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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 8, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie Tuesday May 81]} 1866 My dear Miss. Stilson I was favor fA with a Copy of your pretty little poem diliverfC* on the occasion of the "Founder5 day" or Festival in commemoration of his Birth-day April SGtt1 1866, and have perused it over and over, and cannot express ray feelings at the present moment for this little gem of your poetic genious Please to accept my best thanks till oppertunity xkk offers to do better, I am Dear Miss S. Yours truly &c M. VassarMiss Sarah...
Show morePoughkeepsie Tuesday May 81]} 1866 My dear Miss. Stilson I was favor fA with a Copy of your pretty little poem diliverfC* on the occasion of the "Founder5 day" or Festival in commemoration of his Birth-day April SGtt1 1866, and have perused it over and over, and cannot express ray feelings at the present moment for this little gem of your poetic genious Please to accept my best thanks till oppertunity xkk offers to do better, I am Dear Miss S. Yours truly &c M. VassarMiss Sarah L. Stilson Vassar College
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 18, 1866
Text: Springside Monday June 18th, 1866 My Dear Stilson The printer (Mr. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem compositions “Hill of Jekyl” was delivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you. I forward the same this morning by the “College post Boy” I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for literary fame. I remain dear Miss G....
Show moreSpringside Monday June 18th, 1866 My Dear Stilson The printer (Mr. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem compositions “Hill of Jekyl” was delivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you. I forward the same this morning by the “College post Boy” I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for literary fame. I remain dear Miss G. Your friend &c Matthew Vassar P.S. I have retained 25 copies for distribution among my friends
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 18, 1866
Text: " Springside " June 18th 1866. My dear Miss Stillson The printer (M. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem composition " Hilltop Idyl" was dilivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you—I forward the same this morning by the " College post Boy " I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for...
Show more" Springside " June 18th 1866. My dear Miss Stillson The printer (M. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem composition " Hilltop Idyl" was dilivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you—I forward the same this morning by the " College post Boy " I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for literaly fame. I remain dear Miss S— Your friend &c Matthew Vassar P. S. I have retained 25 copies for distribution among my friendsMiss Sarah L. Stilson Vassar College
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 4, 1867
Text: VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, N. Y., May 4th 1867 My dear Miss Stilson I feel disappointed & grived to think I have not seen you within speakable distance so long a time but circumstances of a personal nature has prevented, Of course I saw you, saw your sweet lips move, heard the sound of your melodous voice on the Anniversary Eve- ning, but that8 all, did not hear one word distinctedly, I think I saw you once in the Corrodors or refreshment room, however be that as it may, I have...
Show moreVASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, N. Y., May 4th 1867 My dear Miss Stilson I feel disappointed & grived to think I have not seen you within speakable distance so long a time but circumstances of a personal nature has prevented, Of course I saw you, saw your sweet lips move, heard the sound of your melodous voice on the Anniversary Eve- ning, but that8 all, did not hear one word distinctedly, I think I saw you once in the Corrodors or refreshment room, however be that as it may, I have just finished reading your " Colloquy " so kindly sent me yesterday on the "_Triumph of Progress"—a Composition worthy of the claims of more matured and older inter- acts, but where are they in " Vassar College " &c to be found. Excuse briefity—the doorBell Rings, &c. Yrs truly* M. VassarMiss G. L. Stilson Vassar College
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 13, 1867
Text: Thursday Evening My dear Miss Stilson I received your8 of the IIth inst, appologising for your and other pupils at " Vassar " in not seeming civil at the parting on Saturday Eves PicNic at " Springside ". I assure you my dear Miss S. that was no fault of yours or your companions, I noticed your intentions while passing the door of my Cottage, but your good Lady Principal Miss L. fancied / was tired and beconied your advance while / would have been glad to have taken each...
Show moreThursday Evening My dear Miss Stilson I received your8 of the IIth inst, appologising for your and other pupils at " Vassar " in not seeming civil at the parting on Saturday Eves PicNic at " Springside ". I assure you my dear Miss S. that was no fault of yours or your companions, I noticed your intentions while passing the door of my Cottage, but your good Lady Principal Miss L. fancied / was tired and beconied your advance while / would have been glad to have taken each of you by the hand, had an oppertunity offered. I am pleased to think you all enjoyed the repast &c, Truly a Kind Providence greatly favord us in the weather, the day was charming, so were all the sor- roundings &c. I feel sad to think how we shall sep- erate, perhaps some us forever. Good bye my dear friend for to-day, I hope to meet you on Commence- ment Week. Yours very truly &c &c Matthew VassarJune 13, 1867 (date penciled on envelope).
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Creator: Stilson, Sarah L.
Date: August 21, 1867
Text: Martinsburgh N.Y. Aug 25, 1867. Mr. M. Vassar: My Honored Friend, You perceive that I have not forgotten my promise to write to you made over the morning of leaving College. I suppose you have been spending these lovely summer days in the pleasant retreats of Springside; and the many happy ones who were so lately assembled in the same halls are scattered all over our Country now on this last evening of the summer of ’67. But September will bring them home again, home to pleasant (…) and to ...
Show moreMartinsburgh N.Y. Aug 25, 1867. Mr. M. Vassar: My Honored Friend, You perceive that I have not forgotten my promise to write to you made over the morning of leaving College. I suppose you have been spending these lovely summer days in the pleasant retreats of Springside; and the many happy ones who were so lately assembled in the same halls are scattered all over our Country now on this last evening of the summer of ’67. But September will bring them home again, home to pleasant (…) and to “Vassar”. And yet some will not return again. Some perhaps are content to return to its arms no more; while some may thirst for its pleasant influence as the wandererfor cool waters and yet can never taste them again. To you there must be a quiet joy in the white rest of years, how that the burning fever of active life has (…) leaving to er heart a calm satisfaction of work completed, a deed achieved. Ah! welcome is age to such a (…)! But drearily- oh! how dreamily must sound the footsteps of approaching age to a wasted life! I have not heard about your health since June. Are you still troubled with that strange numbness in your head? I hope you will be restored to perfect health again and live long to enjoy returning Founder’s Days, occasions hailed with joy by hundreds of hearts. I look forward with joyful anticipation to my return home At Vassar the first of March. It seems a long time but it will be so freighted with duties that its days will (…) pass. Besides there is a deeppure pleasure in earning one’s own privileges and paying one’s own way. I am teaching here and I am having better success than I had even hoped for, so early. A year ago now was the saddest part of my life. I had bade farewell to Vassar as I feared forever. I saw no way of returning. The whole world seemed dark, of my aims were high and I saw no means of accomplishing them. I was almost tempted to give up the struggle in despair. But I resolved so must all obstacles and overcome. I said “I will!” And I felt that I Heaven would watch over the brave. I opened a school of my own here. The member of pupils in classes to light times the number with which I commenced. Every thing I touched prospered, I worked very hard, and my Heavenly Father favored me. So I closed my school, as soon as my time was up, must back to Vassar last spring feeling so rich that I could pay my own tuition. But the citizens of Marten burgh drew up a paper to have me return as soon as possible, so I have done so, have procured a very cordial welcome and a larger patronageand shall be financially able to return to Vassar towards spring. Of course it will be very hard earnest work but it will be worth it its own reward. The reason that I have afflicted you with this long story is to let you know that some of your daughters prize the privileges of their “Alma Mater” and am writing to pay for these. Still I would rather not let the students know all this. They would not appreciate the circumstances. Mr. Vassar it would be very cheering indeed to me to receive a letter from you if only a short one. Wishing you perfect health and unmarred peace. I am, respectfully Your Young Friend Sarah S. Stilson Martensburgh N.Y. Address at present
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: September 5, 1867
Text: VASSAR COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, N. Y. September 5th 1867 My dear Miss Stilson. I am just in receipt of your kind note of the 31st ultimo, redeeming your long looked for promise to write me, which of course I had been axiously waiting, but the long delay inferentialy left the impression, that you were sick, or time and other occupations had obliterated me from your memory—however your in- teresting Letter lying before me has relieved all these forbodings, and I am happy to hear that you are well...
Show moreVASSAR COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, N. Y. September 5th 1867 My dear Miss Stilson. I am just in receipt of your kind note of the 31st ultimo, redeeming your long looked for promise to write me, which of course I had been axiously waiting, but the long delay inferentialy left the impression, that you were sick, or time and other occupations had obliterated me from your memory—however your in- teresting Letter lying before me has relieved all these forbodings, and I am happy to hear that you are well and succeeding so prosperously with your School at Martinsburgh. I pray that our Heavenly Father may Continue to bless your enterprise and that you will re- turn to " Vassar " again next Spring. Extensive improvements have been made in the in- terior of the College, in the Lodging departments, for the accomodation of 50 more pupils. Also in the intriduction of more light and Air in the first Story Rooms in rear of the Corridors. The finishing off 25 Rooms for Instruction on Piano8, and using the old rooms in the College Building for Lodging apartments —We can now accommodate 400 pupils with good comfortable sleeping apartments—The number of Pupils already registered for Sept. term is some 360, and in another week or two we shall have the full com- plement. Some few changes has taken place in the officers of our Institution, or rather in the Professorships— among those are Professor Knapp and Profr Weibe, the former & Lady has gone to Europe, the latter to Holy Yoke Seminary. We have their places ably supplied. We have expended some $15,000 in alter- ations & other improvements in the College buildings for the convenience & comfort of its Pupils, &c. I send you by " Am" Express Co." a work en- titled " Vassar College & its Founder " by Benson J. Lossing which is the first Copy I have given away to any Pupil of " Vassar", also the last Catalouge " please to accept the same from your sincere friend, also Miss Lymans New Term address to the Parants & Pupils—My Coachman is waiting on the door and I must close this note, with my best wishes for your health & happiness &c Yours truly M. VassarMiss Sarah L. Stilton, Martinsburgh New York
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Creator: Stilson, Sarah L.
Date: September 21, 1867
Text: Martinsburgh, N.Y. Sept. 23, 1867. Mr. M. Vassar: My honored Friend, Your kind letter was very gladly received and read with pleasure. The reason that I have not answered before is that I have been waiting for your present to reach me. Accept my very heartied thanks for the book “Vassar College and its Founder.” But I regret to say that I fear something has happened to it on the way for nearly two weeks have elapsed since the reception of your kind letter and I have been to the Express Office...
Show moreMartinsburgh, N.Y. Sept. 23, 1867. Mr. M. Vassar: My honored Friend, Your kind letter was very gladly received and read with pleasure. The reason that I have not answered before is that I have been waiting for your present to reach me. Accept my very heartied thanks for the book “Vassar College and its Founder.” But I regret to say that I fear something has happened to it on the way for nearly two weeks have elapsed since the reception of your kind letter and I have been to the Express Office almost every day and yet it has not arrived. Now the Express companies andresponsible for the safe delivery of all goods and they will have to pay your damages if this be lost. But I am very anxious to receive the book and I hope it will arrive some time soon. But I think some inquiries will have to be made at the Express Office in Po’keepsie. The companions having offices here not he U.S. Express and the Merchants’ Union Exp. But articles sent by any other co. ought to preach here safely. I think it would be the cheapest way and as safe to send by mail. I am very sorry to cause you any trouble regarding this but still if it is sent I am anxious to receive it as a keepsake from you. I was very much interested in your account of the changes at Vassar. Our “Alma Mater” has thrown open her arms to gather her children home again(…) much I thought of it last Wednesday the opening day, and it fumed as this I must be there. But the time will speed very swiftly till next spring. Meanwhile duties throng heavily. School is prospering far beyond my expectations. The citizens are so much interested, they are negotiating to organize it into a regular Academy soon. In that can this little wait from Vassar will soon have heavier responsibilities and stand at the head of a Summary of more than a hundred students and a number of teachers, and all built up from a beginning of eight pupils a year ago. Pardon this confidence. Mr. Vassar I have a very great regret to make of you. I would very much like a (…) saying “This may certify that Miss S..&c. has been pupil of Vassar College &c.” or something to that effect, that I might keep it as a memorial all my life. I sincerely hope you are still well. Your
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: September 26, 1867
Text: Springside, Po September 26th, 1867 My dear Miss Stilson, I was put duly in receipt of your kind letter of the 23d current, and was supprised to learn at first thought that you had not received " V College & its Founder " but on the second thought, there was a very good and satisfactory reason, viz, I had omitted to mail it &c, dispactd it yesterday which will be at hand ere this note. I herewith send you on other side as per request the Certificate sought, and hope it will...
Show moreSpringside, Po September 26th, 1867 My dear Miss Stilson, I was put duly in receipt of your kind letter of the 23d current, and was supprised to learn at first thought that you had not received " V College & its Founder " but on the second thought, there was a very good and satisfactory reason, viz, I had omitted to mail it &c, dispactd it yesterday which will be at hand ere this note. I herewith send you on other side as per request the Certificate sought, and hope it will prove satis- factory arid accomplish your purpose. Our College is filling up fast—we have now entered on the Books some 370, pupils, all goes on well, I am happy to hear that your School prospects are so flattering. We have this summer added more gymnastics & other physical Exercises, the latter large Riding School Building, two 9 Pin-Alleys,—Not feeling very bright this Morn- ing I must make this note brief. Yours very Respectfully &c Matthew VassarCity of Poughkeepsie N.Y. September 26th 1864 To whom it may concern &c, The bearer of this note Miss Sarah, L. Stilson has been been a pupil of “Vassar College” for the last two years past, and as far as I understand from the principals of the educational departments has acquitted herself with credible testimonies and good character. Matthew Vassar Founder of Vassar CollegeMiss Sarah L. Stilson Martensburgh New York
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Creator: Stilson, Sarah L.
Date: October 12, 1867
Text: Martinsburgh Oct. 12, 1867 Mr. M. Vassar: Honored Friend, The beautiful book “Vassar College and the Founder” has safely arrived at last and I am delighted with it. I have shown it to a number and the work is universally admired. The particulars you give of the opening of the College year are very interesting. It seems to me like news from home to hear from Vassar. And sometimes when I fall to thinking of it I almost long for wingsthat I might be there. But we live in a practical world, a ...
Show moreMartinsburgh Oct. 12, 1867 Mr. M. Vassar: Honored Friend, The beautiful book “Vassar College and the Founder” has safely arrived at last and I am delighted with it. I have shown it to a number and the work is universally admired. The particulars you give of the opening of the College year are very interesting. It seems to me like news from home to hear from Vassar. And sometimes when I fall to thinking of it I almost long for wingsthat I might be there. But we live in a practical world, a “working-day would” and wings are not given us till we change this practical for the etherial. And oh! how much there is to be done in the world! What a mighty mission for every one! It seems sensitive, if one spends a life from without harming any one or doing one wrong act, still if he be simply negative and silently idle when life has such a million calls, then great is his crime, in the eyes of angels and God. May you live long to enjoy the fulfillments of your life-hopes. With the best wishes I am Your young Friend Sarah L. Stilson
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: October 18, 1867
Text: Oct. 18.1867 My dear Miss Stilson Right glad I were to receive a note from you under date of the 12th current, acknowledging the safe re- ceipt of " V. C. & its Founder". I began to have fears that like several others sent by the " American Express Company " had failed to reach its destination, I am also happy to hear you were pleased with the work. If the particulars I gave you of the late opening of the College were " interesting " to you I am happy &...
Show moreOct. 18.1867 My dear Miss Stilson Right glad I were to receive a note from you under date of the 12th current, acknowledging the safe re- ceipt of " V. C. & its Founder". I began to have fears that like several others sent by the " American Express Company " had failed to reach its destination, I am also happy to hear you were pleased with the work. If the particulars I gave you of the late opening of the College were " interesting " to you I am happy & amply paid for writing it, as nothing gives me more pleasure than to please my College Children, and like yourself when I fall to thinking about our absent ones I wish them all back again, but as you remark " this is a "Working world" and have all of us " wings & must expect some will " fly away ", like the Dove in olden times with the emblem of invitation to return with safety to its green pastures &c. I rode out to the College yesterday— a lovely day, Saw many of your old Schoolmates, they were glad to hear from you through me, some were walking, Riding, Rowing, and some rolling 10 Pins in the New Ball Alley opened yesterday in the Gymnasium Build- ing—on the south side in Basement—one Alley on either side 100 feet long. Room Lighted nights with Gass, heated with Steam, many practice evenings & 150 pupils have enrolled their names. It is much liked as a physical exercise, and that you know is my great object " Physical Exercise ". I hope my dear Miss S. you will find it to your Convenience to return to the College soon. I remain truly Yours M. Vassar.Miss Sarah L. Stilson Martinsburgh New York
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Creator: Stilson, Sarah L.
Date: December 6, 1867
Text: Martinsburgh, Dec. 6. 1867. Mr. M. Vassar: My Honored Friend, Your kind letter received over month ago was very welcome and was perused with much pleasure. It has rested this long with no response because the heavy demands upon my time carried by the many duties of my school. Very glad am I of an opportunity afforded by a mark’s vacation to rest and enjoy the buying of (…) to reply to my friends’ letters. I am delighted to hear of the prosperity of Vassar College. May it continue to increase,...
Show moreMartinsburgh, Dec. 6. 1867. Mr. M. Vassar: My Honored Friend, Your kind letter received over month ago was very welcome and was perused with much pleasure. It has rested this long with no response because the heavy demands upon my time carried by the many duties of my school. Very glad am I of an opportunity afforded by a mark’s vacation to rest and enjoy the buying of (…) to reply to my friends’ letters. I am delighted to hear of the prosperity of Vassar College. May it continue to increase, and may itsFounder live many years to enjoy its brightening fame. There is such a pleasant atmosphere for the heart to breathe, in those walls, which often and often when far away I have longed and thirsted for its sweet influences again. In addition to my duties here I intend to say to keep up with my class at Vassar. So I have been studying this vacation on my Latin. What a pleasant time that was last summer, that day at Springtide! The scenery, the sunlight, the merry group, the very airs seemed laden with great delight. Many such days may you live to enjoy! This short vacation of mine will soon be over, then for earnest work again! I will send youthe advantagement of our school. In just thirteen weeks, or on the 10th of March, I will be at Vassar again! Ready there for a student’s duties instead of a teacher’s, ready for wash and Founder’s Day (!) I sincerely hope you are well and happy. In every grief may our dear Heavenly Father comfort you. This is the wish and prayers of Your sincere young friend Sarah L. Stilson Martinsburgh N. Y.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 10, 1867
Text: Poughkeepsie December 10th 1867 My dear Miss Stilson. Your8, of the 6th current with " Hill Top " Institute enclosed is received, and were happy to hear from you once again, and have perused over your letter with much pleasure, altho' you mentiond it was written under pressure of many heavy demands on your time, yet I did not discover it by its autography or Composition but contrawise, both had improved. Your reminiscences of the pleasure8 you enjoyed at the little festival...
Show morePoughkeepsie December 10th 1867 My dear Miss Stilson. Your8, of the 6th current with " Hill Top " Institute enclosed is received, and were happy to hear from you once again, and have perused over your letter with much pleasure, altho' you mentiond it was written under pressure of many heavy demands on your time, yet I did not discover it by its autography or Composition but contrawise, both had improved. Your reminiscences of the pleasure8 you enjoyed at the little festival entertainment afforded at Springside last summer were fully ballanced & reciprocated by me on that occasion, by meeting so many of the Young Ladies of the College—I have again and again, of late participated & enjoyed those pleasent season8— First on the last Thanksgiving day, I dined at the Col- lege, & in the Evening had a social gathering in the Parlors—on the 3d. Dec the Annual Festival of the Philalethian Society came off, then on the 6th (Friday Evening) we held a sociable Entertainment at my Domicil (city Residence) of the Faculty, Professors, & Lady Teachers, of " Vassar ", with several of the Trustees & Executive Committee, numbering over a hundred Guests, with a choice N. Y. City Band of Music. At 11. Ock. we all partook of a fine supper got up by the Celebrated Caterers " Smith Brothers " of this City. This was the first Invitation ever extended to the College Faculty & Lady Teachers, since its or- ganization & I think was highly appreciated and will be long remembered—Miss Lyman was absent having recently lost her Sister, in Philadelphia— We have lately had several distinguish Lecturers at our College among them Revd. Newman Hall of England, Wendell Phillips, Vincent & others. The weather is now very cold and we have fine skat- ing at College Lake, a little snow but no sleighing. I remain Dear Miss Stilson truly Yours &c M.. Vassar.Miss Sarah L. Stilson Martinsburgh New York
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