord causes him to undergo a series of gymnastics truly wonderful to behold. His face as nearly as my unskillful pen can portray it, is as followed. as far as I can see that is quite natural. Minnie might not recognize it - Minnie has just recognized in this portrait her long lost sow Thursytes. We were much delighted by a letter from Willie this morning. How he has improved in letter writing since last year. It is as good as a feast to read one of his documents. I have taken to reading my old letters Sunday, and find it highly profitable - If you will come up here next Wednesday, we will entertain you with a translation of the first book of the Odessy. We are a were a very fine class, I beg leave to inform you. We read the whole book to Miss Grant a very fine Greek scholar, and she said it was a fine a translation as she overheard. Miss Gilbert is proud of us. I am very sorry to be obliged to stop without finishing the page, but if you have the letter Friday, and I have any dinner, it must stop here. Minnie and Hattie send much love and many wishes of a happy birthday - Give oceans of love to Mother, Father, and Willie from your ever loving sister Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: January 07, 1866
Text: Vassar Jan 7/66 Dear Nellie, I was most extremely delighted to receive your letter, likewise the scarf. Seems to me you are growing rather frisky, going to so many parties and fixing up in such grand style. I think that your opera cloak must be beautiful. The pieces were very much admired. I am very glad you enjoyed yourself so much, both at Miss Beaumont's and the McGraws. Have you effected an introduction to Mr. Barnum? I hope you didn't say Mr. Clark Gardiner. Is Mr. Low as...
Show moreVassar Jan 7/66 Dear Nellie, I was most extremely delighted to receive your letter, likewise the scarf. Seems to me you are growing rather frisky, going to so many parties and fixing up in such grand style. I think that your opera cloak must be beautiful. The pieces were very much admired. I am very glad you enjoyed yourself so much, both at Miss Beaumont's and the McGraws. Have you effected an introduction to Mr. Barnum? I hope you didn't say Mr. Clark Gardiner. Is Mr. Low as distressed looking as ever. I am delighted to hear that Thomas Huntingdon is growing so festive, remember us to him. I wish you had had daylight to tell me about Christmas. I am impatient to hear allabout the home Holidays. We had most gorgeous time at Brooklyn. I entirely agree with you that it is the pleasantest family to visit in that I ever came across. Isn't it a shame that they are so feeble. Fannie didn't go out with us but once, to Central Park. that was Christmas, and as perfect a day as we could have had. We had a carriage and didn't walk a step, but Fannie came home with such a headache that she went right to bed and didn't sit up all the next day, and was miserable for three or four days. Mattie wasn't able to go out at all. Aunt Rebecca seems very well, she says you wouldn't know her for the same person she was at Warsaw. Uncle Edwin is magnificent, Uncle Frank was there the last week. The weather was wretched! I never saw such days. First it rained, and then it blew, and then it snew and than - it thew." I was much more tired from school than I had thought, and spent most of my time get rested as hard asI could. I beg of you to excuse this abominable? I shouldn't have used the sheet if I had seen it in time! I went to Central Park, Christmas Day, and enjoyed it extremely. What a grand place it is, and what an honor to New York. Tuesday eve, altho it was raining hard, Charlie, Emma, Hattie and I went to the Academy of Music to hear Dr. Stor's lecture on "American Manhood." The last part of the lecture was very fine he first was rather dull. I was very glad of an opportunity to see the Academy of M. which far surpassed my expectations. Friday we spent at the Duncklee's. We had a very pleasant day. Mrs. Duncklee sent a great deal of love to you and Mother she greatly desires to see that letter which you wrote her about Mrs. Howard. Their house is large and handsome, but I believe they have got to move. Nellie Gray is to be married tomorrow to a Mr. Dimoud of the Sandwich Islands. He is a nephewof Mrs. Dimoud's husband - I believe they are to sail immediately. George Gray is in India, he has made one large fortune and lost it, and is now I believe teaching school. Clara has another baby, a boy a few months old. he was born in the midst of the cholera, none of them had it. Clara was very sick but is well now. They have a beautiful photograph of Clara and her baby. I suppose it is the older one. Mrs. Merriam is pretty well now, but they expect her to be sick after the wedding. Mr. Dimoud is aged twenty six. a widower with three children. Mr. Crafts has married again and Nellie and Harry and Mrs. Douglass have gone on. George was in the army when the war ended, and the last they heard of him he was coming to. They didn't seem inclined to talk about him. Mary hasn't changed a particle. Sarah has improved exceedingly, in every respect. Libbie has altered very much. I should not of have recognized her. Capt.Schauffler, Clara's brother-in-law, called while we were at dinner. I didn't see him. Mrs. Duncklee seemed quite well. So much for them. Sunday we went to hear Beecher. I can't say I should care to make a practice of spending three quarters of an hour Sunday morning, standing in the aisle of Plymouth Church, altho' a great many distinguished persons have done it before me. we had the rare good fortune to sit behind our President, which have amply repaid us for all we had endured even if Beecher had not. I liked Mr. Beecher very much indeed, but I think I have heard Dr. Kitchel preach quite as well. His text was "Old things have passed away." It was a New Years' sermon, and very beautiful. I shouldn't think it would be good any one to go there regularly - it is too much like a lecture hall, or something of that kind. Mr. Lynda told me that he has been there for eighteen years. I should think hewould have lost all idea of a church by this time. Monday being New Year's Day it rained violently, with occasional intervals, which inveighed several young men into getting their feet muddy and being thoroughly drenched - The girls had very few calls but we had a gorgeous day. By the way Ellen Baldwin's husband called on them, and I was induced to him. He is rather forlorn, but they say he is enough sight less so than Ellen. He is sort of foreman at Uncle Edwin's, Emma says he is very kind indeed to her in spite of her conduct. Emma and the Miller girls expressed no enthusiastic delight at their recollections of David Cooker, Jr. but they liked Bell better than they had expected - Tuesday eve Mr. and Mrs. Lynde called upon us. The latter expressed great pleasure at seeing us, and regretted not having been able to see us before. She was very anxious that we should come and see her Wednesday, but we couldn't possiblydo it, as we had to start at one. It is a perfect disgrace to say that Mrs. Lynde looks forlorn or dowdy - She looks at least ten years younger than when she was married, and was very elegantly dressed. She wore a beautiful black rep silk, a large velvet cloak, the sleeves of which were trimmed with grinpeace lace at least half a finger wide, a point lace handkerchief round her neck, and a very becoming black velvet bonnet - Her husband looked very proud of her, as well he might. Wednesday at one o'clock we bid adieu to all our friends and relations, and sallied home in style. I was introduced to Henry Walker on the cars. I was not at all favorably impressed by the youth, he doesn't look as if he amounted to a hill of beans. He and Stephen were away from home all the time we were in New York, except a day or two, when we first came. The girls didn't fancy either of them. It was very pleasant having Charlie there, he wasextremely kind to us, rather more so than I wanted him to be. As for the girls they are glorious! Mattie and I immediately discovered congenial spirits in one another, and became last friends forthwith, Fannie is a splendid girl and seems to be the moving power of the household. Cousin Emma is about as good company as I ever saw. She is brim full of fun and frolic of all kinds The reason Mother thought she was married, was I suppose owing to Bell's having seen Mr. Cartlidge at Aunt Hopkins last fall. She isn't married yet, but hopes to be in future. Fannie expressed strong yearnings to see you, and said that she wasn't half satisfied with your visit before, as she didn't see you at all, being in school. She gave vent to many expressions of admirations for you, which I will not repeat lest your vanity should become unbearable. I must remark in closing that for elegance of chirograph and diction this epistle has beea equalled by none ofmy previous productions. Tell Mother I want to see her dreadfully - and am going to write to her very soon. The girls who stayed here during vacation had a most uncommonly fine time. Christmas tree, charades, reading by the Pres. pop corn Society, bills of fare made out by themselves and all manner of line things. I forgot that they didn't have any Christmas at Brooklyn, at which we were profoundly delighted - I made Auntie a pin cushion the pattern that Sara worked George's slippers. It was very handsome. She loadedus down with good things when we came away - which have lasteduntil the present time. Hattie went around much more than I did, she went down town several times and to two or three fine gallerys - also saw Trinity Church trimmed for Christmas. Where is Willie? I never heard a word of him. Tell him to have some tintypes taken and send me one - I want some kind of a picture of the dear fellow. Give a great deal of love to all my fellow mortals in Detroit. Has Father been to Washington? Good-bye dear Write soon to Your respected sister Hattie's muff is beautiful she is delighted with it. Your respected sister Mattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: January 10, 1866
Text: Vassar Jan. 10/66 My dear, dearest Mother, I don't feel a bit like writing to you this afternoon. I want to put my head in your lap, and tell you all about my visit in Brooklyn, how kind Auntie was, what a delightful time we had, and how very much we like the girls. I have enough to say to occupy several days, and then to think of writing it on a little paper. O dear! I want you to rid your self of any false impressions Bell may have given you concerning the girls dress, for from that...
Show moreVassar Jan. 10/66 My dear, dearest Mother, I don't feel a bit like writing to you this afternoon. I want to put my head in your lap, and tell you all about my visit in Brooklyn, how kind Auntie was, what a delightful time we had, and how very much we like the girls. I have enough to say to occupy several days, and then to think of writing it on a little paper. O dear! I want you to rid your self of any false impressions Bell may have given you concerning the girls dress, for from that Helen wrote after Bell came back I know she said a good deal. (Mother I am writing this while Father is gone, because I want to tell you some things, Aunt Rebecca told me, but which she did not want him to know.) The girls dress very nicely, in perfect taste, but not extravagantly at all: not any more than we would all of us dress, if we were young ladies in Brooklyn. They had very handsome silk basquines last summer and wore them lined and wadded this winter. They don't wear any ribbons, or such little odds and ends that mount up so fast. As for those dresses from China, the trimmings couldn't have cost any where near twenty dollars a piece. I don't believe it was as much for both. The dresses are beautiful, the most exquisite pine apple berage, very different from any I ever saw for sale, almost like a cobweb - They are trimmed with blue silk - and nothing else. I had no idea that I should like the girls so well, they are charming - I hope when you write to Auntie you will tell her something about how much we enjoyed ourselves. And Mother I wish you would write to Emma andinvite her to stop and see us when she goes to Missouri next May. I think very likely that she will not be able to, but yet I know that the invitation would please her. She is not strong, and traveling tires her extremely, therefore by the time they reached Detroit, I think they would both be glad to stop over night at least. The Millers liked Mr. Cartlidge very much. Mother, Auntie wanted us to charge you not make a confident of Bell. She said she mentioned it in her last letter to you, but not as much as she wanted to. She says that Bell has improved very much since she was married, but still she is not to be trusted. She will, and did, repeat all sorts of things that you said to her, about Aunt Martha and others, some of which Auntie thought it very doubtful if you originated them. She said it was not safe to trust her with any thing you didn'tdesire to have promiscuously repeated. She seemed very anxious that this fact should be repeated impressed upon your mind. Aunt Charlotte is going to Brooklyn to live in the spring - They all of them seemed anything but delighted at the prospect. Aunt Rebecca said that she didn't want to talk about her, because she knew that every word she said, would some way be wormed out of her, but some time she wanted a regular "goings in" on the subject. They don't appear to anticipate a great deal of peace and comfort in store for them. Did you know that poor little Emma fell down on a tumbler last summer and cut her hip, hurting her so badly, that they are afraid she will always be a cripple. Isn't it terrible? If you knew it, why didn't you write to us? It must be a dreadful trial for Aunt Phebe. Emma Hopkins thinks that Aunt Phebe's family are the mostperfect models that ever came into the world. (The same authority states, that Mary Leach is maturing or rather being matured, to such an extent, that by the time she is twelve years old, she will be in her second childhood. Did you read her letter to me? The style and matter were sufficiently childish certainly, but perhaps you noticed that she is studying Greek. Think of that for seven years old! I presume Hebrew will follow soon. Aunt Rebecca took it into her head to find me much more "delicate" than she had expected, therefore don't be alarmed, if you receive all manner of documents from her explicitive of alarm. Because really every one says that I am fleshier, stronger, and healthier than when I left home. I was not well while in Brooklyn, for I was quite tired from school, and then took cold, which added to the fact that I was unwell made me feel mean, but I am verywell indeed. The Miller girls are so very feeble that they tremble for every one. Fannie was unwell when we went there, and in the same condition when we left. Auntie and Uncle both, said a great deal about Hattie's strong resemblance to Mother. Auntie could hardly keep her eyes off from her. She didn't think that I looked nearly as much like Aunt Martha. Oh Mother! I beg leave to inform you that I have been exalted to the position of Latin teacher! Just think of that will you. I had the honor ofteaching a class of twelve young ladies in Livy this morning. Yesterday I heard the same class in Prose. Your curiosity is roused now, isn't it? To explain, Mrs. Wyman our Latin teacher was taken ill into her bed with the pleurisy (Miss Gilbert says, spell it plewricy), and immediately sent for me Taking me by the hand, she solemnly adjured me to hear her Latin class, and allow her to be ill in peace. In great exultation I promised to do it - and immediately left the room lest she should change her mind - Imagine how grand I looked, sitting up in front of the class, in which I had formerly recited, and with the greatest possible dignity requesting "Miss Baker to begin" - I felt extremely complimented by Mrs. Wyman's asking me, and informing me that I could do it "just as well as any body else" - She hopes to be well tomorrow. I don't believe that teach-ing is my peculiar vocation - Hattie and Minnie have been undergoing an experience - Prof. Knapp invited those two young butterflies to attend Miss Anna Dickinson's lecture, in company with himself - The result was most unlooked for. Hattie suddenly grew deaf and blind, so that she was unable to notice us in the least, while Minnie strutted to such an extent, that fears were expressed lest she should fall over backwards. I murmurred to myself as I saw them flutter off to ask Miss Lyman's permission "Pride goeth before distraction and a haughty spirit, before a fall-" Nevertheless I did my best to assist them, by making very pretty brown velvet hat for her to wear - i.e. Minnie - At six o'-clock Minnie, Hattie, Alice Hubbard, Miss Grant, Miss Avery and Prof. Farrar sallied forth in the omnibus. M. and H. contemplating picking up Prof. Knapp at the Forbus House, where he boards - The omnibus stopped, and there was amoment of breathless silence, after which the Prof.'s dear little moustache and pale face appeared at the door to say, "That he was very sorry but he had received a letter which obliged him to attend to important business immediately-" &c &c ahem - he was very sorry indeed, et cetera. Oh my Mother! had you and I only been there to see the crest fallen countenances of those fair damsels, to assist their troubled friends to pour the oil of consolation over their troubled spirits, and, afterwards to have reaped the reward of our labors, in oysters and cake at Mr. Swan's (the Sec. of the College), this however is not to be repeated. I believe they enjoyed the lecture highly and afterwards received the excuses of the mortified Prof, with smiling faces - Have you had any weather in Detroit? If not we have plenty to spare. Sunday was a bleak, cold day. Monday the thermometer stood at 15 in the morningand did not fall during all that day and night below 15°, which accompanied by a very cutting North west wind, rendered the day nearly, if not quite, as tedious as that memorable New Years Day - Prof. Knapp walked out, being unable to get an omnibus, or driver, of any kind - and nearly perished. His left ear was very badly frozen, he went directly to his recitation room, but Miss Lyman succeeded in coaxing him up to her parlor where ("tell it not in Gaite), he was treated to hot sling. He held his handkerchief up to his ear all day long. It must have pained him very much, thawing out in that slow way - Some of the girls came into Po'keepsie that night, and could not get anyone to bring them out for love or money, and had to remain in the city over night. Yesterday was less windy than Monday but yet very cold, today is beautiful, very clear and cold - Is the Week of Prayer observed in Detroitthis year? We have had a prayer meeting every evening this week. Miss Lyman has conducted them. I have enjoyed them very much. Miss Lyman does not always impress strangers very favorably, but she has a very fine mind, and I don't think I ever heard a lady speak and pray, so beautifully as she does. She always says just what you want, just as you want it. She spoke last night of South Hadley's devoting one day to pray for Miss Fiske's school, which reminded me of that prayer you have. I wish you would send me a copy. I know it would interest Miss Lyman. You don't know how much our room has been, above all the other rooms in the house. It is the only private room - i.e. one belonging to the young ladies - into which either Mr. Mitchel, Prof. Tenney and I think Prof. Farrar have entered. Mr. Mitchel has been here three times. I gave him some of the doughnuts Auntiegave us, greatly delighting his hearty thereby. Prof. Tenney lives next door, and we have fallen into a habit of spending about two hours per diem in there. He is a dear good man, his wife ditto, and they seem to enjoy our coming — (Minnie is filled with astonishment at learning that Mrs. Tenney is a man). Prof. Farrars is an elegant place to visit. I spent about an hour there Sat. eve. half of in in the dining room and kitchen - I forgot to say that our room was the first one that Mrs. Bannister was in - How many callers we had who never came before. They must have had a nice time at the Dr.'s. How do they get along? What do they call Mrs. Pomeroy? Have you called on her yet? What a pity that Mrs. Wilkins is sick again - I hope she will live - I wish I could see Mrs. Carnis the bride, where did he know her? Give a great deal of love to Mary Colburn and her baby - I wish I could take the dear little one in my arms, and kiss it - Please give a great deal oflove to Mr. and Mrs. Freeland - I would give a great deal to shake hands with him - Ask Carrie if she has forgotten me altogether - Tell Willie that I believe the sight of his hand writing would make me to sing Madame's hymn - You have no idea how much we all enjoyed our letter from you. Tell Sallie to be good and forgiving and write soon - I hope you won't be discouraged by the length of this epistle but I have so much to say that I can't bear to stop even now. Excuse that blot, my wretched pen fell off and did it. I do want very much to kiss you good night Won't you be sure and come here in the spring. You know you ought to have come this fall. Don't you suppose Father will be willing?Has Nellie finished reading my letter to her? Good night my darling Mother MattieHattie wants you to ask Father to send us some money Ours has given out almost
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: January 11, 1866
Text: Vassar, Jan. 11/66 My dear Nellie, What a "ridiculous mess" that you don't get our letters, I have mailed no less than three letters home (including one to Sara) since I returned from Brooklyn, and Hattie has two. I can't imagine what the trouble is. Hattie wrote once from Brooklyn. Minnie has lost letters from home and we are in a ridiculous state of affairs generally. We propose that Hattie should visit the P.O.M of this devoted city, and see where the trouble lies. I...
Show moreVassar, Jan. 11/66 My dear Nellie, What a "ridiculous mess" that you don't get our letters, I have mailed no less than three letters home (including one to Sara) since I returned from Brooklyn, and Hattie has two. I can't imagine what the trouble is. Hattie wrote once from Brooklyn. Minnie has lost letters from home and we are in a ridiculous state of affairs generally. We propose that Hattie should visit the P.O.M of this devoted city, and see where the trouble lies. I wrote Mother a great long letter of three sheets, you one of two, and Sara ditto. Hattie wrote to Willie and to Mother. What a shame that so many efforts of our genius should have been lost. You can have no idea how perfectlyhappy trio we were here yesterday afternoon. A little young one who wails on the door, came into the chemistry class, and handed a card to Prof. Farrar, requesting her attendance in the parlor, immediately after lecture. After class Minnie was leisurly examining the card when Hattie turned it over and read "Miss M. L. Dickinson, Detroit." Minnie was so completely stunned that she wouldn't believe it, and actually came up to our room before going into the parlor. But before long she returned, with not only her Mother, but also her brother Charlie! Imagine our Joy! It was next to seeing one of you. They stayed until Pat came to announce that the last omnibus was going when they departed for the city taking Minnie with them. We are in momentary expectation of their return - Minnie was almost crazy. As she told Mrs. Tenney "her mother nearly killed her." (Yet I think it is pleasanter for one's friendsto come very unexpectedly, it prevents all that hope deferred feeling, and inability to study which are inevitable companions of the corridor window and omnibus. I am very much obliged for all the news you wrote. How frisky the young people are growing. I thought last summer that very likely Emma Butler and Mr. Morgan would reach a conclusion. Frank Raymond seems to have an affinity for cultivated society, what a shame that he is his Mother's son. Terry Taylor and May Carrier I find no fault with, only I would leave Sevon Griggs at home. Delia Woolsey is rather sorely paid for her folly in regard to Mr. Eves. It is a lesson which I hope and believe she will never forget. I am very sorry for her, how very mortifying such an affair is. I want to go home dreadfully Nellie! when school closes won't I go on the first train and not stop till I get there. Minnie and I are agreed on that.I am not going to write anything over that I have written - until I find out whether you don't get them at all - Hattie is going to direct to Father and I to the Detroit Bridge and Iron Works. We are both going to send a letter by Mrs. Dickinson and if those don't reach you I'll telegraph. I never knew any letters so villainous. Tell Sara that I have written to her and that she ought to have it, and if she hasn't it I am not only sorry but also mad, and will try again, and if that doesn't reach her she had better try me. I hope you won't have this letter framed nor even preserved with extraordinary care - for my biographers - because I don't feel so proud of it as I might - Either in rhetoric or chirography, or orthography - nevertheless I don't want it lost before your having the pleasure of perusing it - I am sorry that Hattie Benson isn't coming here. I wantto go home - Tell Mother that my letter was spandangulous, it will be a terrible loss to the literary world if that production doesn't come to light - With much love I am your obedient servant Martha S. Warner
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: January 21, 1866
Text: Vassar College Jan. 21st 1866 My dear, dear Mother, Hattie has gone to Bible Class, Minnie to church, Emma to Missouri and I am snugly ensconced before the register, looking very much, as if I had been indulging in a prize fight, from which I had come off, forty-second best. (Yesterday my left eye seemed altogether minus, but in the course of the day was induced to make its appearance, by the aid of some warm soap suds. I am nearly, but not quite, as wonderfully beautiful, as last winter when...
Show moreVassar College Jan. 21st 1866 My dear, dear Mother, Hattie has gone to Bible Class, Minnie to church, Emma to Missouri and I am snugly ensconced before the register, looking very much, as if I had been indulging in a prize fight, from which I had come off, forty-second best. (Yesterday my left eye seemed altogether minus, but in the course of the day was induced to make its appearance, by the aid of some warm soap suds. I am nearly, but not quite, as wonderfully beautiful, as last winter when I astonished the natives. The pain is almost entirely gone, and nothing remains but for the swelling to go and do likewise. So that by the time this reaches you, very likely I shall be around again,a mere representative of commonplacedom. You have no idea how kind Mrs. Tenney has been to us - She has come every day to inquire for me, furnished us with hope and hot water, brought me most elegant tapioca pudding, and canned peaches, offered us a lounge and been our ministering angel generally - If ever I can won't I enjoy assisting her? Miss Avery has been to see me every day, and one night gave me some medecine, to make me sleep. I have had a perfect shower of letters, they couldn't have come more opportunely if you had known that I was sick. Thursday came one from Sara, good too. Friday morning one from Carrie and in the afternoon, Helen's magnificent long letter and a copy of the "Nation" and "Every Saturdays" from Charlie - Wasn't that a harvest worth having? Please tell Nellie that I shall answer her just as soon as my health permits me to I don't see how this got so ruffedgive the subject the consideration it deserves - I should never have an easy conscience if I should put her aside with such a letter as this - Emma had a letter from Aunt Martha the other day in which after various and sundry rather disparaging remarks, she said "she was very sorry that the standard of the College was not equal to Holyoke, as she had hoped it might be." Emma's wrath was fully roused, and last night read us her reply, in which she puffed the College up to the sky, and puffed Hattie and I on top of that till we entirely disappeared in the blue - She stated among other things that Miss Mitchel said she never knew a young lady of her (Hattie's) age who had had so thorough a Math, training - I don't think Father need worry about our being favorites here. Minnie is undoubtedly one of the most, if not the most, populargirls here, both with the teachers and scholars. Hattie is very much liked too, but doesn't begin to be as well known as Minnie. As for me I don't suppose one half of the girls are aware of my existence and the teachers barely. Miss Lyman doesn't trouble herself about us one way or the other, altho' she is always very kind when she has occasion to be any thing - Mother, I want to see you very much as Nell says, "the nearer the time grows the more impatient I am," but I must confess that the time doesn't seem marvelously near to me yet. I suppose you have seen Mrs. Dickinson and heard all about us. I am so glad it wasn't Mr. D. because a lady can give so much more satisfactory discriptions than a man. We live in hopes of seeing you some time in the spring - I don't see but I have used up all my paper, and not said anything - an unheard of event with me, attribut-able solely to the state of my health, which by the way has perceptibly diminished since I commenced - If you have any difficulty in deciphering this don't injure yourself it is not worth it - Good bye, with a heart full of love, Mattie - Tell Willie that if he hasn't time to write to me - I shall be obliged to answer my own letter instanter
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: January 25, 1866
Text: Vassar Jan. 25th/66. My beloved Soror, Your letter filled me with unalloyed delight. It is a great delight that all that talent hasn't been wasted on the desert air - You must attribute all mistakes and incoherences, to the fact that Hattie Warner and Hattie Johnson are trying to screw a program for next society meeting - I at present feel highly misanthropical owing to the fact that our chapter is weaker than all the others and yet, owing to the fact that Minnie and Hattie are in it,...
Show moreVassar Jan. 25th/66. My beloved Soror, Your letter filled me with unalloyed delight. It is a great delight that all that talent hasn't been wasted on the desert air - You must attribute all mistakes and incoherences, to the fact that Hattie Warner and Hattie Johnson are trying to screw a program for next society meeting - I at present feel highly misanthropical owing to the fact that our chapter is weaker than all the others and yet, owing to the fact that Minnie and Hattie are in it, all the girls are pitching into us, hands, heads and feet. We are obliged to grow eloquent on the subject of our weakness and imbecility generally - I am very glad that you find Miss Beaumont so agreeable. Dont you see how important it is always to act upon my advice. The first thing I have to say is, that we have invested in a jolly new French teacher.His name is Rondelle. he has a beautiful black mustache, he is a widower, and added to these fascinations is handsome and "polite as a Frenchman". Isn't he a captivating chap and an improvement on our hateful old Madame? That lovely creature grew rampant when informed that her services were not needed, abused Prof. Knapp right and left, declared that her superior attainments, were the cause of her downfall, and wound up by offering herself to the musical department. Being respectfully declined in that quarter, she again attributed it to her superiority over the Prof, this time Wiebe. Then she announced her determination to remain at the College, declaring that they were obliged keep her a year in pursuance with the agreement, consequently the venerable dame has comfortably settled herself and begun to take painting lesson of poor terrified Prof. Voningen. Altogether she has furnished us with topics for conversation for two whole weeks and more.Another interesting curiosity is Miss Frost, of whom I may have spoken heretofore. She joined the Literary Society and was duly distributed into one of the Chapters. There are three young ladies Miss Frost, Miss Burnett, and Miss M. Ida Smythe, (writes for the N.Y. Mercury, and has written a book) whom the distributing committee considered too much talent for any one chapter and conscientiously distributed them, one in each Chapter. Miss Frost appeared a day or two ago, at the door of the Presidentess of her chapter, wearing a most forlorn expression - She desired to see Mrs. Miller alone for a few minutes, and then opened the sad tale of all her woes. "She didn't know, she thought she had better leave the society," "Why?" "Oh she didn't know, she didn't seem to be of any use, all the committees had been appointed, and the officers chosen, and she didn't have anything to do, or any place to fill." "Oh if she wanted something to do, there would be plenty for every one, compositions, recitations, readings &c. no idle ones would be suffered. "Yes, but she didn't know, that wasn't exactly what she meant, but all the officers were chosen and the committees, and she seemed overlooked, she didn't know." Isn't that a superb character? I told Mrs. Miller that I had two votes for secretary, and therefore was decidedly more fevered than she, I sure I don't know what I told you all this for, but what can I write if not about the girls. Miss Avery is giving us a course of Physiological Lectures, they are very fine, end she is a noble woman. I stumbled on Kittie Edmonds a few days ago, she said she knew the first instant she saw me that I was from D. but couldn't remember my name until she heard it, I never should have known her, but after that speech thought I could percieve vague traces of the Deacon floating over her features. I know both Miss Annan and Miss Noye, by sight, they seem like very nice girls, but certainly have most signally failed if they intended make an impression. I believe they arehis mother are doing finely - there is the retiring bell - Good night a thousand kisses from all of us - I can't half say what I want to - Good night. Mattie S. W. [Martha S. Warner, '68]
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: January 28, 1866
Text: Vassar Jan. 28, 1866 My dear dear Mother, I don't believe that you in all your busy employments at home, can have any idea what a perfect feast home letters are to us. We had been looking for your letter so long that when it came yesterday morning, all the girls around here were ready to rejoice with us. I have just read it over for the fourth time, and each time have found something new to rejoice over. My face is all well now, but your kind sympathy was welcome none the less. I knew at...
Show moreVassar Jan. 28, 1866 My dear dear Mother, I don't believe that you in all your busy employments at home, can have any idea what a perfect feast home letters are to us. We had been looking for your letter so long that when it came yesterday morning, all the girls around here were ready to rejoice with us. I have just read it over for the fourth time, and each time have found something new to rejoice over. My face is all well now, but your kind sympathy was welcome none the less. I knew at the time that it was with me, but I like to hear you say so. Miss Avery says that I must take care not to take cold, she likewise complimented Hattie upon my fortitude. I certainly didn't take cold by wetting my feet because I haven't done that since I was here but once - when we went down to see Father. Hattie is very anxious to assure you that her health will permit her to be carried home on a litter next July, but not before. She says shecan't remember any particular period at which her health has been any improvement upon the present. Mrs. Dickinson will, I think assure you of that. Seriously she is perfectly well hadn't thought of any contrary state of mind. I promise you that if I see any symptoms of decay, or even modified health, I will let you know immediately - I must say that I feel a little bit injured that Father should feel anxious about Hattie leaving me in the cold, when any one can tell you that I have grown thin, with such alarming rapidity during the past week that my very sister says I don't seem like the same person, while Miss Avery has given me over altogether, and says that she can do nothing more - I can't tell you how great a weight is lifted from my mind to hear such favorable reports from the Dr.'s. I was so afraid that while there might be no open rupture there would be continual jars, and collisions, which would prevent mutual confidence and love, I am also glad to hear so pleasing a report of Sara's looks - as I had feared that all hercare, anxiety, and hurry, might wear her out. I grow more and more impatient at the thought of being absent from her wedding. Yet I should be very sorry to leave here, a day before the close of the year. Besides I am very anxious to welcome her here, and show her everything and body. Give a great deal of love to Rose and her baby - I am much obliged to her for keeping us so faithfully in mind. That sack for her boy must have been very pretty. Did you embroider it with purple? How did C. L Walker come to be reelected? What style of a Deacon is Mr. Silsbee calculated to make? How is the Church? Do the people agree any better than they did? and what are the prospects for Mr. Freeland's settlement? You never mention him lately. Please give him and wife my love. Did you notice a statement made in a Free Press not long ago that Dr. Kitchel has been appointed Pres. of Middlebury College? By the way I wish you would please send us some more papers, we enjoy them exceedingly - but I haven't seen aTribune for a long time - Never mind about my album, it will be all the nicer to be new next summer, and I have no photographs now. But Mother, won't you have your picture taken to help fill both Sara's new book, and mine? I leave the subject to your careful consideration - I rejoice with you, Father, and Willie in the possesion of your new over coats. What have you been wearing all winter? It is a comfort to think that Father and Will have those much needed articles at last. I do want to see Willie desperately, tell him to have some tintypes taken before he is a day older, and send me three, at least. Likewise please bestow upon him, his sister Harriet's sympathetic congratulations upon his oration, sympathetic, because she, as Presidentess of Chapter B - has been requested to deliver an address before them at their next meeting, Friday - Feb. 2, 1866, at 7 1/2 P.M. Minnie read an essay last meeting on "Societies and Clubs." It was very good indeed. Mattie spoke a pome likewise very good, and beauti-fully delivered. Don't I beg of you feel any annoyance about that lecture of Miss Dickinson's. The fun and laughter since, has more than repaid any momentary disappointment. I am thankful that your dream was only a dream. I hope next time you'll be more prudent, altho' in your sleep. Hattie read Emma what you said of herself and Mother. It pleased her exceedingly - She thinks now, that she can get away from here, in time to spend her birthday, the 2nd, at Brooklyn. one of the new teachers has come, and two more are expected this week. Mr. Cartlidge proposes to fix it, so that they can stop over Sunday at Detroit. I know you would have a most gorgeous visit - We are much delighted at the news concerning His Mightiness the Pope, and only wish it was Mr. Killdog whose place he has taken. How pleasant it must have been to have Sara and Mary together, I suppose Mary is wholly absorded ia her baby - and considers it a prodigy, as all first babies are. I am "truly grieved" (vide Mrs. Aldritt), to hear such bad news of Mr. Ball, what's the matter with him? Mrs. Ball told me before she left last summer, that she thought something was the matter with her, but it seems she was mistaken. I do hope she will get along nicely - How hard it will be for Miss Swift and Helen to move. Miss Usher, is I believe rather hoping for a visit from Helen on her way to N. York. We of course, would be delighted. We have changed Corridor Teacher. Mrs. Metcalf has gone on the third floor and Mrs. Wyman, come down here. Our corridor consider ourselves rather more advantaged than the third floor. Mrs. Wyman is very pleasant and good, and I think we shall like her very much. Minnie had sick headache yesterday and I got Miss Avery for her, who merely prescribed hot water as an emetic, which gave her much relief - Minnie this morning expressed herself much disgusted, she said she didn't see the use of having a doctor for the first time in one's life, and thennot having her give you any oppodilldoc, or corrosive sublimate, or anything with a name, but merely hot water, which any one can have any day in the year. I seem to have strung out a long letter and not said anything just as I always do, but what can't be cured must be endured - I don't write as often as I used to but I can't bear to stop when I once begin — Oh! I had almost forgotten about exercise - We are obliged to exercise out of doors, fifty five minutes, every day of our lives. It is the only thing on which we are required to report, but we have to on this every Monday night to our corridor teacher, and she alone excuses us, only upon the plea of very bad weather or ill health. Give the usual quantity of love to the usual persons, from us three - Miss Gilbert sends love to all but Willie but Emma with superior charity includes him also - With a thousand kisses I am your youngest daughter Mattie S. W.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: February 03, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Feb. 3rd, 1866 My darling Mother, I haven't forgotten that today is our little Birdie's birthday. I have thought a great deal about you today - of how lonely you are feeling, and have wished more than ever before, that I might put my arms around you, and talk of our little Angel Baby - Ah Mother dearest! there is our comfort, that she is not only a pure and spotless angel now, but she has never had a stain or blemish to wipe away - She went to our Savior's arms...
Show moreVassar College, Feb. 3rd, 1866 My darling Mother, I haven't forgotten that today is our little Birdie's birthday. I have thought a great deal about you today - of how lonely you are feeling, and have wished more than ever before, that I might put my arms around you, and talk of our little Angel Baby - Ah Mother dearest! there is our comfort, that she is not only a pure and spotless angel now, but she has never had a stain or blemish to wipe away - She went to our Savior's arms without having "crucified him afresh", as we so often have done, without even one sinful thought to be forgiven. It seems strange, when we think of this side only, that we can mourn for her at all, does it not? How cunning she would have been if she had lived,but how much her knowledge now, surpasses all our earthly wisdom. When spring comes, will you please plant, a white rose, on her grave, for me? I was very much shocked by what you said of Mrs. Avery. I had a letter from Carrie while I was sick, in which she merely mentioned that her Auntie was not at all well, but said nothing whatever about Lucy's having left home. We think there must be something back of it, for a woman of her age, would certainly be capable of lowering her voice, to accomodate a sick person, who had filled the place of a Mother to her, for so many years - It will be too hard for Carrie, I am afraid, to take care of the house and her Auntie both, you know she is not all strong. I wish that if you she can Lucy would go home, and as the President said to us this morning, about being noisy in the halls, "behave like a good girl, and a sensible woman as she is" - I do hope Mrs. Avery will be well soon. Emma was much pleased with her note. She really is not fit to stay a day, but has promised to another week, as they are in great trouble over their music teachers - The girls went down town to day, and got her a beautiful sugar spoon for a wedding present -It is to go from all three of us - The price was five dollars. They had it marked E.S.H. in German letters. I wrote a little note to go with it, and the whole contrivance is waiting for her to come down from the library - She had a birthday yesterday - was twenty six - We shall miss her very much when she goes - Minnie insists she will more than either of us, because she reminds her so much of her sister Lizzie - My sister Harriet made her maiden speech last night, to a crowd of thirty six gaping girls. We, in our humble opinion, considered it very good indeed - I am on the committee, having the scrap box in charge - and am so far ahead ofMiss Frost. Emma has come in and as she declares, is knocked all in a heap. She thinks it is beautiful. I am just as well as can be and feel continually with Theedie Sadue "I want to go home. Won't it be gorgeous when next Tune comes? O my! I don't dare to think of it. Emma says she is going to write to you. I am ashamed to say that I have nothing to say, that will interest you in the least - unless it is - that Miss Lyman has been sick, and recovered, that Miss Gilbert, in humble imitation of her superiors, has been and gone, and done likewise, that Hattie, by Prof. Knapp's direction heard Miss G.'s begining Greek class, winning golden opinions from the young ladies - that we have most elegant chocolate every Saturday - &c - &c - I hope I shall feel more interesting next time I write - I gave your thanks to Mrs. Tenney and she seems pleased but said she hadn't done anything at all, which was a society fib - Minnie, Hattie, Emma, and Mattie send great heaps of love to their Father, Mother, bro, and sister. Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: February 10, 1866
Text: Vassar College. Feb. 10th 1866 My dear Mother, I shouldn't feel a bit orthodox to let this letter go home and not send you a Sunday letter, therefore I'm beginning it tonight to be sure and have it done for Monday morning's mail. What in the world started off Father, to Kentucky? Has he decided to give up that Washington scheme? I wish he would come home by way of Vassar Female College. Mother aren't you coming at all? I do not believe that I can survive till summer not...
Show moreVassar College. Feb. 10th 1866 My dear Mother, I shouldn't feel a bit orthodox to let this letter go home and not send you a Sunday letter, therefore I'm beginning it tonight to be sure and have it done for Monday morning's mail. What in the world started off Father, to Kentucky? Has he decided to give up that Washington scheme? I wish he would come home by way of Vassar Female College. Mother aren't you coming at all? I do not believe that I can survive till summer not seeing you - besides, you really ought to come for your health. We aren't going to stop expecting you, till you come. We had a gay time after silent hour, most of the girls in corridor, assembled in one of the recitation rooms and we had I was chosen captain on one side, and Nellie Duffield on the other; our side spelled down all but one, and had five left, that one, Miss Glass, spelled against all of five of us, until she, Florence Hart, and myself, sat down on Bdellium. The other three with one accord, departed at a barbecue. We are going to have them every Saturday night. I think they will do us a great deal of good. Minnie put out the words last time, but I believe she will have to take her turn next week - There is s remarkable young lady here, by the name of McClintock who has the most singular sleeping turns, of which I ever heard. The first one was last term soon after we came here, when she went to sleep Sunday afternoon, and slept until Teusday afternoon. Since then she has had one or two such turns, and is enjoying one at present, she went to sleep Friday night. It is impossible to wake her - she went to sleep in the parlor, and they had to carry her upher up stairs, and put her to bed. She doesn't eat anything when she is up. Miss Avery has given her positive orders, to eat at least a slice of bread every meal. Last Sunday was communion in the Cong. church. Hattie and I went, but shall never set my foot in that church again. I thought it was bad enough when last communion, (that was in Oct.) he compared our Lord's passover, to John Brown's last supper with his wife. But not content with that he, last Sunday, taking for his text, "Looking unto Jesus" he uttered the following noble sentence, "In the first century of the Christian era, Christ was crucified by the carnal lusts of the Jews, while in this the nineteenth, he is raised to the point of adoration, by the superstionse of the Christian Church-" a little further on, "Even the whining psalmsinging puritans of Conneticut have a speculative Jesus." "Conneticut can sing psalms through her nose till the day of Judgement, but she can't do it." (I.e prevent the negro from voting.) Dignified for the pulpit wasn't it? Likewise are excellent preparation for Communion, especially for the Conneticut girls - He afterwards remarked "that one great fault of the church was too superstitious reverence for Jesus." Then in reading the verses which preceed and end his text, he said "Laying aside every weight," &c "let us run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the racer that beat them all." I never was more shocked and disgusted in my life. Mr. Corning may be a very talented and good man, but if so he is a very skillful actor. I am going to the Dutch Reformed church after this. Their minister preached for us one Sunday and the sermon was very good and only half an hour long - Dr. Raymond's sermons average an hour. Last Sunday he preached seventy three minutes. I regret to say that in the midst of it, I found myself walking down Jefferson Ave. with Sara. If he preached in the morning we could listen better I think, as it is I am thoroughly delighted when he finishes - I expect everyinstant to hear the chapel bell ring - So I must say Good bye - I want to see you dreadfully. Mattie - Hattie and Minnie send love.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: February 10, 1866
Text: Vassar College Feb. 10th, 1866. My dear Helen, You don't know how delighted we all were by your letter. It is just two weeks today since I had had a letter from any one, man, woman, or child. Emma has gone to Brooklyn to spend the Sabbath. She is almost worn out, she teaches seven hours a day part of the time in a room where eight pianos are going at once. She says it makes her almost crazy. I am very glad she has gone to Brooklyn, and hope that she will bring us back some doughnuts....
Show moreVassar College Feb. 10th, 1866. My dear Helen, You don't know how delighted we all were by your letter. It is just two weeks today since I had had a letter from any one, man, woman, or child. Emma has gone to Brooklyn to spend the Sabbath. She is almost worn out, she teaches seven hours a day part of the time in a room where eight pianos are going at once. She says it makes her almost crazy. I am very glad she has gone to Brooklyn, and hope that she will bring us back some doughnuts. What has possessed you to take an other scholar? I think you had better follow up your marvelous Mexican plan - dont ever allow your plans to stop half way, in anything. We had a most delightful literary meeting last night, after which Hattie, Minnie and I adjournedby invitation, to Prof. Tenney's where we had some elegant coffee and cake, just such delicious coffee as Mother makes, and cookies like those Minnie has at home. We are falling more and more irretrivably in love with Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn Tenney. They are my ideal of married happiness exactly. I do wish that you and Mother could see them. Hattie Raymond's intended is here visiting, his name is [Loyd] from the oil regions, very light hair, nice looking I guess. Hattie and Minnie saw him getting into the omnibus. Madame Spartan still honors us with her presence. I believe that most people have come to the conclusion that she has the disease called "non compos mentis." If not she is a perfect fool when I go home I'll tell you stories as long as the moral law about her behavior. She met Emma in the hall the other day, and began to talk with her, in the course of the conversation Emma mentioned that she was going to leave. "And do you go of your own free choice Miss Hopkins?" "Certainly I do. I never wouldstay in this house one half hour after the slightest intimation that I wasn't wanted" "O but your case is so different from mine Miss Hopkins!" "Not at all Madame." after which she (i.e. Emma) gave her some plain, common sense advice, but it made no impression upon the obdurate damsel. By the way, she has confided to some of the girls, her fixed determination to capture and lead to the hymeneal altar before the close of the year, one of the Mr. Vassars, John Guy I think, but alas! for her scheme, he has sailed for Europe. Probably in order to fly Madame's fascinations. Little Carrie Wiebe sails for Germany in May to meet our (I humbly beg her pardon) her betrothed. She is the only daughter of our musical Prof., very odd but a nice little thing. I have decided to follow Helen Dana's advice, and corner a man, in order to have a multiplicity of letters. Emma has one every day, and sometimes two, great long ones, five or six sheets. You mustn't be to critical of G. Ladue, he can't help it. I don't wonderat him at all. Seems to me you and Mother must have rather a mania for calling. I hope that you won't have any more such serious mishaps as that of which you wrote. Your moral was useless as I haven't made a call since I have been here. For that matter I haven't been into Po'keepsie except to church and the depot, in all this time, even when I was in Brooklyn, I didn't enter a store for any purpose what ever. What a treat you have had in your lecture course - Wendell Philips lectured in the city last night quite a number went to hear him, but we didn't think it would be worth while - Prof. Tenney considers him the most perfect orator in the country, he has heard him several times. I am going to write Mother, consequently I shan't give you but one sheet this time. We are going to have a spelling match in our corridor after silent hour, won't it be fun? Give my love to all the people in Detroit. Isn't Mrs. Ella Rose Randall's death sad? And Mrs. Woodbridge's also. Do you knowthat there has not a year passed since they were married without a death in the family? It is just about a year since Mrs. Seely died and left a little baby. Mrs. Woodbridge's baby was born during Mrs. Dickinson's absence. We are to a reception of the President every month. Isn't that fine. We are nearly thro' Livy, and are going to read one more book of Homer. Farewell Helen Frances Warner - Respectfully M.S.W. (Martha S. Warner, '68)
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: February 17, 1866
Text: Vassar College Feb. 17th 1866 My dear Mother, Before I tell you how very glad I was to recieve your letter, I shall feel it my duty to apologize for the extreme untidiness of my sheet of paper. I didn't notice how very much tumbled and soiled it was. Hoppie (short for Emma Hopkins) left this morning for Vergenes, amid the lamentations of the whole house. Every one from the President to Miss Pratt head waiter seemed to regret her departure. As far as we have learned, she left nothing...
Show moreVassar College Feb. 17th 1866 My dear Mother, Before I tell you how very glad I was to recieve your letter, I shall feel it my duty to apologize for the extreme untidiness of my sheet of paper. I didn't notice how very much tumbled and soiled it was. Hoppie (short for Emma Hopkins) left this morning for Vergenes, amid the lamentations of the whole house. Every one from the President to Miss Pratt head waiter seemed to regret her departure. As far as we have learned, she left nothing behind her, except her napkin ring - We miss her sadly, especially at table. I am very glad that she is going to stop in Detroit - How I wish I could be at home. I am glad that your skirt for Sarais going to be so pretty. She wrote me about it, also that Nellie is going to braid a night gown for her. I wish Mother, when the time comes, that you would please get her some thing nice for me, something silver. I know that she would like that best, and it goes farther than any thing else I think. Don't you? I am very much obliged for that prayer. I'll show it to Miss Lyman as soon as I have an opportunity. Miss Mitchel has a brother and his wife visiting her. I think they both look very smart. Mrs. Mitchel is a granddaughter of John Q. Adams. I had the honor of an introduction to them after dinner - Miss Mitchel paraded her astronomy class down to see them yesterday. Miss Palmer of Northhampton, you have heard us speak of her, received a telegram today saying - "Come home directly, bring your trunk," her mother has been very sick, and from the indefinite style of the telegram shehas every thing to fear. Don't ever telegraph for us in that style. Mrs. Judd of Warsaw has come here to teach music. Did you know her? She gave Fannie lessons when she was about ten years old - since then she has married and lost her husband. I think you that you and Nellie have made famous improvement in the calling line, since we left. It must be owing to the lack of my fascinations to keep to at home. When we come back see if I let you even look out of the window - If I haven't altered in any respect, I have increased to such an extent that it requires a very powerful pressure to check me, when once I have started on an oration, most people fold their hands with a sigh of resignation and let me have free course. I have been reading "Tom Brown at Rugby" out loud. I think I obtain more and more good from it every time I read it - We are going to readArnold's sermon's to his boys. The weather is bitter cold; today just after dinner the sun was bright and warm, so we walked the hour after dinner. It was perfectly delightful, we went way off over by the fence, where I had never been before; we walked on the crusted snow, as I never have done since I left Burlington. We are going to have another spelling match tonight, likewise tableaux next Thursday (Washington's birthday). Has Father come back from Washington? I feel so exceedingly like writing to my brother William that I shall do it immediately and send it in this letter - I hope Mother that you won't be very greatly agitated if I inform you that I have opened a correspondence with a young gentleman residing in St- Joseph Mo- who signs his name "Your Cousin Will"- Our correspondence so far has been limited to conundrums sent via Emma's letters, but no one knows what the result may be - I hope you didn't ask me any questions for I'm too lazy to get your letter - How sadit must have been for Mrs. Avery to be so sick. I should think she would be very impatient at being confined to the house - A great deal of love to all the dear good people - I wish you could have heard Miss Lyman pray for Miss Palmer at prayers tonight - Tell Nellie she's a jewel - love to Bridget - and all the others Your loving daughter Mattie Did Helen ever tell "Fannie" King that we couldn't make appilication for her without regular authority, and her father would be far the best one to do it.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: March 04, 1866
Text: Vassar Mar. 4th/66. My dear Mather, Looking at my letter account I was greatly horrified to find that I haven't written to you since the 17th. You must attribute it entirely to the state of excitement that we have been in lately for various reasons. First the tableaux took up a good deal of attention, more after they were over than before, and since then Prof. Knapp's resignation, has completely filled our minds. Last night a new subject of surprise and astonishment presented itself...
Show moreVassar Mar. 4th/66. My dear Mather, Looking at my letter account I was greatly horrified to find that I haven't written to you since the 17th. You must attribute it entirely to the state of excitement that we have been in lately for various reasons. First the tableaux took up a good deal of attention, more after they were over than before, and since then Prof. Knapp's resignation, has completely filled our minds. Last night a new subject of surprise and astonishment presented itself to our admiring eyes in the shape of George Gilbert direct from Idaho. Miss Gilbert had no suspicion that he meditated leaving those blissful realms, until his card was handed to her. You can imagine her sentiments when she saw it, and him. We had the pleasure of a long talk with him - I don't like him nearly as well as I did John, for he brings some tinges of the Rocky Mountains with him -not much you know, but little things, such as tipping back in his chair. He seemed very glad to see us, and regretted very deeply not having seen Father in Washington. He, in common with all the Gilberts that I have ever seen, seemed to have been systematically trained in the belief, that there never was, never will be and never could be another man, equal to my Father. He mentioned having seen a warm friend of Father's in the shape of C.A. Trowbridge - I wonder when he was at Idaho. He likewise met him (C.A.) in New York. On the whole I liked him very much, but not any where nearly as well as I did John. In fact I was some what smitten with the latter gentleman. Miss Gilbert is going down to Poughkeepsie to spend the day and talks somewhat of going home for a few days. I hope she will, she needs the rest. Spring is coming in good earnest. Mud up to our knees. Mild, mean damp weather, in abundance. I dont like it at all, and having to trot out an hour a day is highly repugnantto my feelings. I am also realising the spring, in some thing of my old tired feeling. But summer is coming pretty soon and we are going home. We didn't suspend any of the school duties on Fast Day, thinking I presume that the girls would talk too much, and fast too little. I was very glad that they kept on. Minnie and Miss Gilbert went down town yesterday, and called on Prof, and Mrs. Knapp, he said that he dreamed of being at our house and going to church with Hattie. He said that he remembered perfectly just how the house looked, and all about it. I think he is the very best man I ever saw. I wish you could know him. He evidently likes Hattie and Minnie very much. We have finished all the Livy, that we are to read. Prof. Knapp, had intended to have us commence Horace. I don't know what the Pres- will do with us. Miss Gilbert is very proud of our Greek class, she says that she never heard a class render as fine translations as we do. Prof. Knapp never heard us recite -I am very sorry indeed. Minnie has gone to church. I suppose the Communion in our delightful church will come next month. I don't ever want to set my foot inside of the church again. What do people say with regard to Mr. Freeland? Is he any better liked now than before? How's Father? Has Dr. Kitchel accepted his appointment to Middlebury? Minnie had a paper yesterday containing Mrs. Howard's death. It seems sudden in spite of her long sickness does it not? Have the boys come home? Was Mrs. Hildreth with her? How very sad Mrs. Buckley's death is. Her husband must feel it very deeply- Has Carrie a girl yet? If I wasn't ashamed to, I'd write to her again. I think Lucy is as mean as can be. I always thought she was intensely selfish. Give a great deal of love to Carrie. Tell Sara that I am going to write to her very soon. I haven't felt much like writing lately. Love to all the girls. Tell Willie that I am waiting impatiently for some sort of a picture from him. Mr. Gilbert said lastnight that he asked Mr. T. about Willie but he couldn't tell him any thing about him. Lots of love to Nellie, tell her that she is growing famous in the epistolatory line - Love to all who inquire for us - I must say that I have signally failed to carry out the instructions of the Pres- and make every letter a model of elegance. Nevertheless you'll excuse me and take what you can get, won't you? Good bye Mother darling - I wish it was July Our catalogue will be out before many months. Yours lovingly Mattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: March 14, 1866
Text: Vassar Mar. 14/66- My own dear Mother, I can assure you that your letter was welcomed with enthusiasm, this noon. I have often felt since I have been here, what a good thing it is to have a mother to write me such good long letters. What an active young lady you are becoming! I don't believe Nellie could endure such an amount of running as you related of yourself, for last week. (Graceful sentence isn't it?) Is Willie's acute so very bed? Poor boy! what does he do with himself...
Show moreVassar Mar. 14/66- My own dear Mother, I can assure you that your letter was welcomed with enthusiasm, this noon. I have often felt since I have been here, what a good thing it is to have a mother to write me such good long letters. What an active young lady you are becoming! I don't believe Nellie could endure such an amount of running as you related of yourself, for last week. (Graceful sentence isn't it?) Is Willie's acute so very bed? Poor boy! what does he do with himself all day? How I wish I was at home to help comfort and entertain him. Tell the young man that I have read out loud so much lately that I am becoming quite an adept, and am ready to fill all orders with neatness and dispatch - I am a-fraid you won't feel inclined to vouch the same for my letters. I am really ashamed of them, and mean every time to do better, but seem to do worse instead - Helen Swift is expected here tomorrow morning. The thought of seeing her is very pleasant to us. I wish it was a little more decided weather, but I had rather see her in the mud, rain and wind, than not at all. I haven't any idea how long she will remain. She will be Miss Usher's guest, right under us - Helen didn't tell me a word about either who joined the church, or Scripps' essay in monthly concert. Do tell me all about it, I am anxious to hear some news of that worthy man. (Hattie has confiscated my pea, and this is the meanest one I had any thing do with.) I am glad that you and Fannie Hammond are having so pleasant a visit. I am sorry that Will's dislike for poor Cornelia Ponfield continues unabated-Give Nellie all manner of commiseration from each and every one of us. I hope her illness was caused by neither the decay incident upon old age, nor by excessive gormandizing. The latter bears the blame of all my various aches and ills, the former of Hattie's and Minnie's Minnie and Helen Dana (aged 24) have decided to marry young, and are anxious that Helen should bear them company in the determination, also in the praiseworthy deal with which they intend pursuing any opportunities chance may offer them. Miss Gilbert expresses joy at not having heard the resolution, "because her mother wouldn't like to have such ideas put into her head." Dutiful child! I am very glad that Mrs. Clark has been to see you at last. I hoped that you would see a good deal of her this winter - Just think Mother dearest! spring is fully here, the grass is beginning to grow green, the air is tangy and, the walking muddy-in fifteen weeks from today I shall start for home! In five weeks from today Sara becomes Mrs. Ladue! Does It seem possible? I can't realise it at all - How does Mrs. Pomeroy continue to be liked No one has mentioned her at all lately and never but once her youthful daughter Do the girls like her as well as at first? We are going to have a concert here Friday night. Prof. Wiebe is anxious to prove to world that music can be taught in classes. I'll write Emma about it - Ask her how she would like to hear the Wedding March played by thirty two hands? Eight pianos, two at each. I haven't been invited to take part as yet, doubtless because he felt that I needed no previous practice - Please ask Will what French books they use at the High School? I am vary anxious to know. I am fairly ashamed to send this letter, but I know you won't judge me harshly - Give a groat deal of love to every body, and oceans of it to yourself from your daughter Mattie - Minnie and Hattie send love - I want to go home, and I want something real good to eat - I wonder if you at home look forward to next June with half as much eagerness as we do. I can hardly wait - When is Father going home? We have heard nothing of him lately. You must miss him - Good night again - a thousand kisses Mattie. Love to Mary C. and baby when you see them - I forgot to say that the money came safely and I am very much obliged.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: March 19, 1866
Text: Vassar Mar. 19, 1866 My dearest Mother, It is cold as Greenland's icy mountain today, which is rendered all the more noticeable, from the fact that for several days past, the thermometer has stood at sixty° or thereabouts. I can't bear to see any returning symtoms of winter, I do so long for summer and home. We heard from Emma Hopkins today. She is very busy preparing for May, she says that her spine troubles her very much, but her head is better - I hope she will have a good long...
Show moreVassar Mar. 19, 1866 My dearest Mother, It is cold as Greenland's icy mountain today, which is rendered all the more noticeable, from the fact that for several days past, the thermometer has stood at sixty° or thereabouts. I can't bear to see any returning symtoms of winter, I do so long for summer and home. We heard from Emma Hopkins today. She is very busy preparing for May, she says that her spine troubles her very much, but her head is better - I hope she will have a good long rest, and entirely recover her health after she is married. Her Aunt Parker gave her a set of teaspoons, and helped her very much with her sewing - I presume Emma has told you about Helen Swift's visit. We were delighted to see her, but very much disappointed atthe brevity of her visit. We had hoped she would stay over Sunday. She says that Mrs. Ball is very well and has gone home to stay until after July, through the summer I think she said. Miss Swift has gone to housekeeping, or rather is going - She has bought a house and Mrs. Wright and her son are going to live with her. Helen looks just the same as ever. Charlie came up with her. He is in a law office, is very busy, and in fine spirits. Minnie and John Almy are in Brooklyn. Minnie thought some of coming up. I very much wish she had. Minnie D. had a letter from Horace Burt today, in which he proposed at some future time (not distinctly stated) to call upon her, in her rural retreat - He sent his regards to Hattie, but entirely ignored me. Finney has dropped the ministry, and is about to enter the N.Y. bar. Hattie had a long letter today from Miss Leach, she seemed well and happy.I suppose Fannie Hammond has left - I hope you were not utterly tired out, both of you. Miss Gilbert says she is hard to talk with. Minnie recieved a letter from Little Brown & co. the other day, to whom she had written in reference to a book, which was directed to "Mrs. M. S. Dickinson," and addressed "Mrs. M. S. Dickinson, Dear Sir-" Business-like isn't it? Minnie told Helen Dana, that she had got the start after all. Have you read Whittier last poem "Snowbound"? If not do get it and read it. I think it is exquisite - Shouldn't you like to see one of those great snow storms? Miss Treadwell from Jackson Mich, recieved the notice of her brother's death, on Saturday - Just think, he was dead and buried before she heard of it - The Saturday before there were two girls telegraphed for, one to attend the death bed of her aunt, the other the funeral of her Mother. It makes me tremble to hear of so much troubleI am so afraid some of you will be sick before we get home. Is there actually so much alarm and excitement in Canada and thereabouts, as the papers represent? What geese the Canadians must be! The Free Press takes it up as solemnly as if it soberly believed, that the whole thing would go off with out the slightest difficulty - It must be fun to see the beloved birds flocking to our shores. Sannie Tenney has had the croup, and is really quite sick. I do hope the dear little fellow will get well soon. I am exceedingly tired and sleepy, and think it will be altogether for the interest of both you, and myself, if I stop while my eyes are open. In some of these blissful days about now, Big Sinn contemplates taking unto himself a partner of his Joys and sorrows. Happy Mortal! Tell Nellie to please write soon. How's Willie's acute? Love to Cousin Bell and Bridget - Has Father wandered home again? Love to all at home & abroad - Hattie and Minnie send love - I am extremely sleepy - Good night. In fourteen weeks from next Wednesday I'm going home. Your loving daughter Mattie-
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: March 28, 1866
Text: Vassar College. Mar. 28th 1866. My dear Sister Nellie, Your letter was received with acclamations upon Thursday of this week. You are just as good as can be, to write such nice long letters. The days our letters come are marked with white stones, you may be sure. At first we couldn't hardly believe that that tintype was intended for you, but the more I look at it the better I like it. Your face is much fuller than it was last summer. I am very much obliged for it, it seems as if you are...
Show moreVassar College. Mar. 28th 1866. My dear Sister Nellie, Your letter was received with acclamations upon Thursday of this week. You are just as good as can be, to write such nice long letters. The days our letters come are marked with white stones, you may be sure. At first we couldn't hardly believe that that tintype was intended for you, but the more I look at it the better I like it. Your face is much fuller than it was last summer. I am very much obliged for it, it seems as if you are a good deal nearer. I want Mother's and Willie's now. It flattery is wanted, to secure some photographs, I'll give you as much as you want, send your order, and I'll fill it out. How's Will? You didn't mention him. Can he walk yet? I hope Father has reached home at last.I do wish he could have come to see us. As for Prof. Knapp, we are all happy. I really think that we love him better every day. I can't tell you how much I enjoy Horace with him. He is the most wonderful teacher I ever saw. I don't mean to go home, (thirteen weeks from next Thursday) without his photograph, nor that of Prof. Tenney. So we have fairly colonized! What a shame that Scripps and Richardson didn't follow them. Minnie surmises that a new and feeble church would be too expensive. I consider that suspicion unjust, and presume that the true difficulty lay in the purchase of a ready built church, so that Mr. Scripps could have no opportunity to use that long hoarded fund, which he mentioned to Mr. Wheaton. What a spiteful gentleman the last named individual is! He never seems to avoid an opportunity for a hateful remark. I hope Bro. Kent's search will be successful, and that our new pastor will savor a little more of good looks, and a little less of "steamboat politeness" than that gentleman does. Ah Nellie! that was hateful as ever Mr. Wheaton was, wasn't it. I think I had better put myself under condemnation first. There is a great deal of interest in Poughkeepsie Union prayer meetings are held daily at four o'clock. Prof. Knapp took charge of one last Wednesday; agood many girls went in, but I couldn't. Prayer were offered for Mr. Rondelle, who has been very sick, hemmorage of the lungs, I believe. Miss Tutwiller, alias Alabama, has heard his classes. I like her very much: she is a good teacher, and is evidently thoroughly conversant with the French language. From something our little Prof. told Minnie we have concluded that she is to take charge of the German class as soon as Mr. Rondelle returns. I pity her, for they have been under Prof. Knapp all the year till now. I have never read "Mutual Friend," but want to very much. We are going to read "Philip Second of Spain" provided we can get it in the Library. I read out loud in recrea-tion period, and the girls sew, or do something. Nellie Baker is coming in and we'll have real nice times. We like Nellie very much. she, or rather her parents, are from Rutland. Her father says that he has seen Hattie - but she has no earthly recollections of him - He knows father. (There is a beautiful girl here, a Nettie Caitin, who is a grand child of Horace Wheeler of Burlington. Did you ever hear of him? I think you are mistaken about that Young Men's Hall's performance. A letter from Emma last week told all about it. It is very strange that Willie doesn't know about it. Emma says that the family won't let her take part, which I consider sensible. If you are chagrined at having written me but twelve letters, what will be your sentiments when you learn that you have written Hattie only six. We have contracted a habit, which I think you would like if you should adopt it - viz we keep a letter account, in which we charge every letter we write, and every oneten Hattie twelve letters, counting those to us both, which she keeps - Now isn't that good? Just as many as Minnie's father who is her main correspondent has written. Mrs. D. hasn't written to Minnie once, its very hard for her and M. says she doesn't write a letter once a year - Neither has Minnie written to her but twice. Love to the girls - I hate to stop writing home when I begin - Tell every body to behave with decorum till we come home - Minnie and Hattie send love, be sure and write your next letter to her. Good bye dear, a thousand kisses, from your sister Mattie - [Martha S. Warner, '68]
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: April 01, 1866
Text: Vassar April 1st, 1866 My dear dear Mother, Such a beautiful Easter! I hope that it is equally pleasant at home. Mr. Smith gave us all the eggs we could possibly want. I limited myself to two but feel very much as if it had been half a dozen. Last Friday school duties were suspended until Monday. A great many girls have gone home. I should think a hundred and fifty. Most of them are expected to return Monday in any case the classes proceed as if the full number were here. During these three...
Show moreVassar April 1st, 1866 My dear dear Mother, Such a beautiful Easter! I hope that it is equally pleasant at home. Mr. Smith gave us all the eggs we could possibly want. I limited myself to two but feel very much as if it had been half a dozen. Last Friday school duties were suspended until Monday. A great many girls have gone home. I should think a hundred and fifty. Most of them are expected to return Monday in any case the classes proceed as if the full number were here. During these three days Friday, Saturday, Sunday, we have been greatly indulged, not having breakfast until half past seven, not being obliged to walk, being suffered to sit up all night if we pleased on Friday night to watch the eclipse of the moon, altho'the Pres. preferred that all save the astronomy class should retire at eleven. That happy group departed to the observatory at the dark and dreadful hour of eleven, and gazed through the telescope until twelve, when they returned, fully persuaded that such dashing dissipated young ladies never before existed. Of course we sat up till Hattie came safely back. Did you see the eclipse? The night could not have been better not a cloud to be seen, we watched the whole thing from our window - Miss Lyman has gone away! actually left Thursday noon, not to return till Monday - With all due reverence, I do state and declare that that fact alone, was cause enough for a holiday. Minnie and Hattie are going to church this morning, it is our communion Sunday but I am not going for several reasons, principal among them is the fact that I am not willing to go to Mr. Corning church, and I don't want to poke off to another till I knowwhere to go. So Miss Blatchley, Miss Treadwell and I are going to be our own minister, audience and choir. (Three months from today I hope to go to church with you Mother darling! It fairly bewilders me to think of it. Who is preaching for you now? Was Mr. Kent successful in his search and if so what kind of a man is our new pastor? what does he look like? and how do you like him? Have they obtained a minister yet for Mr. Eldrige's church? I do hope that our next pastor will be pleasing to everyone, now that so many malcontents have left. There is a great deal of interest in the Po'keepsie churches. Union prayer meeting are held twice every day. Our girls have been down every day a good deal. I have not as it comes at an inconvenient time - and I have a great dread of Po'keepsie. In all the time that I have been here, I have never been in but once on a week day i.e. that day we met father at the depot and only three times have I been to church.It makes me almost sick to jolt so long in that wretched omnibus. Hattie and Minnie walked in yesterday, did some shopping and went to church, the service was at five o'clock, and they had the fun of waiting for the omnibus till ten minutes of seven - It was so rainy and muddy that with four horses, it took an hour to come out, two miles, and a the load was very heavy, nineteen in all. I waited my tea till they came, and there such a merry time as we had. Mr Smith felt very fine, and gave us some delicious lemon pie. We decided that it was quite worthwhile to be late. Did you know that Senator Foote is dead? Miss Foote was sent for day before yesterday - Does it not seem strange that two such prominent senators of one state should have died, so nearly together. I hope that Father has returned. Has he succeeded? We feel very anxious to hear. I hope his anxiety won't make him sick. How do you do Mother dear? You never say anything about your health, but I infer that it it must be very good, comparatively, or you could not do so much as you have - I recieved Sara's wedding cards a day or two ago, they are a new style are they not? You must tellme all about the wedding I cant realize at all that it is coming so soon - Love to all, tell Nellie that letters are at a premium in No. 20. It is two weeks since either Minnie have heard from home, and one since Hattie has - Congratulate us! We have at last written to Miss Coe. I feel as if a load was lifted from my shoulders. Is every body well? Love to Willie. Minnie recieved a catalogue of the University from Henry C. yesterday - The Memorabilia is very hard. Tell Bridget that they boiled five hundred eggs at once, for breakfast this morning - Good bye. We are all well - Your loving daughter Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: April 07, 1866
Text: Vassar College April 7th, 1866. My darling Mother, Right glad were we to receive your dear good letter. How many things you and Nellie do find to write about. I desire first of all, to express my approval, of that card case. She never had anything of the kind, and has a very pretty napkin ring. Besides when she is out calling in full bridal array, it will make a very pretty addition to her dress. Its a good thing that Doctor Pomeroy got married, isn't it? Minnie says that Mr. Corning is...
Show moreVassar College April 7th, 1866. My darling Mother, Right glad were we to receive your dear good letter. How many things you and Nellie do find to write about. I desire first of all, to express my approval, of that card case. She never had anything of the kind, and has a very pretty napkin ring. Besides when she is out calling in full bridal array, it will make a very pretty addition to her dress. Its a good thing that Doctor Pomeroy got married, isn't it? Minnie says that Mr. Corning is one of the wealthiest men in the country. Do you know what the Ladue's are going to give her? I hope that Sara will cultivate an affection for shawls. How near it is! only a little more than a week! the nearer the time grows, the more unreal it all seems. The thought of seeingher nearly destroys my self possession. I am glad that you are so anxious to see us, it is very pleasant to feel that one is missed, but yet I do think that poor Thomas Huntingdon will have to make up his mind to the dreadful sacrifice. Undoubtedly it is a trial. Such delightful weather as we have had! Thursday the thermometer stood 18° where the sun has never shone since the house was built. Spring dresses blosomed out in great profusion, and one damsel had the good taste to appear in a white waist - but yesterday and today it has been cold and rainy, so that spring dresses are back in their trunks. I am glad not to have much prematurely warm weather this spring. Last night we had an election of officers in our chapter, in which we dethroned Hattie, and exalted Miss Bush in her stead. Nellie Seland is Vice Pres. Nellie Baker Secretary, Miss Glidden Treasurer. I hope next week to be relieved from my duties a Scrap-box committee. We find our Society very interesting indeed, and very improving likewise - Mr. Vassar de-sires that his birthday, April 29th, should be celebrated in the College, as a regular holiday - I believe the exercises this year are to be a mixture of literary and musical exercises - what, I don't know. Minnie is on a committee appointed by our chapter, to confer with the faculty committee, of which Prof. Knapp is chairman. They are at present holding a prolonged session. I am quite eager to learn the result. What misfortunes Carrie meets with, when attempting to call, in her blue silk. She wrote to me some time ago, about being spotted from head to foot, by a small boy dashing thro' a mud puddle. Is she as pretty as ever? Does Lucy have much to say about Ned Butler now? or is she devoted to some one else? Carrie never insinuates that a gentleman ever looks at the house. You know how very reserved about their affaires they always were - in a certain way, I mean. I wish you'd remind her that she owes me a letter. I am very sorry for your disappointment in losing Mr. Freeland's last sermon. I thinkmyself, that Bridget claims more than her share of churchgoing - but as you say it seems hard to part with one so nearly associated with our little darling. What a pity that you missed that last prayer meeting - I am very glad that Mr. and Mrs. Freeland are going to remain in the city. If Mrs. Bronson can have them room in her house, why can't she board them too? I should think it would be very difficult for them to manage in that way. What an aggravating specimen Mrs. Taylor can be. I am very glad you did them yourself. Sara has spoken several times, about how beautiful the skirt was. I think she will like it all the better for being all your own handiwork. I should like to keep on writing to you indefinitely, but duty in the shape of Latin, Greek and mending, beckons me away. Such an unhappy dress as that dark calico of mine is - Every Saturday for the last three weeks I have exhausted body and mind in mending that dress. On can hardly look at it, without hearing the accustomed sound tear-tear- But that's no matter for I'm going home pretty soon. Prof. Knapp came up this morning with Fannie MacGuire's little sister, it made me almost envious, I think I had bet-ter go home very speedily - for I shall be cultivating all manner of wicked thoughts and feelings. I can hardly bear to see the girls Fathers come to take them home Friday night. I am not going to ask again "When is Father coming home." but hope you will give us prompt information, when the event does take place - Love to all. Tell Willie the mail bag has looked fearfully thin lately. I presume he'll write after Sara is married. Good bye Mother darling take good care of yourself till we come home. Your loving daughter Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: April 11, 1866
Text: Vassar College, April 11th, 1866 My dear Sister, I must beg of you, when you have in your company, simple minded people, who regliously believe what ever is said in their hearing, not to confuse and befuddle their brains in such style, that they return to your native state, and industriously spread the report, that you have abjured the faith of your Fathers, and joined yourself to that of the scarlet woman and Pope of Rome. Just this thing Miss Fannie Hammond has done, creating thereby...
Show moreVassar College, April 11th, 1866 My dear Sister, I must beg of you, when you have in your company, simple minded people, who regliously believe what ever is said in their hearing, not to confuse and befuddle their brains in such style, that they return to your native state, and industriously spread the report, that you have abjured the faith of your Fathers, and joined yourself to that of the scarlet woman and Pope of Rome. Just this thing Miss Fannie Hammond has done, creating thereby considerable commotion in the fair town of Pittsford. Clara Warner, in much perplexity has written to Miss Gilbert, she has also recieved other letters on the subject. Miss Gilbert thinks that the best thing you could do would be to write to that hopeful place yourself, stoutly denying the same. She says that to any denial from us, they would say They left before she turned, and the family don't let them know, hasn't Fannie come from there, and doesn't she report the evidence of her own eyes and ears? You will have to walk circumspectly in future my dear, if this is to be the result of any flights of fancy you may indulge. Did I ever tell you that a report was circulated thro' the College, at Thanksgiving time that we were Southern sympathisers, owing to a remark I made, to the effect, that Thanksgiving Day belonged in November, and I didn't believe that the Pres. knew much about Northern customs? We are very much engaged at present in preparations for the Founders Festival. Every thing is going to be done in fine style. I'll send you a full account when it happens. Minnie is one of the committee of arrangements. Hattie has managed to keep clear of nearly every thing.Minnie had a letter from home yesterday. It lacked two days of being four weeks since she had heard, they were very busy with spring work, as I conclude that every one must be, insomuch as this morning there were only three letters to divide among the forty girls on the corridor. Sara, I suppose, is almost if not quite ready - Dear me! how near it is! I do hope that she has these few days for "otium cum dignitate." I am already to rush down to tho depot, either next week Friday or any nearer time required - If you can conveniently please get me a sample of her dresses. I don't expect a letter from her until she has returned from her wedding tour, and is fairly settled as Mrs. George N. Ladue. Where are they going to live? I wish you to understand that you must defer your confirmation until such time as your two youthful sisters "can be there to see". I would advise you to enter the convent as soon you have given up allhopes in the matrimonial line. But so long as one last glimmering hope remains cling fast to that - I must go to French - Good bye Mattie. [Martha S. Warner, '68]
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: April 17, 1866
Text: 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...
Show moreVassar 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-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 howmuch 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.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 thinkIt 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 melike 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 hehas 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
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: April 19, 1866
Text: Vassar College. April 19th 1866. My darling Mother, I see with much regret that it is again nearly two weeks since I have written to you. I never mean to fail in writing my weekly letter, but sometimes circumstances over power me. I received Nell's good long letter, today. I dont at all wonder at her indignation. Fannie must be a very simple minded young lady, if she imagines all the visitors to a convent Roman Catholics. I wonder if she considered herself converted, nolens, volens. I...
Show moreVassar College. April 19th 1866. My darling Mother, I see with much regret that it is again nearly two weeks since I have written to you. I never mean to fail in writing my weekly letter, but sometimes circumstances over power me. I received Nell's good long letter, today. I dont at all wonder at her indignation. Fannie must be a very simple minded young lady, if she imagines all the visitors to a convent Roman Catholics. I wonder if she considered herself converted, nolens, volens. I haven't seen Miss Gilbert since Helen's letter came. Helen says that the new minister (you all appear to have an antipathy to his name), is to board at our house in our room. I hope you don't intend to quarter us in the barn, when we return,and yet I should not think it would be any advantage to him to engage a boarding place, for so short a time - I should imagine that he was some such style of man as Prof. Buckham, who is not a favorite among the "Daughters of Vassar". So Sara is fairly married! Just think of her as Mrs. George Ladue! Her friends have been very generous, have they not? Miss Gilbert has just been in here and I hasten to correct my mistake. Clara did not write to her, as I understood her, but the body who did obtained her report thro' them, and it appears now, but that she didn't say before, that Clara did not believe it. Miss Gilbert was considerably excited at the time, and when she is so, she never gets any thing quite straight - I presume it will all be righted soon. I am waiting eagerly for letters concerning Sara's wedding. Did Father return in time - Don't you think we girls had better turn our attention topractical affairs, instead of going to school, prehaps, if we should try hard, we might succeed in marrying a fellow, thereby obtaining any quantity of presents, silver etc. I feel as stupid as I possibly can, which you have undoubtedly discovered, but you must excuse me this time, as I am laboring under the complicated difficulties of a severe headache, a wretched pen, and the worst ink I ever saw. I am going to have my hat pressed into a some thing or other, and trimmed with a simple band of narrow ribbon. That is the most fashionable style. Hattie will have to get a new one. My clothes have lasted very well, only my blue plaid dress is some what dilapidated. I have not had on my cloak since I left Brooklyn, but twice, and my bonnet only once. Outer garments are thrown away here, upon those who neither go to church nor shopping - I haven't been into a store of any kind since we left home.I am very glad to hear of Mrs. Russel's approaching nuptials - Minnie expresses great satisfaction. They think a great deal of Mr. Holbrook at her house. Emma says they may reach Detroit a few days later than she at first expected. Only two weeks left for her. Dear me, how all the people are getting married! I am very sorry indeed for poor Bell and David. What a hard hearted old wretch the old gentleman must be. I wish people that make such bad use of money could never get it. Oh Mother! if I could only see you, and all the home people, it seems as though, that would be all I could want. I fairly ache when I feel forlorn as I do today, to lie down on your bed, and be quiet - You know of course where there are so many people that there must be a continual sound, or rather feel of persons all around you. I think I am growing rather blue and had better stop immediately - Minnie and Hattie send love. Good bye Mother dearest - Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: April 23, 1866
Text: Vassar College. April 23rd, 1866. My dear Helen, I obtained your letter today, and hasten immediately to answer it. Of course Mother has before this recieved my letter saying that Clara did not write to Miss Gilbert, but I misunderstood her, upon that topic, but she said distinctly when she contradicted the report of Clara's writing that "the person who did write heard the report through the Warner's." & Minnie heard her say it. I told Miss Gilbert what Clara said, ...
Show moreVassar College. April 23rd, 1866. My dear Helen, I obtained your letter today, and hasten immediately to answer it. Of course Mother has before this recieved my letter saying that Clara did not write to Miss Gilbert, but I misunderstood her, upon that topic, but she said distinctly when she contradicted the report of Clara's writing that "the person who did write heard the report through the Warner's." & Minnie heard her say it. I told Miss Gilbert what Clara said, & she seemed considerably annoyed and said that there must be some mistake. I am very sorry for all the trouble and annoyance it has occasioned you, but I should think that the best you could do would be to let the matter rest.Another time, I will sift a report thoroughly before I trouble any one at home. Many thanks for your pleasant description of Sara's wedding, but why didn't you tell me something about the child herself? Neither you nor Mother mentioned her any further than to inform me that she was there. Thank Mother most heartily for that wedding cake. I am very glad of it. Tell Emma that this is exactly the right time for her to answer my letter, & tell me every thing, she can beg borrow or steal about the wedding. By the way, where do the Pomeroy's propose to establish themselves? or has Mr. Chapaton abandoned his plan of pulling down and building? I hope it won't be far off that they go. I wonder whether you have heard about Aunt Maria? Charlie wrote Hattie some time ago, that she had had a paralytic stroke. For the first few days she was not expected to live, but at last reports was better. Hattie was dailyexpected. I do hope she will recover. Minnie is still sitting most of her time upon that Committee. I am glad I am not on it - She enjoys it however. We have started off full tilt with breakfast at half past six. The result is that I have spent meet of my day gaping furiously. I fear I shall be utterly annihilated before the end of the week. Please to present the new minister with my hearty congratulations upon his respectability and efforts at sociability, as well as my condolence upon his lack of beauty. Tell Father that I am glad he is at home, & if I only was too my happiness would know no bounds. When I arrive at that blissful abode, I am never going to bed at night, nor to get up in the morning, nor to go out walking, nor to sit an hour at dinner, nor do anythlag that I don't want to do & have to do here. Your light silk must be beautiful - I don't see just how you managed it-I am very glad that you had it done - I do think that you ought to be thankful to me for two such extraordinary letters so near together. I shall expect you to answer with marvellous rapidity. Do please excuse me from going out in the wind and rain, or rather mud, if it only would rain I shouldn't be obliged to go. Please give my love to Mr. Freeland the very first instant you see him - I want to go home. What's more I am going in nine weeks. I have a bundle of things saved up to tell you & Mother as long as the moral law. Good bye - Mattie. Mrs. Reynolds Emma appears to be the "other persons". I think she was a good deal excited & said more than she intended.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: May 13, 1866
Text: Vassar College. May 13th, 1866 My dearest Mother, How much would you give to have us at home this beautiful May morning, going to church as Christian people should do, instead of lounging around aimlessly until time to dress for dinner, or after dinner for chapel. This morning however, we contemplate an excursion to sun rise hill, famous for its beautiful scenery - but, owing to its situation, just outside bounds, we have never been there. Dr. Raymond has however proclaimed liberty to all...
Show moreVassar College. May 13th, 1866 My dearest Mother, How much would you give to have us at home this beautiful May morning, going to church as Christian people should do, instead of lounging around aimlessly until time to dress for dinner, or after dinner for chapel. This morning however, we contemplate an excursion to sun rise hill, famous for its beautiful scenery - but, owing to its situation, just outside bounds, we have never been there. Dr. Raymond has however proclaimed liberty to all seniors, juniors, and all over twenty, which last was an important addition as no mortal persons know whether they are in the Freshman or Senior year - Minnie is going try for a standing permis-sion for me to go with her and Hattie. I don't much believe she will succeed. We were delighted with Helen's letter - I am glad that you liked Emma so well, Mr. Cartledge also - I shall always be thankful that she came here, and we became so well acquainted with her. I am also glad that she read that account of Founder's Day, she could make you understand much better. Helen said that you would be house-cleaning this week, I hope you have not worked too hard, or got too tired, you must take good care of yourself. Only five more Sundays Mother! I can't realize it at all. I am very sorry, much as I want to be at home again, to have the time fly so. We have a great many good friends here, who do not intend to return next year and whom I shall be very sorry to lose sight of. Minnie says decidedly that she shall not return. The girls here are grand. It does not seem possible that wecan have so many smart girls here another year, although of course there are a great many in the country. Miss Mitchel firmly believes, and loudly affirms, that no future class will ever be equal to her present astronomy class. I don't believe that she will ever feel the same pride in and affection for, another, that she does for these her first pupils. I suppose that Sara Ladue (do look at it) is very busy moving. I have been looking eagerly for a letter from her, but of course her time is very much occupied in receiving calls, and getting settled in her new home. Of course Mrs. Ladue did not succeed in finding another house, or you would have told me. Won't it be joyful to see her again. Do her new dignities as a married woman alter her any? I hope she will live happily with the old lady and Lottie. I do wish the latter would be married - What has become of Carrie?I have heard nothing of or from her lately. Did Mr. Lever come, and how did you like him? I hope they'll settle Mr. Ballard if you like him - I feel very indifferent indeed about it - In fact I can hardly realize that we have no minister, or that it will ever make any difference to me who preaches there - I am very glad that that Concert did so finely to such large houses. Tom wrote that it was very remarkably fine. Congratulate Willie that he is through. How old he is getting! I declare I shall hardly know him, almost seventeen - I am very impatient to see him, he must be sure and be at the depot - I have so much to say to you Mother dear, that I have resolved not tell you anything till I go home, which must account for the meagre character of my documents. Of course you know that Katie Penfield's father is dead, and that the Manlys have moved into her house. I'm going to write to Sara tonight. I feel justlike it, and have nothing else to do. Please give my love to the usual persons. We didn't go to Sunrise Hill it was so windy - Minnie has the headache, but I hope she'll sleep it off - I am surprised she hasn't had one before. Hattie and I still preserve our accustomed health, altho' a sermon an hour long of the stupidiest material he ever displayed to us, nearly broke down my constitution this afternoon. Prof. & Mrs. Tenney and the young Tenney are all well - Prof. T. is our Father Confessor I dont know what would become of us without him - Mrs. T. is as lovely as ever -Mrs. Knapp made us a call nearly an hour long Saturday. She is a charming little lady. Miss Usher is very miserable. I am afraid she won't try it here another year - Miss Gilbert has been sick for a day or two, but is well now. She is growing old and rheumatic - Our fascinating Baptist minister has the impudence to be a married man - Tell Nellie that she is greedy to want another letter before she has answered mine - Love to all - Good bye your loving daughter Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: May 20, 1866
Text: Vassar College. May 20th, 1866 My dear Mother, I can't let Father's letter go without one to you also. Wasn't it good of him to write to me? I was very much pleased. We have been doctoring our ink with water, which makes it write easier, but hasn't improved the color materially, if you can't read this, "just lay it aside till I come home." I had a nice letter from Carrie yesterday. I like her letters very much, they are so very easy and spicy, her hand...
Show moreVassar College. May 20th, 1866 My dear Mother, I can't let Father's letter go without one to you also. Wasn't it good of him to write to me? I was very much pleased. We have been doctoring our ink with water, which makes it write easier, but hasn't improved the color materially, if you can't read this, "just lay it aside till I come home." I had a nice letter from Carrie yesterday. I like her letters very much, they are so very easy and spicy, her hand writing is beautiful. She says that Bell Adams is very sick, and seems to think it doubtful if she lives long. Mrs. Adams will miss her dreadfully will she not. You aren't all tired out are you? I am almost afraid to hear from homelest both you and Helen should be completely worn out and weary. Just consider, Hattie and I will be ready to lend a helping hand, in five weeks. I have just been marking the catalogue for your benefit. Those who are only friendly acquaintances I marked 1, those I like and know well I marked + and my most particular friends *. So you see the latter circle is not extensive, comprising only two besides our Greek class. Helen Dana, and Minnie - Of the girls so marked Louise Blatchley, I like best. I'll tell you all about her when I go home. Please give my love to all the girls and Willie. I intend to patronize the latter extensively when appear in your august city - I forgot to tell Father how deeply indebted I feel for that new sidewalk. I wish I could write more but have no time. Tell Nellie that I am compelled just now to keep a strict account with her. Good bye my dear, dear, mother. Your loving daughter Mattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: May 25, 1866
Text: Vassar College May 25, 1866. My darling Mother, Fourtune favors the brave most truly! Here we have been sighing and sorrowing on our way, because we had no letters, but yesterday we publicly avowed our intention of making way with every relative or connection by marriage, whom we possessed. Today our room has beea favored by seven! More than we have had in the same length of time since we've been here. Minnie had long letter from her sister Lizzie, who has been very sick with...
Show moreVassar College May 25, 1866. My darling Mother, Fourtune favors the brave most truly! Here we have been sighing and sorrowing on our way, because we had no letters, but yesterday we publicly avowed our intention of making way with every relative or connection by marriage, whom we possessed. Today our room has beea favored by seven! More than we have had in the same length of time since we've been here. Minnie had long letter from her sister Lizzie, who has been very sick with intermittent fever. Hattie had three from Maggie Buchanan, who can hardly contain her hoy at Mrs. Town's presence; she also received Father's letter. I had yours and Helen's. Such a feast as it has been!Helen's letter came this morning and we puzzled over Mrs. Whitaker considerably, when your noon letter solved the mystery. I am glad she came and that you enjoyed it so much. Have you been up to Elmwood lately? I am very anxious that both graves should be planted with flowers. Isn't it good that I am so strong, and have learned to take such long walks? Tell Father that he needn't worry any about evening dews and damps, for we are not allowed to put the tip end of our noses out doors after sunset; and as for drafts its so cold we have the steam on. It seems to me that if the cholera was going to be at all prevalent this summer it would have appeared before this - Just think its almost June. Don't let Helen and Father frighten themselves into fits, on the subject. Who do you think is going to preach for us next Sunday? None less than Dr. Goodell of Constantinople. Isn't itworth while to go to Vassar College, and see all the dignitaries? He has returned to this country to pass the remainder of his life. I am very thankful to have an opportunity to see him - By the way a returned missionary read for us last Monday evening, and such a looking woman, and such a dressed woman, and a reading woman I never saw before and trust I may never see again. Dr. Raymond is better I believe, but he still suffers very much, especially from his head. We miss him very much. Prof. Farrar is going to take his classes that have just finished Algebra to Rhinebeck, to visit the country seat of Hon. Wm. Kelly, President of the Board of Trustees. He is very fond of having parties come out there, and has often invited Prof. Farrar to take some of the young ladies. They'll have a delightful time. We think of joining the Algebra class next year -Do please tell me, or tell Helen to tell me in your very next letter, whether or no Sara is living in the Walker house. Every letter I have says something about seeing her so seldom which alarms me lest Mrs. Ladue was successful in her search for another house. Another thing that frightens me is that I have asked the question so frequently and it has not been answered. In pursauce of Father's advice we are going to make some calls before tea. I don't think that we go into any of the girls rooms to make a call, on an average once a month. I have never sat down next door but three times, and they are very nice girls, and not coming back next year. We visit Prof. Tenney about twice a week. We are going to Mrs. Farrar's after Literary. I am glad you like the catalogues and that they make a favorable impression. I want every one to like Vassar College. Five weeks from tonight I hope to take tea in our dear old home. It makes me almost wild to think of it - The time glides by like a dream. I can't realize it all. Poor Mr. & Mrs. Freeland! I hope they won't be gone all the time we are at home. You have called on Mrs. Town have you not? How does she seem? Love to all. I'm so glad you have your flower beds made - also congratulate you uponSat. A.M. Dr. Goodell is at the breakfast table, and such a looking man! He must be over eighty years old, and has the appearance of second childhood. He wears a velvet skull cap, braided with gilt, and a long tassel. As I passed the table he had a napkin tied around his neck, as if he was about four years old. He looks just like the kind of a man that would go to sleep and continue preaching an indefinite amount of time - The girls are all prophesying a three hours sermon for tomorrow. Only four Sundays after tomorrow and then we'll go to church. Next Sunday (i.e. the first Sunday in June), Louise Blatchley and I are going into Poughkeepsie to hear Mr. Lawson, the Baptist minister, preach. He is a young man, an old student of Prof. Knapp's. Miss Gilbert has given up her corridor, rather she is going to. Her health is miserable. She is one of the oddest persons I ever knew. Sometimes I like her verymuch, and sometimes I don't at all. When she was home last, the Warner girls sent me a hugh bouquet of trailing arbutus which she left in a fine state of preservation on her dining room table. Wasn't it provoking? We called on Mrs. Farrar last night, but she had gone to Elmira, so we had to visit with Miss Stone and Prof. Farrar. We didn't stay but a few moments, but went to Prof. Buckham's where they paid no manner of attention to our vigorous and repeated raps. Then we made a call of Mary Granger and her room mates which we have owed every since we've been here almost - after which we landed at Prof. Tenney's. We almost invariably go there Friday night after Literary, and they always expect us. I want this letter to go off in the morning's mail so I must stop - Tell Nellie that I'll answer her good long letter soon - but too many a once would be a pity - We are talking of a row upon our "beautifully secluded pond" this morning - Good bye, Mother dear. Your loving daughter Mattie -Mrs. Sumner's removal - It will be a great comfort to you to have her so near. I think Emma Cartlidge might write to us. I am out of patience with her - not one syllable have we heard since she was married - See if I write to her when I am Mrs - I am very sorry for the Smiths. It seems as if a very large number of young people had died since we left home. Poor Mrs. Adams - Carrie speaks in every letter of Bell's increasing loveliness of Christian character. How is Mrs. Stebbins - Love to all the usual people - I want very much to see Mrs. Raymond - Good bye your loving daughter Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: June 03, 1866
Text: Vassar College. June 3rd, 1866. My dear Father, I was much delighted by your graphic accounts of the suffering, lately endured by Mother and Helen lest their housekeeping skill, should be amenable to the assaults of the evil minded. Also by the galantry of your conduct, in bravely rushing to the rescue, and lifting the weight from their minds. Perhaps if you had suggested misquitos, it might have been as effective as spiders, and approached quite as closely, the real state of the case. They...
Show moreVassar College. June 3rd, 1866. My dear Father, I was much delighted by your graphic accounts of the suffering, lately endured by Mother and Helen lest their housekeeping skill, should be amenable to the assaults of the evil minded. Also by the galantry of your conduct, in bravely rushing to the rescue, and lifting the weight from their minds. Perhaps if you had suggested misquitos, it might have been as effective as spiders, and approached quite as closely, the real state of the case. They certainly have not hesitated to appear within these sacred precints, although I had always understood that misquitos were not common at the east, but rather preferred the active, stirring life of the west. I can't blame them,every day that I spend here makes me love the west better. People say that Eastern New York, is not the place from which to judge of Eastern people, and I earnestly hope that such is the case. I am referring now to Poughkeepsie, and not College. I never knew such cold weather for this season of the years here it is June, and the thermometer at 50° most of the time - In one county, which I can pronounce but not spell, they have had a severe snow storm. I don't think we have had any frosts of any importance, but I have been watching strawberry blossoms for three weeks and can't see any prospect of fruit. It is very provoking to be here till the raspberries, and huckleberries, and blackberries give full promise of abundant harvests, and come back just after the last gleaning of those harvests is over. We have one consolation however, almost every large tree on the place is either chesnut, or hickory, so that we can lay in storesof those, sufficient to last all winter. It is very pleasant to us to think of only three more Sabbaths, before we shall be at home. The time fairly flies. We are no more than ready to begin the work of the week before it is over. I am very glad that the year is so nearly ended, on account of those who are almost ended too. There has been a great deal of hard work done here, more than I ever saw before. For instance a Miss Geiger, who commenced French and German last fall, is now in the most advanced class in both. She is reading Plato with Hattie and Minnie, has read Latin beyond the acquirements of any class here, has studied mathematics beyond calculus, and to crown all enjoyed her eighteenth birthday this spring. I forgot to say that she had also taught school. I don't know how much. Of course Nature has her revenge in giving her a tired troubled look, that makes her appear twenty five sometimes, and by bestowing onher such headaches, as it makes me shudder to think of. I thought Friday as she was hearing one Greek class (Miss Gilbert is sick again), that in the long run temperance in study pays as well as temperance in strong drink. I know you will be glad to hear that I am coming home feeling much less tired than when I came. In fact we are all well, and comparatively fresh. I hope that you will exercise great long suffering and kindness toward this letter. Girls whose routine of life never varies from one day to any other; whose greatest excitement is to wait at the head of the stairs, for the mail; whose chief subject of conjecture is, whether they'll have any thing good for dinner; almost necessarily grow egotistical, and fill their letters, with "Great L" I am ashamed of it, but don't seem to improve at all. The best reform will be to stop writing - Love to all - Please tell Nellie that she owes me a letter. Good bye for the present. Your loving daughter Mattie S. Warner.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: June 04, 1866
Text: Vassar College. 6 mo. 4, 1866. Dear Nellie, Many thanks for your good long letter. What an astonishing man to travel Father is growing to be. Do you suppose he really will come for us? I hope he won't want us to go any sooner or wait any? because I do believe either deed would utterly destroy the remenant of brains which I own. It will be very pleasant to have him, especially as there are several little girls going on with us to Chicago. Helen I don't believe that I shall write to...
Show moreVassar College. 6 mo. 4, 1866. Dear Nellie, Many thanks for your good long letter. What an astonishing man to travel Father is growing to be. Do you suppose he really will come for us? I hope he won't want us to go any sooner or wait any? because I do believe either deed would utterly destroy the remenant of brains which I own. It will be very pleasant to have him, especially as there are several little girls going on with us to Chicago. Helen I don't believe that I shall write to you more than three times more, before I reach home! What is the matter with Congress? I saw in the paper that they had repealed the tax on pig iron, which I supposed would greatly rejoice him. I hope he'll gain his point, whatever it is. Hattie Pearl's marriage as well as Mattie Messenger's had reached me by way of Lucy Hawley to Hattie. I am very glad that Hattie Pearl has married Mr. Pond, and not Mr. Kent. That gentleman does not appear to increase in aimability as his years. Mother must have enjoyed the visit from Mr. & Mrs. Weed very much. I am so glad she has seen them again. Was all that nonsense about T. Huntingdon & his washing true, that Father said? If so I think him an impertinent puppy, & I can't imagine why Mother agreed to do it - Miss LeMaire is to be congratulated - Did she marry a Detroit sprig? If so what is the occupation and calling of the same? It must be a relief to the Silsbee's that Mrs. Silsbee is finally at rest. How are the financial interests of the family? Last I heard they were nearly penniless.I am glad that you have a bonnet likewise a basquine. It will be the duty of the family to provide those articles for Hattie after her arrival in D - What style is Empress? I am a perfect barbarian in regard to fashions you see. What a looking letter! In regard to the exact hour of our return. I am unable to state positively - We had laid all our plans to reach home about five o'clock Friday evening - but of course if Father comes for us, it will be just as he says - I hope he won't see fit to alter any thing, for I don't want to leave here a minute before school is out, and I dont want to be a minute later at home. Won't it be joyful! I can't tell you how I long for a place at the foot of Mother's bed. and a good long talk with all of you - Miss Gilbert is able to be around, but is prevented from hearing her classes, by a large stye on her eye. I think it wouldbe the best thing she could do to go home and stay there, and suffer another one to reign in her stead. We have finished the first book of the Mem. or will have done when this reaches you - We have our last lesson Wednesday - Then we reveiw preparatory to an examination by Prof. Knapp. I am utterly witless this afternoon, and shall wait until evening - [In pencil in a different hand] (Well how do you do? Home in three weeks more!!! Father to go home with!!! Aren't going to have an address before our Society!!! Ought to be writing an article for our Society paper. Don't know what to write about. The last scene in the drama has closed with, Exeunt all my ideas-) Did you ever hear of such impertinence! See what I'll do to her next letter! It's wet and rainy, and damp, and sleepy - Love to all, tell Sallie to write just once more. Tell Mother to preserve her strength to hug us. I don't know anything, or care for anything. Minnie & Hattie send love - Good bye, your most stupid sister Mattie S. W.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: June 10, 1866
Text: Vassar College. June 10, 1866. My dearest Mother, I am exceedingly mortified to see by my letter book, what a length of time has elapsed since I wrote to you last. It's too bad. I had no intention of letting time fly quite so rapidly as it has. But Mother dear, you may rest assured that to which ever member of the family we write you are all the time as much in our hearts as if we were writing to you. We are just now in quite a state of excitement over our Literary entertainment. We...
Show moreVassar College. June 10, 1866. My dearest Mother, I am exceedingly mortified to see by my letter book, what a length of time has elapsed since I wrote to you last. It's too bad. I had no intention of letting time fly quite so rapidly as it has. But Mother dear, you may rest assured that to which ever member of the family we write you are all the time as much in our hearts as if we were writing to you. We are just now in quite a state of excitement over our Literary entertainment. We wanted it distinct and not mixed up in the least with the performances of the Executive Committee. We failed signally, but fought sublimely. In fact I think the President has much more respect for the girls than he had yesterday morning - We stuffed it out till half past ten, from between seven and half past. I am glad that we didn't gain any more than we did or any less. Our public meeting is progressing finely, only two weeks more though! I'm almost crazy - Never mind when we come home you'll straighten me out will you not? Minnie had a letter from home saying that Mr. Jones thinks of calling on us Wednesday. Minnie is going to write for him to come Teusday evening for the performance. How I do wish you would come. How delightful it would be! I am tired & its bed time and I must send this in this fashion, although I am heartily ashamed to do so, & half inclined not to, but it will be better than nothing so I'll do it. Will Mrs. & Mr. Freeland be at home this summer? I do want to see them.I must stop with this little bit Love to all I'll write soon - Good bye Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: June 24, 1866
Text: Vassar College. June 24, 1866. Dear Will, I thought I might as well write once more before leaving here, especially as I desire to congratulate you upon your advanced age. Really mon frere, you are growing old with such rapidity that I expect to regard you with some what of awe and reverence, and to consider "my brother's judgment" as very weighty. Not an insinuation that it was of no weight heretofore, but as "a hoary head is a crown of glory", so every advancing...
Show moreVassar College. June 24, 1866. Dear Will, I thought I might as well write once more before leaving here, especially as I desire to congratulate you upon your advanced age. Really mon frere, you are growing old with such rapidity that I expect to regard you with some what of awe and reverence, and to consider "my brother's judgment" as very weighty. Not an insinuation that it was of no weight heretofore, but as "a hoary head is a crown of glory", so every advancing year adds one point to form the crown. How glad I shall be to distinguish your face among those waiting for friends at the depot, next Thursday. We are calculating upon your galantry you see. Be sure that we havenot counted upon you in vain. We now expect to reach home Thursday night, or rather afternoon, at about half past five. Possibly we may be delayed until Friday, at the same hour, therefore don't break your hearts if we are not there the first day, but I shall mine. Our room is in the most gorgeous confusion imaginable. Yesterday I undertook to pack, and brought out all my dresses, folded them, rolled them, laid them on the floor, sat down on Minnie's trunk and looked at them. After a while, in sheer desperation, I tucked every thing back again to wait till Monday. I am going to do it however, because if I never begin, I shall never know how. Prof. Tenney gave us a delightful lecture in Bible class this A.M., showing our duty to God as revealed in Nature. I wish you knew him. Will, I knowyou would like him exceedingly. He and Prof. Knapp are our men. Poor Prof. Knapp is killing himself just as fast as he can. He is worn out and sick, under the doctor's care, yet he persists at coming out here every day. Thursday he gave our Latin class a lecture on "Comparative Philology," when he had to carry his chair to and fro, to sit down, when he wanted to write on the board. Two or three times he stood up leaning on a pointer, when it seemed as if he would surely fall. I hope he won't come back next fall till he is quite rested and well. Prof. Tenney is well and strong, his work takes him out of doors so much. He is a noble man. I wish you could see little Sannie, only two and a half, and yet he knows more about birds and ether animals than I do. For instance the other day I was in there and a bird began to sing near the window and Sannie shouted "Bot-o-Link!" I hadno idea what it was, but Prof, said that he was right. He cried so for turtles that they stopped bringing them late the house. Won't you be glad to see us again? If not you are a gony, and I don't want to see you a bit. Its hot as peper sauce today, and Minnie after walking to Po'keepsie yesterday, is determined to walk to Sunset Hill. I only hope she won't find any companion, for it will surely make her sick. I guess she won't go - Its a perfect shame that we have not seen any more of the beautiful places around here, but we have never been outside grounds, except to go to that horrible Poughkeepsie. Next year I'm going over the river, a sort of Utopia for botanists. By the way I've seen the laurel! The last excursionists brought home great loads of it - I think it is the most beautiful flower taken in all its bearings that I ever saw. I must stop now. Can't possibly write a word more. Good bye, dear Your loving sister Mattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: September 15, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sept. 15, 1866- Dear Mother, How I hope you went straight to bed after we left and stayed there until you were entirely rested. My conscience smites me every time I recall your poor tired face. I hope next year will be easier. I have been industrious in the extreme, having finished my blue silk, and brown alpaca, and partly sewed the velvet on to my black alpaca. Helen has, I believe, finished all her sewing; she has also passed her preliminary examinations, but has not yet...
Show moreVassar College Sept. 15, 1866- Dear Mother, How I hope you went straight to bed after we left and stayed there until you were entirely rested. My conscience smites me every time I recall your poor tired face. I hope next year will be easier. I have been industrious in the extreme, having finished my blue silk, and brown alpaca, and partly sewed the velvet on to my black alpaca. Helen has, I believe, finished all her sewing; she has also passed her preliminary examinations, but has not yet been examined for classification. Every one seems to think that we must have spent all our vacation in electioneering for Vassar College. I'm sorry for I dont want people to imagine that theyare the class of students our efforts produce. Some of them however are very desirable girls - Fannie King, Delia Howard and Mary Gillett are, I fancy, good scholars, the High School girls I know are, and some of the others I know are not. I hope they will all do well. The College seemed desolate enough this year before the old scholars returned the first day we were here I don't believe there were a twenty old students. Thursday I was in the parlor all day, and I assure you that any familiar face was very welcome. I think that now there are nearly one half old students, but its forlorn. There is a Miss Stoddard here, a daughter of the missionary, who is a very pleasant girl. I am sure we will like her very much; she graduated at South Hadley this summer. Emma Cartlidge's niece is also here, I guess she'll be nice, but she's very young - Miss Pope is a fine look--ing girl, that is she appears like a young lady of strong character. I like Miss Bartlet's looks very well. There are quite a number of new teachers but I know none of them, nor do I particularly fancy their appearance. I am very thankful that Aunt Mary is with you. I hope she'll stay a long time, certainly until Aunt Charlotte has gone. What would we have done without Auntie those last days? Please tell little Mary that we are under great obligations to her for her lamp lighters. We were very glad to hear from Uncle Cephus - it seems that he escaped from Canada in safety, congratulate him. I am glad that Uncle Cephas sent Helen's character. I was afraid she would be called upon for it, and be found wanting. You don't know how glad our Profs- were to see us, it did me good to hear Prof. Knapp exclaim "Oh, Miss Warner."Poor Mrs. Knapp was very dangerously ill during vacation, the Prof- doesn't seem at all rested - Prof. Tenney & his wife are very well - Sannie is as cross as a bear. Hattie is anxious that you should get that velvet, and send her a little piece in a letter, as she wants a braid to match the velvet - Miss Lyman has been as sweet as honey in concentrated essence - I don't know how long it will last - It's forlorn to have Hattie poke off every night. I mean to have a bed made on top of the wardrobe and put Hattie in it - Minnie says Hattie shall share her wardrobe and bureau, if she will only come back. I am going to write you very soon a good long respectable letter, but tonight we have company, and I can do nothing at all - Give a great deal of love to every body - Tell Willie I'll write soon, meanwhile he must do mecredit - Tell Carrie I'll write soon, but she musn't wait - Sara also. Tell her that there is a young lady here named Sarah Pomeroy - Impertinent - isn't it! The Beta Chap - elected me Pres. last Friday night - Imagine me presiding over the meetings. I went to church today, with Miss Blatchley - we went to the Presbyterian church, Rev. Mr. Wheeler Pastor - Kiss every body. I do want to see you very much. Good night - Mattie Please send Helen's silver cup in that bundle-
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: September 19, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sept. 19 1866. My dearly beloved little brother, I can't tell you hall how glad your letter made us. I had almost decided that the Warner family of Detroit had entirely cast aside the Warner family of Vassar College. Your letter however set us right upon that point. What a delightful season you must have had with Mrs. Osborne! I am thankful that I never but once caused a young gentleman, or old either, a rainy walk, except George Crafts, one fourth of July, with whom I...
Show moreVassar College Sept. 19 1866. My dearly beloved little brother, I can't tell you hall how glad your letter made us. I had almost decided that the Warner family of Detroit had entirely cast aside the Warner family of Vassar College. Your letter however set us right upon that point. What a delightful season you must have had with Mrs. Osborne! I am thankful that I never but once caused a young gentleman, or old either, a rainy walk, except George Crafts, one fourth of July, with whom I consider myself fully quits. I trust in regard to the other subjects of complaint, that, not being a minister, you did not consider you self at liberty to swear. I am thankful that the choir of the First Cong. Church of Detroit city havecome to a realizing sense of the value of their services. What a blessing it must be to have quiet reign, or at least less noise. Is that Miss Granger, Mary? If so how did they manage to secure her? Do write me a detailed account of that business meeting. Did Bro. Richardson come up? I trust that they settled him. Did you read that account of Ives and Alexander's assault and battery case? Poor Delia! I hope she will be married soon. Cornelia Penfield thinks that happy event will take place next month. We all felt with Carrie, "wonder how Delia got home." That Capt. Ives deserves to be sent up - Such a season as we had coming here! At London there was a car attached to our train, in which Freddie Butler soon discovered that only two persons were contained. They proved to be a bride and groom upon their wedding tour, the bride a London belle, the groom a fierce officer in the British army. The three small boys en route forSing Sing together with a small boy named Stewart, took the greatest delight in rushing on to the platform of their car, peeking throe' the door, making faces at them, and tormenting the poor soul generally. Their courage was noble illustrated by a general scattering when the noble groom, having reached a period where patience was no longer a virtue, sprang to his feet, and made his way to the door. The feet that his car door was tightly and securely fastened, while tho small boys were free to come and go, soon caused them to rally their forces, and enrage the unhappy man, till he was nearly frantic. I don't know what he would have done, if night and darkness had not fallen upon us. All our accidents and misfortunes which befell us, were attributed to the effect of British pride, arrogance, seclusion and so forth. Mr. Stewart and Mr. King discussed quite freely the propriety of unshackling the car and leaving them romanticly in the starlight - but Mr. King gave it up as impracticable, owing to the probability of his carrying fire arms. Mr. King is the very pleasantest travelling companion I ever knew. I hope he'll come for Fannie next summer, and escort us all home. I have written my composition, and handed it in. My inaugural is yet to come. Our sewing is coming on by degrees. I am so very glad that you wrote us so soon. It does my heart good to get your letters. Minnie sends her love to you, and says that as soon as she has time she'll forward you small package by mail - Helen says that she will send you a note in my letter. Hattie has gone to Po'keepsie with two wretched girls. We have not begun work yet, but hope to do so tomorrow. I dont know what I shall study. Our French chap can't speak any English. How much I should like to see you all. The new Mr. Smith isn't half so good as the old one. He is trying to economize in food I guessbut we will eat him out of house and home - Give our love every body, all the girls, and Mr. & Mrs. Ballard, also the little Deacon and his wife - Good bye dear Your loving sister Mattie S. W. P.S. What a gony I am to forget our dear Auntie and cousin Mary. Give them a great deal of love & kisses - What about the Saffords? Haven't they appeared yet? Many thanks for my net I have been longing for it -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: September 23, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sept. 23 1866- My darling Mother, How good it was of you to write us such a good long letter. It is so good to hear from home. I hope you admire the word "good", it appears to be a favorite one of mine - It is a beautiful day, the sun is very bright and warm although it is chilly in the house - Hattie and Miss Stoddard are going to church together, and Minnie is to escort two young girls. I went to church last Sunday, walked both ways, and felt better for it....
Show moreVassar College Sept. 23 1866- My darling Mother, How good it was of you to write us such a good long letter. It is so good to hear from home. I hope you admire the word "good", it appears to be a favorite one of mine - It is a beautiful day, the sun is very bright and warm although it is chilly in the house - Hattie and Miss Stoddard are going to church together, and Minnie is to escort two young girls. I went to church last Sunday, walked both ways, and felt better for it. Yesterday we all three went in, and called on Mrs. Knapp, she seemed very glad to see us - I like her better every time I see her - They are boarding now in a private house, and enjoying life highly. Congratulate the Pomeroy's for us. Howstrange it must seem to them to have a baby at their house. What a pity that it is not a boy, they all wanted one so much. I hope that Mrs. Pomeroy will continue to do well. What will they call her? Is she old enough to show whether she is dark or fair? Was Mrs. Pomeroy ready for her? Do tell me all the particulars The Detroit girls are progressing finely. I don't think they have been at all homesick, either individually or collectively. That Miss Bartlett I have seen two or three times. She seems in a flourishing condition. Emma Cartledge's niece I am ashamed to say, we have not been to see. It's real mean of us for she looks like a child who would be desperately homesick, but we have been so busy and have made so many visits to forlorn new scholars that we haven't come round to her. I mean to go and see her this very day, for today of all days in the week she will need attention. Dr. Raymond is not able to preach today, and they do say that our lovely friend Rev. J. L. Corning will perform that duty for him. Interesting prospect! I wish we could fill our pew at home this evening. Hattie has begun to take observations on the spots on the sun. She takes them every day at twelve, so that at that time you can imagine Hattie on top of the observatory peering at his roasting majesty through a telescope. The sun has been spotless so far, but in at least a month she hopes to see some little black spots the size of a pin's head upon his disk. Clara Glover is to observe the moon and sweep for comets. I don't think it pays. My inaugural came off in a proper manner and I have taken my seat as Pres. of our Chapter, two presidents from our room is doing well, isn't it? Prof. Van Lugen and his bride have arrived. They were thirty two days on the ocean, owing to breakages in the machinery. The vessel was a Dutch one, makingits first voyage. Their friends on this side of the water were seriously disturbed about them before they arrived. Madame Van Ingen Is very tall, and dark, looking far more like a French woman than a Hollander. She wears no hoops, which adds to her apparent height - Her English is almost a minus quantity, and they say, that the poor thing tucked away in the fourth story of one of the Prof's houses unable to converse with any one in the absence of her husband, is some what homesick. I pity her from the bottom of my heart. Hattie wants you should send her that blue paper Minnie gave her & was left in one of the secretary drawers and I want my black kid gloves - I am afraid however with all our wants that you'll have a larger bundle than you can send conveniently. If so leave out anything you think unnecessary - There are about eight new teachers none of whom I like at all - but I shall have nothing to do with them - The Faculty have been working night and day to perfect their arrangements, and have succeeded so well, that on Monday we commence recitations. Dr. Raymond and Profs. Knapp and Farrar look worn out. It's too bad especially has Prof. Knapp had no rest this summer owing to the dangerous illness of his wife. I am thankful that you are having so pleasant a visit with Auntie and Cousin Mary, they must have been delighted to see the last of us - Has Auntie seen Mrs. Howard yet? Miss Gilbert said, in a letter received from her Friday, that Uncle and Aunt Safford, were to visit you soon, so dont despair - She also said that Clara joined the church last communion Sabbath Horace is at home but much worse, they will be obliged to take him back. He is very affectionate and kind whenever he knows them, which he seldom does. She hoped that we would write to them, poor Aunt Sarah is almost, heart broken. I mean to writevery soon. She says that Horace still preserves a gentlemanly appearance, but that he is a very mournful sight - Please remember us to Mr. & Mrs. Ballard, Mrs. Raymond, Mrs. Hibbard, Sara, Carrie, &c. I can't realise now that I've been at home at all, everything looks precisely like last year, except the new faces, some of whom I like, many of whom I don't like - Miss Lyman is so gracious that the old scholars are somewhat bewildered. Helen says she is going to write, but as she is comfortably basking in the sunshine reading, I hardly think she will, therefore I will say for her that she is in ecstasies with every thing and person so far, except Prof. Knapp, to whom her objections seem to be, that he is very handsome, and has a black mustache. Give a great deal of love to all at home. I am thankful that you have a good girl at last. I've been up by a quarter past six every morning till this one - Good bye - Your loving daughter Mattie-Mother if I have not said so before I want to say now, if Auntie would like it please give her for Mary my plaid brown dress. It will be of no particular service to me & she seemed to take a fancy to it & there is enough good to make Mary a very pretty dress - With love - Hattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: September 30, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sept. 30, 1866. My dearest Mother, How busy you must Be with your house so full, how I wish I could be in two places at once. I am very anxious to see Uncle and Aunt, having heard you speak of them so often - I hope that they will make you a long visit, and that Aunt Mary will stay with you indefinitely - Dr. Wilks of Montreal is here, and will preach for us - I liked him very much better than I expected, this morning in chapel, not being prejudiced in his favor. Has he had...
Show moreVassar College Sept. 30, 1866. My dearest Mother, How busy you must Be with your house so full, how I wish I could be in two places at once. I am very anxious to see Uncle and Aunt, having heard you speak of them so often - I hope that they will make you a long visit, and that Aunt Mary will stay with you indefinitely - Dr. Wilks of Montreal is here, and will preach for us - I liked him very much better than I expected, this morning in chapel, not being prejudiced in his favor. Has he had four or five wives? He is a perfect specimen of Johnny Bull. He was Miss Lyman's pastor for twenty seven years, so that of course she is delighted to see him -I think it would be advisable for me to tell him after chapel, that I dont at all approve of his beloved daughter-in-law. We have been seated in Chapel - the Seniors and Juniors by themselves, the common herd alphabetically - You don't know how ridiculously we all feel poking up to the very front seats, where we sit directly under the President's eye, where he can watch us contentedly. We proposed to the class the expediency of putting on our best dresses, and a quantity of artificial flowers in our hair, and marching in five minutes late this afternoon, In alphabetical order, thereby producing an impression. Strange to say however our proposition was not looked upon with decided favor. Did I tell you that I am a Junior now? We have a new French teacher who is very disagreeable - He speaks very little English, although he understands it; he is very cross, and impatient, if anyone doesn't understand what he says the first time, he grows wrathy, immediately, which isn't fair, as he speaks very indistinctly. Perhaps we will like him better in time. The girls like the two Madames very much. Helen is in our Horace class as well as Hattie, I guess she'll get along well - It is so odd to have three sisters in the same class, sitting in a row. I sat by Miss Stoddard as long as I could, but Friday we were seated. I like her very much, she is very quiet and sweet- Prof. Tenney has returned. His Father was somewhat better when he left, but still very dangerous. He was very much afraid some little thing would make him worse, In which case there would be no hope. He said that the New Hampshire forests were a perfect blase of beauty - that they never looked so bright to him before. The trees here are just beginning to turn, but some of them are very beautiful. Helenattempted to paint one of the leaves the other day, but failed signally. We have taken some beautiful walks lately. Monday we went to Cedar Ridge, a beautiful spot. Friday to Sunrise Hill, where we had a grand view of all the country round. Mr. Mitchell had lent us his opera glass, which added much to our enjoyment. We went in our gymnastic suits, which, are just the dresses for long walks. It was so good to see Mr. King! I wanted to hug him - The day he was here we had a most unhappy season at dinner - At our table we had to wait, after we sat down till our meat (mutton chops) could be cooked, then it came so raw no one could eat it, and not enough to go around the table, two more chops were brought after cooking, but even then all were not served, and we could have no more "as the fire had gone out, and two tables had had nothing" - We were as badly off for potatoes, but fortunately had plenty of bread andtomatoes, which some tables were entirely without. At a quarter of two. Miss Lyman learned the state of affairs, and then her wrath burned high. I never saw her look so angry as when she sailed out of the dining room after the steward, who had not appeared during the meal. I think the unhappy man received a blessing on that occasion, as we have had better food, since then both in quality, and quantity - He is a very disagreeable man, and cordially detested by all who know him. I had a letter from Charlie yesterday, he seemed in high spirits, had just returned to New York after his summer vacation. I don't think he said any thing worth repeating. Miss Gilbert wanted we should tell Father that Asa Nurse represents Pittsford in the Legislature this winter. I suppose Father is deep In the coming election, and that both he and Willie spend their time at politicalmeetings of all kinds. I know nothing about the torn affairs are taking, seeing as I do few papers, and paying but slight attention to the politics of those - The marrying and giving in marriage seems to have begun with vigor in Detroit. How I wish that I was there to see. We are all progressing finely - Helen has joined the Literary Society, as she ought to in all respectability - I have made that white cambric skirt and worn it three times, the weather has been very warm - My sewing is all done except the velvet on my wrapper. I have worn my bonnet twice, once to call on Mrs. Knapp, and once to church. I should like to keep on writing all night, but I can't, and must stop. Give quantities of love to every one. Tell Willie to continue in the good way of letter writing he has begun. His letters are a perfect comfort. How much I would give to kiss and hug you - Your loving daughter Mattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 07, 1866
Text: Vassar College Oct. 7, 1866. My dearest Mother, How do you do this beautiful Sunday morning? Father told us nothing about it when you were to have your eye doctored, so that I cant tell whether it is getting well, or you have it yet in anticipation. In either case I am very thankful that you have Aunt Mary with you, and I trust that she will stay with you all winter, especially if Father is to be gone this year. And, next you'll have Hattie there all the time. Isn't it gorgeous to...
Show moreVassar College Oct. 7, 1866. My dearest Mother, How do you do this beautiful Sunday morning? Father told us nothing about it when you were to have your eye doctored, so that I cant tell whether it is getting well, or you have it yet in anticipation. In either case I am very thankful that you have Aunt Mary with you, and I trust that she will stay with you all winter, especially if Father is to be gone this year. And, next you'll have Hattie there all the time. Isn't it gorgeous to contemplate. How much I would give to sit on your bed this morning and tell you every thing I have to say, instead of using this stupid pen. I have so many important items to communicate that I can hardly tell where to commence -For some reason best known to their High Mightinesses the Steward and Lady Principal, we, the members of the Junior Class have been honored with a private apartment in which to take our meals - A table has been laid in the cloak room of the dining hall, and there we sit like little lions at a menagerie, on exhibition for the benefit of all passers by. The reasons are conjectured at by all of us. Some, inclined to vanity, consider it an arrangement to show us off with greater ease when distinguished guests are present, others, accustomed to calculations of ways and means, suppose that is in order to determine with accuracy the exact amount eaten by the class in order to ascertain how much the College may be considered in pocket, after we are graduated and gone; others still, of a prosaic tendency, insist that the sole reason is because more room was needed in the dining hall, and the departure of fourteen persons would be a great assistance. However thatmay be, we are well served, and enjoy it highly. When you come to see us, we will invite you in there to dine. We have this morning been divided into Bible Classes. We girls are in Prof. Knapp's, but as he will have to hear his on a week day, or else come out here to live, which latter alternative would be the death of him in a week, I intend to join Prof. Tenney's for Sunday - I don't know yet what they will study. Prof. Knapp has a class in the Greek Testament, which recites twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays, I know that we shall enjoy it exceedingly. He is the pleasantest man to study any thing of that kind with of whom I know. We have for our first lesson, twelve verses of the second chapter of Matthew. Prof. Tenney's department is now in operation. He lectures principally - and is a very interesting, as well agreeable speaker. I presume we will horrify our friends and acquaintances after we return home, byseizing all the millers, grasshoppers, bugs, toads, turtles fee. that we can find, for a collection. Yesterday we went nutting, and Hattie brought home a box turtle for the Professor, while Lillie Beers, had a little garter snake to preserve in alcohol. I believe Helen is writing Willie a detailed account of our adventures. I have not enjoyed an afternoon so much since I came back. Hattie and Minnie have gone to church. I didn't go, as there was no communion in the Presbyterian church, and my morals won't permit my attending the Congregational church here. By-the-way, what is the difference between the old and new school Congregational churches? I never heard of any division until yesterday one of the girls, Louise Blatchley, said that she belonged to the old school Congregational church, and she said that in New Haven the two churches would have no communication with each other, as one considered the other heterodox. Hattie thinks that the division must exist in New Haven alone. How do the electionsseizing all the millers, grasshoppers, bugs, toads, turtles fee. that we can find, for a collection. Yesterday we went nutting, and Hattie brought home a box turtle for the Professor, while Lillie Beers, had a little garter snake to preserve in alcohol. I believe Helen is writing Willie a detailed account of our adventures. I have not enjoyed an afternoon so much since I came back. Hattie and Minnie have gone to church. I didn't go, as there was no communion in the Presbyterian church, and my morals won't permit my attending the Congregational church here. By-the-way, what is the difference between the old and new school Congregational churches? I never heard of any division until yesterday one of the girls, Louise Blatchley, said that she belonged to the old school Congregational church, and she said that in New Haven the two churches would have no communication with each other, as one considered the other heterodox. Hattie thinks that the division must exist in New Haven alone. How do the electionsmuch I want to hug you. Good bye, with a great many kisses, your loving daughter Mattie -Please send us with the other things one of the Physical Geographies. They are, or were, I think on the upper shelf in our cupboard. Helen wants her felt hat.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 14, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Oct. 14, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, I am so thankful that you are all through that dreadful operation. You can't tell how delighted I was to see your hand writing yesterday. It was like cold water to a thirsty soul. We are progressing finely - Prof. Knapp has our Bible Class, Saturday morning, we met yesterday, we are to study Acts, and I know we shall enjoy it very much. We are doing Matthew in the Greek Testament. I do love him better every day. Dr. Raymond preached on...
Show moreVassar College, Oct. 14, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, I am so thankful that you are all through that dreadful operation. You can't tell how delighted I was to see your hand writing yesterday. It was like cold water to a thirsty soul. We are progressing finely - Prof. Knapp has our Bible Class, Saturday morning, we met yesterday, we are to study Acts, and I know we shall enjoy it very much. We are doing Matthew in the Greek Testament. I do love him better every day. Dr. Raymond preached on dress today. It was a good sermon, but rather amusing, owing to various circumstances. We are learning to move with military exactness at dinner we file out of the dining room by table, thereby giving us an orderly ap-pearance very beautiful to behold. In chapel we do like wise, leaving by seats - I must say that I feel rather green, marching solemnly out, past long rows of people impatiently waiting for their turn. If the "Country Parson" could see that remark he would undoubtedly say that I had yet one of the "Things slowly learnt," to master. We have several Mt. Holyoke girls here, two of whom are graduates, and I believe, are in the Senior class here. They are Miss Stoddard, and Miss King. Sarah Stoddard, as you know, I admire very much. Miss King I don't know at all - The more I see of some new girls the better I like them, on the whole I think that they are good, much better than we at first supposed. When I wrote to Willie I was in a great hurry, and didn't say any about all the news he told me; so I'll have to tell you what I think. In the first place, Mrs. Taylor may have flattered herself that she was making out a grand story, but Ireceive it with great doubt, if not utter incredulity. In the first place, if he fell in love with Bell that summer he did it before that picnic, which happened the last week of his stay in Detroit, and he had seen her nearly every day for some weeks before. Then I happen to know that he did not correspond with her when he first left, at least, for he did with Lizzie Strong, and in his letters to her, he said some hard things of Bell, because she wouldn't write to him, but she didn't want to - They may be engaged now for aught I know, of course - but I think it was strange if Bell engaged herself to any one, in her state of health. I don't know how ever as it is any of my business, if she did. I hope you went to Nettie Vernon's wedding - I wish I could have seen her. I think Detroit must be very gay after so much marrying and giving in mar-riage - How absurd it seems - Helen had a letter from Aunt Catie the other day, directed to "Vassar Institute"- I think she had better learn where she is writing to. Anna is teaching this year - I had a nice letter from Sara the other day, it did me a great deal of good, one from Carrie also - Delia Howard said the other day that you and Auntie were to take tea at her house that day - Did you have a pleasant visit. Please remember us to Mr. & Mrs. Ballard. I wish that I could hear him preach again - I am very thankful that Auntie was with you while you were sick. I hope she'll stay all winter - How glorious the election news is! Father must be elected - I must stop now with this little unsatisfactory letter. I am very sorry for I think you deserve a long one, but I can't write any more now. The girls send much love to every body - What will Mary Colbum's baby do without her? Good bye yours lovingly Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 21, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Oct. 14, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, I have directed my envelope, so as to be sure and finish my letter before dinner, it will probably seem absurd to you, but I always feel as if my letter was half done when the envelope is directed and lying ready to start. It is a beautiful day today, the air seems ladened with the audible quiet, if I may use the expression, peculiar to a Sunday morning, the house is much stiller than usual this morning also. I think the new scholars are...
Show moreVassar College, Oct. 14, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, I have directed my envelope, so as to be sure and finish my letter before dinner, it will probably seem absurd to you, but I always feel as if my letter was half done when the envelope is directed and lying ready to start. It is a beautiful day today, the air seems ladened with the audible quiet, if I may use the expression, peculiar to a Sunday morning, the house is much stiller than usual this morning also. I think the new scholars are quieting down generally, but at first they certainly seemed to us much more noisy than we were last year. Miss Lyman says they are not, and perhaps it's our vanity. Minnie went on a Geological excursion over the Hudson yesterday. Prof. Tenney took partof his class, but I didn't feel like going, and Hattie, with her usual self denial, stayed at home to go with me. They had a delightful tramp. The girls, all but four, wore their gymnastic suits. You don't know how nice they are for climbing rocks, and Jumping brooks, last time they tore their dresses and caught their hoops, and came to grief generally. If ever I go, I'll send you a full account of the place, and what we saw. We had such a nice time Friday night in our Chapter. I believe that I told Willie that we were to have a magic circle, and what the different articles were to be. Every thing went off beautifully - Helen was fixed up as the most remarkable old maid imaginable. She had her front hair curled, and a black lace head-dress over the back, an under handkerchief, and broad collar, a pair of black mitts, a reticule, an enormous handkerchief, and no hoops completed her attire - You have no idea how comical she looked. Minnie had the desk draped in black and the scrap-box on it. She spoke beautifully. Her oration was unanimously voted the best feature of the evening. I think our Society will be even pleasanter than last year. We are to have a lecture on the subject of Literary Societies from a Mr. Pierson of Waterford N. Y. At least we are going to try to get him. We are also talking of a course of lectures this winter, which I think would be very pleasant indeed, as very few of the girls are able to go to Poughkeepsie to hear lectures there, and even there we seldom hear of them until after they are over. I think that it will be a source ofgreat improvement to all of us. Gough was in Poughkeepsie last week and talked of calling at the College, but I don't think that he did it. Minnie makes a capital President for our Society. We accomplish five times as much business in one hour as we used to with Dr. Raymond in three meetings. Then she presides with so much dignity that it makes us all proud of her - I don't know whatVassar College will do next year with her present Seniors gone. Even the immense dignity and learning of her now Juniors advanced to Seniors will not be sufficient to counterbalance their loss. We do have such good cozy times in our class that it is delightful. We are all nearly of an age, and all like each other, which I think makes a great difference, then we are just a table full, and so get acquainted much faster and better. I do believe people form firmer friendships when they sit at the table together than almost any other way - Then too we always avoid disagreeable subjects at the table which I think is another good thing and a very important one. We are going to have a class organization and a motto. I have no idea what but I presume a Greek one, the girls all prefer Greek to any other language. We have just read Horace's Epistle to Lollius, and I was astonished to find almost every sentence has become a proverb, such as "Anger is a short madness." "Dare to be wise" "A deed well begunis half done" - and so forth. I enjoy Horace better every day, better even than I did Homer. I don't know about that though I do believe that if Prof. Knapp had heard our Homer class, I should have enjoyed it better than Horace. Miss Geiger is our teacher in Herodotus. I like her very much indeed, she is a continual mystery to me - I like her better & better all the time. She seems very sociable, and glad to see us when we go to see her. How good it was for Aunt Mary to write us such a good long letter, and to tell us so much news. How funny it is for Frank Rice to marry Miss Leonard. I always supposed he was rather a frisky young man, but Hattie says he is sober and quiet. I hope he and his bride will live happy - Mary wrote me a full account of their presents, they were very nice weren't they - I suppose that by this time Mr. & Mrs. Griffith are absent on their wedding tour. Beloved ones! How I envy them -Aleck McGraw, Tom's brother, is to be married Tuesday to a Miss Beecher of Battle Creek, they are going to call on Minnie while on their tour. Won't it be pleasant? Have you heard or seen anything of Mrs. Dr. McGraw? Wasn't it a shame that we didn't call on her, and yet how could we. Minnie didn't call on her either. How are your eyes now? Don't think because I have said so little about them that I have thought little. I assure you Mother dear, that I have thought of them almost every hour since I first heard that you must have the operation performed - and I can't tell you how anxious I felt till I heard that it was over. I do hope you will be careful and not overdo yourself in any way. What would become of you without Aunt Mary? Does Eliza prove as efficient as you expected? Love to everyone. Please don't imagine that I've been taking writing lessons of the chickens. I don't know what makes me write so, but I sup-pose its partly owing to the fact that I've been talking most of the time faster than I've been writing - The elections are almost here are they not? Has Father gone to Maine? Has Mr. Ballard been installed? Who preached the sermon? I knew that Mrs. Ballard was an authoress to some extent, but not how far. Mrs. Pratt looks just like it - I presume she has has had her picture taken for some book and has worn her hair so ever since.Tell Father to write me again soon - Good bye Mother dear, nearly six weeks of the forty are gone - Your loving Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 29, 1866
Text: Vassar Collage Oct. 29. 1866. My dear Brother, Don't think it was forgetfulness that caused me to pass over last Wednesday without writing to you. The truth is that my eyes were sore and I couldn't. I think I took a little cold in them or something, but I let them rest a day or two, and they quietly subsided, and are now restored to their former place in my esteem. I am full of news for you, and don't know where to begin, unless with myself, of course the most important thing....
Show moreVassar Collage Oct. 29. 1866. My dear Brother, Don't think it was forgetfulness that caused me to pass over last Wednesday without writing to you. The truth is that my eyes were sore and I couldn't. I think I took a little cold in them or something, but I let them rest a day or two, and they quietly subsided, and are now restored to their former place in my esteem. I am full of news for you, and don't know where to begin, unless with myself, of course the most important thing. We are organized William! That is to say the Junior class are. For some days we have been reviling the importance of our following that most delightful of all College classes, a class organization.So Louise Blatchley and I deputed by the class, took our lives in our hands and went to see the President last Saturday night. He was as gracious and mild as a lamb, and said yes immediately, after which he made us a little speech and we departed. That same evening we called the class together and elected the following officers. Glover C. E. Pres. M. P. Rhoades Vice Pres. A. M. Ely Sec. C.P. Leland Treas. S. Starr Historian, S. L. Blatchley Poet, M. W. Whitney Prophetess, A. L. Baker, I Carter, M. S. Warner Executive Committee. I think it will make our class pleasanter than ever. We have already determined to be distinguished women. Not "women's rights" you know, but famous in some way. We have obtained our object and are to have a course of lectures, the best that can be obtained. I think we shall have about six - Minnie has written to Mr. Pierson. I hope he will come. I wish we could getDr. McLeod to lecture on Highland poetry - Tom McGraw's eldest brother was married on last Teusday, and Saturday we received a box from Tom, containing a large amount of wedding cake. I never saw so much together before. We didn't treat it slightingly in the least I assure you. Yesterday I devoted myself principally to hickory nuts and wedding cake. He sent it in a beautiful box which Minnie says I am to have. How I wish some one would be married every week, and treat us as well, although perhaps continued treatment of that kind might not be beneficial. Of course I didn't mean that it was more than I had seen at weddings, but only sent away. Mr. & Mrs. McGraw are coming here before long. We finish our Williams today, for which I am devoutly thankful. Williams is our book of French phrases translated into English and has no comparison for stupidity. He bid us an affecting adieu, and saysthat we shall see each other no more - I suppose that he does not make any calculation for reviews. Did I ever tell you that our riding teacher is a Baron. He was compelled to leave Poland several years ago on account of political sentiments, and like most of the foreign exiles, supports himself by teaching his accomplishments. His wife, who is a Philadelphian lady assists him. She always calls him "Baron" which would seem to me a miserable affectation if it were not than he owns a jawbreaking name, which no civilized American would ever dream of pronouncing - Our hickory nuts are last disappearing under the hammer - I am afraid that they will never see the Holidays. Mr. Ballard's sermon must have been very good - How much I would give to see and hear him. Dr. Raymond is by no means interesting as a preacher. Give a great deal of love to all the girls you see. Has Mr. Pease been at our house since we left? How does he progress at the Hawleys? I would be delighted if he would carry off Lucy. Have you seen Mr. & Mrs. James? I think you had better be married. I see no objection on the score of age -I am going to write to Mother too, so I'll bid you farewell - I'll try not to skip another Wednesday - Good bye dear. Your loving sister Mattie S. Warner
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: October 29, 1866
Text: Vassar College. Oct. 29, 1866. My dearest Mother, Wasn't I glad though when Minnie handed your letter, exclaiming, "From your Mother, only think!" I am very sorry that your eyes do not gain faster - but I think they must before long. Don't let Auntie go till they do. How magnificent it was of Father to repaper our room, and get us some curtains. I should like to go straight home and take a look at them - What style of paper was it? I don't think it at all strange that...
Show moreVassar College. Oct. 29, 1866. My dearest Mother, Wasn't I glad though when Minnie handed your letter, exclaiming, "From your Mother, only think!" I am very sorry that your eyes do not gain faster - but I think they must before long. Don't let Auntie go till they do. How magnificent it was of Father to repaper our room, and get us some curtains. I should like to go straight home and take a look at them - What style of paper was it? I don't think it at all strange that no one was sent to you, when everyone knew that your eyes were sore, and that we were not at home to help you. I should have thought it very inconsiderate if the committee had asked you. But I am very glad that you had friendssince you wanted them. How pleasant it was for Mr. Ballard to be installed on his birthday. Please tell him that he shall have all those congratulations and a great many more from us. We were reading an epistle that morning, in which Horace said that he was just forty four. I nearly made Sarah Starr choke by remarking that he and my minister were the same age. Last Friday was Minnie's birthday, she was twenty three. Hattie gave her a pincushion of crimson merino, braided with gold braid, and a border of chenille and gold braid. It was a beauty, and greatly delighted the recipient. I gave her that Winnifred Bertram which she declared was the very one she would have chosen. In the evening we went into Mrs. Tenney's carrying with us a dish of hickory nuts - Mrs. Tenney took us right down stairs, where we had coffee, raisins and crackers. Every think was so neat and beautifulit did us more good than any one could imagine who hadn't been eating in such a dining room as ours - Yet we are usually pretty neat. Miss Usher had given us leave to sit up a while after the bell rang, so that we had a delightful evening. Minnie said that she hadn't intended to celebrate any more birthdays, she was so old, but now she thought she would begin again. Wednesday afternoon Mrs. Tenney invited me to go out riding with her. I went, and enjoyed it exceedingly. We went to Mr. Buckingham's where the Prof. & his wife made a call. Then he came out and took the children and me out to go over the grounds. They were very beautiful indeed. The view of the Hudson was grand. Then they made two more calls, one of them at a most beautiful residence, whith very large, elegantly laid out grounds. I think the carriage road from the gate to the house must be at least half a milelong, I returned with a much more elevated opinion of the beauties of Poughkeepsie than I had hitherto entertained. I am glad that people are good and go to see us often. I hope they will not grow at all dilatory in that respect. The reason that I am making such chicken tracks instead of writing, is that I am anxious to finish this before mail time - Young Mat. Vassar has just been making a western tour, and is loud in his praises of the Central Depot roof. Maggie B. has the use of her eyes again. She has deserted Dr. Stewart, and is employing Dr. Noyes - I hope he will cure her. Love to all. Did you consider Mr. C.'s servant girl an addition to your pew. I wonder how Libbie felt - I must stop now. Good bye Be sure & tell us that we are to go to Burlington - Mattie S. W.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: November 04, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Nov. 4, 1866- My dearest Mother, I am all alone in my room. Helen has gone to church, Mattie and Minnie are in chapel, and I have seized the opportunity to write to you. How glad I am that you could hear Mr. Ballard today, and didn't have to sit an hour and listen to Dr. Raymond - Why doesn't some institution make Mr. Ballard a D.D. I am sure he deserves it as much as any one - I wish Father would please tell Ann Arbor to show her appreciation for true talent, and...
Show moreVassar College, Nov. 4, 1866- My dearest Mother, I am all alone in my room. Helen has gone to church, Mattie and Minnie are in chapel, and I have seized the opportunity to write to you. How glad I am that you could hear Mr. Ballard today, and didn't have to sit an hour and listen to Dr. Raymond - Why doesn't some institution make Mr. Ballard a D.D. I am sure he deserves it as much as any one - I wish Father would please tell Ann Arbor to show her appreciation for true talent, and give him all the title our poor ministers can ever aspire to. We told you didn't we that we were put into Prof. Knapp's Bible class? He, poor man, is so crowded with business that he finds it impossible to comeup here Saturdays, even for the exquisite pleasure of having a class of sixty one girls, of all ages and beliefs, at a time when but for love of the man, they would rebel, so he has dropped us, and Miss Lyman told us to pick ourselves up, and put ourselves where we pleased, for which last unexpected concession, I assure you we blessed her - So we are in our dear Prof. Tenney's. He is treating the first chapter of Genesis taken Geologically - He was very interesting indeed this morning, and as I hear Prof. Knapp twice a week in Greek Testament I am well satisfied with the change. We have a new music teacher who has just come over from Germany, her name is Sue - She is very odd looking but may be very nice indeed. I believe that she speaks very little English. How hard it must be for Carrie to have Mrs. Avery sick. Seems to me Mrs. Avery is sick a great deal lately - I do think thatCarrie is as lovely a girl as I know. Isn't it gorgeous that Maggie can use her eyes again? I think no doctor but an oculist ought ever to experiment on people's eyes. I do hope that your eyes are growing strong again. I want so much to see you Mother - it doesn't seem as if I could wait till next summer, but the time is going very fast - There is an utterly disagreeable young woman here named Frothingham, who attended Dr. Pease's church in Rochester. She sits at the head of the table this week, and as I sit close by her of course I have to be as agreeable to her as possible. She expatiated for some time on the love they all bore him, also the influence he had over the young gentlemen - Mother I don't want any bonnet, and for a hat get me any thing you want to. I don't know anything about it, not having seen a single hat of any kind. I think a felt hat would be very pretty indeed. Nellie wore her velvet hattoday, and it looked very pretty — Is it not becoming? I hope that you wont be worn out with company, but yet I am glad every time I hear of any one's being at our house. I suppose that Sarah is having a splendid time keeping house. Won't it be forlorn if George has to go away - What a goose Julia LeMaire is! I am out of all manner of patience with the people. Won't you have some body at home Thanksgiving? It will be so desolate with out any one - Tell Father that he Is a jewel to want to share the good things with us, and I wish he could. I am going to write to him very soon, just as soon as I have any ideas. I am perfectly destitute of any thing of the kind. Hattie wants you to please send her, her pink Bible Dictionary - She say that she an accumulation of duties just now, but just as soon as she can, about by Teusday she will write. How did you manage with Rose and her baby both sick? Hattie likewise wants a belt. She can't find onein Poughkeepsie. She will send you a sample - All send s greet deal of love - Please remember us to all the nice people whom we like - Love to Auntie & Mary in large quantities - Willie and Father also - Good bye - with much love from your loving daughter Mattie -
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: November 14, 1866
Text: Vassar Collage Nov. 14, 1866 Dear Will, Such a season of watching as we are having! I might better say they, for I have gone to bed in the most solemn manner every night at ten, and only wished that I was on the observatory roof, counting meteors. As we have not seen any shower it is only reasonable to conclude that you have shared the same sad fate - I have no faith in its appearing tonight, but from the wonderful beauty and frequency of those seen during the two proceeding nights, I have...
Show moreVassar Collage Nov. 14, 1866 Dear Will, Such a season of watching as we are having! I might better say they, for I have gone to bed in the most solemn manner every night at ten, and only wished that I was on the observatory roof, counting meteors. As we have not seen any shower it is only reasonable to conclude that you have shared the same sad fate - I have no faith in its appearing tonight, but from the wonderful beauty and frequency of those seen during the two proceeding nights, I have freely uttered my belief that Monday night we entered it, Teusday we wore in it, and last night was the closing up. But as I am not an astronomer my opinion is not considered oracular in the least. I shall not attempt to describe what they saw, since Hattie will consider that herpeculiar priviledge, and justly too, she having having been an eye witness of the wonders. Miss Lyman made arrangements to have the bells rung and the whole College aroused if the shower appeared, and when the rising bell rang yesterday morning there was a general stampede to the windows of sleepy girls, who fully believed that 'twas the middle of the night, and the shower had surely come. The Po'keepsee people have at last awakened to sense of their duties, and were so much in earnest about the shower that they were to have the bells rung. Did the Detroit people take any interest in it? Hattee had a letter from Father this morning. In which he said that when you wrote you would have a great many funny stories about the elections. Did you work much at them? Only think how soon you will be able to vote! I wish I could - The only election item that I have heard was that a man in Po'keepsie, the post master, felldead on the court house steps on election night. He had the heart desease, and the great joy he felt on hearing of the Republican victories proved to be his death. I am surprised that the Republicans make so few demonstrations over their triumph, although I suppose I am hardly in a position to judge of any one's rejoicings. The girls are quite enthusiastic just now over archery - It seems to me rather late in the year to think about such things, but if they enjoy it I have no objection - I think It will prove rather an expensive experiment, as most of the bows, for which they pay from three to four dollars, break at the slightest strain. I presume a third of the girls have broken theirs already - We are going to begin to practice gymnastics in a little while. I must say that I don't feel very anxious for the time to come - I shall practice between nine and ten every evening, for forty minutes. Our gymnasium is a beautiful room with a deafened floor.There is also a little gallery over the platform for spectators. The room is intended for light gymnastics only - they have made no arrangements for anything else. We are not prospering very finely with our lectures - Gough can't come, nor Holland, nor Cartiss - Manning is the only one who has returned a favorable answer. What is the most aggravating part of it, is, that the girls don't even get autograph letters from the big ones - Holland's reply was printed, saying that he gives no lectures this winter - Gough's was written by a secretary, saying that he is engaged every evening till the last of May - Isn't it provoking? I think it must be profitable business to lecture. When you are a man you had better try it - I believe that you would like chemistry Will - I should love to be a practical chemist, and try all manner of beautiful experiments - So Father is going to be gone this winter - Poor Mother! Ah Will! How good you must be! You may never have such another opportunity to show forth the good there is in you. Be sure and improve it. Write soon do. I delight in your letters as do we all. Love to every one. Your loving sister Mattie.When I said "the girls were enthusiastic in archery" I meant the girls in general not any of our room.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: November 15, 1866
Text: Vassar College- Nov. 15, 1866- My dearest Mother, I was delighted to receive your letter, how good it was of you to write to me - We are so much rejoiced to hear such good news of your eyes. I hope that they will continue to increase in strength, until they are as well as they used to be before. You don't know how astonished I was to hear your news of Sarah. I was so positive that nothing of the kind was the matter with her, that I could scarcely believe my eyes. Do tell me all the...
Show moreVassar College- Nov. 15, 1866- My dearest Mother, I was delighted to receive your letter, how good it was of you to write to me - We are so much rejoiced to hear such good news of your eyes. I hope that they will continue to increase in strength, until they are as well as they used to be before. You don't know how astonished I was to hear your news of Sarah. I was so positive that nothing of the kind was the matter with her, that I could scarcely believe my eyes. Do tell me all the particulars as soon as possible. Nov. 21. I wrote thus far last Wednesday but was prevented from finishing it, and have not been able yet to finish it, but I am going to now any way - We are having a beautiful time prepar-ing for our public meeting which is to take place next Monday week. If Father thinks best I shall enjoy staying here very much although of course I am very anxious to see Burlington and its inhabitants once more. I don't know whether we shall have to pay board or not, but I think it altogether more probable that we will. When you send the box will you please send that large shell comb of Aunt Rebecca's? I want it very much, and will take excellent care of it. What is the matter with George Pomeroy? Your letter to Helen said that he was very low if alive. Is it not very sudden? I had not heard of him being ill - I don't know whether any one could mourn for him or not. If his mind had been unimpaired I think that he would have made a fine man - He was a very smart boy. As it is, I could hardly be sorry for him, or for the girls, his life, if helives, must be a terrible burden to himself, if not an utter blank, and a constant cause of anxiety to his friends - If he dies please tell me all about his sickness and the family, please do any way. Has Mrs. Pomeroy quite recovered? How is Sarah's health? We received Mr. Ballard's letter today. How very kind of him to write, and of you to ask him - I think the motto a beautiful one. You heard it did you not? "Per aspera, ad astra," "Through trials to glory." The girls like it very much, but we are going to get several together before we decide upon any. Did you read his letter? It was a very kind one, but I must say I dont fancy the idea of a dock in church. The church was what he meant by the "audience room" was it not? Did you hear that Italian lecture? I hope that he presentiment is a true one, and that the Pope will leaveRome before the close of the year, but I must say that I have little faith in such predictions - He seems to me very much like a fixture - Get me a felt hat please. Mother, a real pretty shape, turban if they are prettiest, and please send me my felt turban that I foolishly left behind me. Auntie and little Mary have left I suppose. I am very glad that they made you such a good long visit, & I wish that some one else would come and make you another while Father is gone. Otherwise how forlorn you will be. How did you ever come to take tea at the Colburn's? Has the old lady grown gracious? or what? Do tell us what you are going to do for Thanksgiving? Who are you going to have to dinner? What are you going to have to eat? &c &c. I am hungry and want to hear of some good things to eat. I suppose that we are to have some kind of a dinner, and a Shakspeare reading in the evening. Coming as it does just before our public meetingit was not considered necessary to have any thing much - Give a great deal of love to all the people who want it. Father, Willie, Sarah, &c - I hope that your eye is quite well now. I am very sorry that I let so long a time elapse between my last letter and this, and never mean to do so any more. With a great deal of love, and a great many kisses, I am Your humble servant, M.S.W.
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