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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: 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 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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 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 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.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1865-1868

Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: n.d.
Text: Vassar College. Sunday A. M. 6. o'clock My dear Will, I am up unusually early this morning for the purpose of attending an Easter service in one of the recitation rooms, held by the Episcopalian girls, and as I am going to church today, and may be tired this evening, I am going to write you now, so as to be sure of you. It is a beautiful spring morning, the rain last night was just sufficient to lay the dust nicely and make it delightful walking today. I am very glad for a great many...
Show moreVassar College. Sunday A. M. 6. o'clock My dear Will, I am up unusually early this morning for the purpose of attending an Easter service in one of the recitation rooms, held by the Episcopalian girls, and as I am going to church today, and may be tired this evening, I am going to write you now, so as to be sure of you. It is a beautiful spring morning, the rain last night was just sufficient to lay the dust nicely and make it delightful walking today. I am very glad for a great many girls want to walk into to church today on account of its being Easter, and the Holy Comforter, where the Episcopalians attend, is too far to walk in bad weather. Louise and I are going to the Methodist church we wentto last Sunday, and where we intend to go the rest of the time. Helen went over the river yesterday to what I call "the botanist Elysium," where she found a great many beautiful flowers. She and Miss Shattuck went together, and stayed till the middle of the afternoon. Trailing arbutus grows there and no where else in this region, they failed to find any however. Prof. Tenney obliged his botany class to make an herbarium of at least two hundred specimens. I am sure I don't know where they will find them, but Helen prides herself upon having nearly twenty already - I am glad that I took my life in my hand and was examined in Botany instead of studying it. Our invitations for Founder's Day have come. I think that they are vary pretty, and certainly less work and trouble than the written ones of last year. We are going to send you one. I wish thatyou could come. I have been snubbed by the Committee of Arrangements at every proposal I have made. I offered myself for marshall of the day, and they told me that the marshall was appointed and to my most urgent entreaties they only replied by laughing. I then mildly suggested the expediency of my writing the poem, and they had the poor taste to prefer Louise Blatchley. To be sure her poem is exquisite, but just consider what mine might have been. I likewise promised to wear my "Infant Phenomenon" clothes in case that they would suffer me to receive the guests in the parlor, and that they declined also. To think that my own sister is chairman of the committee, and treats me so. Minnie is coming back Tuesday night and my heart leaps whenever I think of it. We have missed her sorely. I trust that she will be quite well and able to go through the next nineweeks in safety. Just think how soon we will be at home about two months more and then. I hope that Mother is at home by this time. She said that she was going last week. I don't like to tell you how glad I am for you, lest she shouldn't have come, and it should prove an aggravation. Weren't Carrie and Lucy good? They have sent me a box of cake by Minnie. They thought that Minnie left a week earlier than she does and so brought it up last Friday. Give my love to all the people. I hope that you did your duty and called upon Minnie. I want to see you very much my dear. I must stop writing and go Chapel, and after that to church. You see I didn't succeed in finishing this before service this morning. I enjoyed the letter very much indeed. Good bye dear - Your sister - Mattie
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: n.d.
Text: Vassar [?] My darling Mother, Here we are safe and sound Mattie unpacking her trunk, Minnie arranging the books on the what not, my things lying around promiscuously and my self writing you. We got her in the finest sleigh imaginable. No one could have been kinder than [?] [?] and Bessie was very pleasant and agree ably disappointed me. She expressed her pleas rue several times at having us with her, told us to call her Bessie. I felt as though I had known her all my life. We did not have to...
Show moreVassar [?] My darling Mother, Here we are safe and sound Mattie unpacking her trunk, Minnie arranging the books on the what not, my things lying around promiscuously and my self writing you. We got her in the finest sleigh imaginable. No one could have been kinder than [?] [?] and Bessie was very pleasant and agree ably disappointed me. She expressed her pleas rue several times at having us with her, told us to call her Bessie. I felt as though I had known her all my life. We did not have to change cars except at Niagara where we found very dine fleeing cars. Hattie and Miss. Bell had one bench. Mr [?] ones and Bessie and [?] Wgeb we reached Pokeepsie (fashionable appalling here) one of the railway officials conductors to the rails [?]. He went so fast that we lost sight ofher. Mc. Clellan alrother and so had no op portunity to thank her, we both felt very much mortified about it and wish you would ask father to thank him for us. He was just asking if any one could be. We rode up in the omnibus which was jammed with girls and their Father and Mothers I wished. I was any when else in the world. I don't think I even dreaded any thing quite as much as I did that. We got with in sight of the building and it looked just like the lectures we drove thro the lodge up to the door and alighted there we watched to see what other people did. and as they all posted up to the front door we posted after them. there we stood [?] and solitary when a very handsome young gentle man with light hair said to us "have you seen Miss Lyman?" We signified that we hadn't but desire to do so. He inquired if our Father was with us. Hattie said no but we had a letter to her. he seized it inquired our names and dragged us in to the reception room, which was packed full of ladies and gentlemen in the midst of which stood a tall lady in [?] white lace [?]with kink rodes, and almost white curls to whom every one was talking and who seemed to be the center of attraction generally. the gentleman (Mr. Terry as we have since learned) introduced us to her and handed her the letter she shook hands with us and write out waiting to say "how do you you do or anything she exclaimed "do you know that your mother was a class mate of mine, we were the same age. I am delighted to have her daughters under my charge" - I do not remmed beer ever feeling so relieved and refreshed by a few words in my life. She then put us in charge of Prof. Henry who conducted us down stairs and put us into the Prof. Buckham can who look down our manner and sent us into a room to wait until our turn came to go into the clark and pay our bills & get our keys. we waited an almost [?] amount of time before our turn came when Hattie attended to the many mat ters and came back and we sailed up stairs when we were met by a lady teacher who conducted us to our room. just as we almost reached it some one came rushing out an adjoining room and there was [?]me. She said she had been waiting for us all day and was greatly disappointed at not having [?] us to our room or anything. We took off our things and I found that I was nearly dead. Hattie was not quite so much exhausted as I, but pretty nearly. We started out to look at the house a little when Minnie introduced us to Miss Gilbert. She was very glad to see us but we none of us fell in love with her. We went into the art gallery which is beautiful and into the chapel which is very pleasant, and then the dinner bell rang. I felt to tired to eat and so went back to our room which is just as perfect as we could ask it is in the south wing the back room. our parlor is about as large as our room not quite. but plenty large for our pur pose. the furniture is a [?][?] Hattie says she has told father about it. We are all charmed Yesterday after the frills came up from dinner Minnie thought I would setle better if I had a cup of tea. She went to M[?] Fowler (the house keeper) and she very kindly sent us up a pitcher of tea. two cups and saucers a pitcher of beautiful cream & [?] [?] brought us some bread & butter & felt very much better after it & I dressed for tea but got belated and didn't go down. Our bed room floors are oiled and uncapped except a rug your loving daughter Min front of the bed. I am delighted write every [?] [?] I am just going to say a word to Jon this time. We going to be very happy hire I know. I do so want to see you all I want you to see the building & everything here very much, Give my love to [?] tell her I will write very soon. Minnie is asleep Mattie telling me to hurry. Good by my dear darling Mother Hattie give us a great deal of love to Helen & Willies father Prof. [?] says that we must go on work tomorrow. We say his examinations are not going to [?]difficult but after you are in a class you must do your best and [?] your placeperfectly or we will go down with out mercy. Love to Dara and the rest for you- I do hope you are better-
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.

Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: November 3
Text: Vassar Nov. 3rd My dear Nellie, Of course I didn't notice your note. Could you have expected that I would do any thing so derogatory to my dignity as to notice a note of one half sheet in answer to my orthodox letter, when it was written in pencil too! Certainly not! Moreover you must not expect to receive letters from me written on other days than Fridays unless the cholera breaks out among us. I am extremely considerate of your comfort and write Friday and then it is matted Saturday,...
Show moreVassar Nov. 3rd My dear Nellie, Of course I didn't notice your note. Could you have expected that I would do any thing so derogatory to my dignity as to notice a note of one half sheet in answer to my orthodox letter, when it was written in pencil too! Certainly not! Moreover you must not expect to receive letters from me written on other days than Fridays unless the cholera breaks out among us. I am extremely considerate of your comfort and write Friday and then it is matted Saturday, but if I write Saturday it wouldn't be mailed until Monday. Don't mention it. I always knew that I was a miracle of goodness. As for Dr. Pomeroy's marriage I did write to Sara as soon as I received herletter, and I didn't before, because I didn't know whether she would want me to. I think that so far from being worse it is a great deal better than Miss Leroy. It won't be half so hard for the girls to have her at the head of the house as it would a young girl, as for her character nothing was ever proved against her, we can't say that she is not perfectly innocent, and what right have we to judge her - For herself personally have always heard her spoken of a very pleasant agreeable woman, and I hope and think she will do all in her power to make it pleasant for the girls. As for George I don't suppose it will make any difference to the poor boy, one way, or the other, very long. I hope that you and Mother will call on her, as if she never had been any body else. I am greatly rejoiced at your good fortune. A water proof dress is not a thing to be despised. I wish you could see the water proofs here. they come marching in it ail kinds of weather intochapel, dining hall, and recitation rooms. For the credit of the young ladies I will say that they have been almost entirely dropped since Miss Lyman gave the a lecture on the subject. But there is a young lady named Swift whom I never have seen without her waterproof but once when she had on a flannel sack and a handkerchief around her neck. Helen Dana thinks it a pity because she will wear it out before the year is out, and be at the expense of a new one. Miss Gilbert had a letter today saying that her brother George is coming home this winter. She is almost crazy with delight. Hattie gave her your messages and she said she know you would if you hadn't forgotten her. She seems to consider you "a model of all the virtues". What has possessed you to attempt giving Hattie Benson lessons? Couldn't she find a teacher anywhere? I am very glad that you have found a German teacher at last. Mrs. King came into Haigh's one daywhen I was there, and quite exhausted me. There is a girl here by the name of Rhodes who is only seventeen and has read Caesar, 8 orations of Cicero, 8 books of Virgil, Sallust and the Germania and Agricola of Tacitus. She is studying Levy, German, Astronomy and French, and is going to take up Eng. Lit. in order to have her time occupied. Moreover she is a very thorough, careful student. Likewise Miss Glover is something remarkable. She went through the Lawrence Schools without making a single failure in any of her classes. She does recite wonderfully - She told me that the last part of the time she studied Xenophon that they took six pages a lesson and were expected to parse as accurately as if it had been six lines, which she coolly said "made it very hard." I like her very much she looks like Hattie Goodell - Miss Starr is coming in after study hours to read over her Greek lessons - I like her better each time I see her - Isn't it funny that her name is Sarah? She is an only child and an orphan. Wears deep black, and has no relative nearer than a cousin and only two of those. She admires Sara's picture very much and always asks me something about her when she comes in here. Also she takes a deep interest in mud turtle, which is thriving finely and an object of much interestto every one who comes in here - I don't know just what to feed him - What an astonishing woman Mrs. Howard is! Do they really think that she is going to get quite well again - I am glad to hear that Mr. Tarbox is fairly disposed of - I wish that Mr. Kent would follow suit - Tell Mother to remember us to T. Hougtingdon and ask him if Sarah is still in Burlington. I was delighted to hear from Father and should have written to him bat Hattie did. A great deal of love to Will tell him that he would be vain enough if he could have heard all I have said about him - Every one makes it a point to praise their relatives a little more than the one that spoke before them. Nellie I perceive that blessings brighten as they take their flight. I fear that if I should come home the cookieswould be as dear as ever. Give such heaps of love to all at home and at Sara's from all of us. Miss G Sends love, as to Mr. Freeland and Co - With a great deal and a thousand kisses I am your little sister Mattie.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: n.d.
Text: Vassar Coll. Sept. 25 My dear Nellie, You have no idea how much I missed home yesterday afternoon, and yet it was not half so lonely as I had imagined it would be. We had a sort of Bible class after chapel conducted by Prof. Buckham. I liked him very much, the school is to be divided into three parts. Miss Lyman takes one Prof. Buckham another and Prof. Farrar the third. I hope we shall be in Prof. Farrar's. After Bible class Miss Lyman came in and told Minnie Miss Fessenden was going to...
Show moreVassar Coll. Sept. 25 My dear Nellie, You have no idea how much I missed home yesterday afternoon, and yet it was not half so lonely as I had imagined it would be. We had a sort of Bible class after chapel conducted by Prof. Buckham. I liked him very much, the school is to be divided into three parts. Miss Lyman takes one Prof. Buckham another and Prof. Farrar the third. I hope we shall be in Prof. Farrar's. After Bible class Miss Lyman came in and told Minnie Miss Fessenden was going to church, and she could go with her, so we flew around and helped her get ready, and found Miss Carr and Miss Deppan (i.e. Deppen) in the hall watching her off. We talked a few minutes and then invited them into our room. They came in and staid about an hour, we had a verypleasant quiet talk. They are young ladies from Troy, both dress in deep mourning, and I have an idea they are cousins. There is a very pretty girl rooms with them whose name is Silsby. I like them all very much. After they left we read different things. I read principally Minnie's big poetry book. We had about half a dozen books from the library, but they were not particularly fascinating. Miss Gilbert brought in a couple of books she had borrowed from Miss Sayles. she let Hattie take one, a sort of poetical treatise on the New Jerusalem. Minnie came home at five minutes after one. she thought the enjoyment scarcely paid for all the trouble she had getting permission. I forgot to tell you that the girls are not allowed to go church but after a good deal trouble Minnie had permission to go with Miss Fessenden. she is a very sweet looking teacher. Minnie came back full of the information that Miss F. had been teaching in Mrs. Worcester's school, knew Katie Pease very well, and had seen a great deal of her this summer. Then we had a very sensible Sunday dinner. Oyster soup, and grapes and apples for desert. After dinner we came back and dressed for chapel. I wore my brown fall dress, a ruffle in my neck, my mauve ribbon. I looked very nicely. Minnie wore her black & white dress. Hattie her fall dress. At half past three, bells rang for chapel where we had an excellent sermon from Dr. Raymond that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." After chapel we went into the library for a few minutes, and then came back home. Miss Gilbert came in here a few minutes before tea, when we went to dining hall and I had bread and milk. We always have two large pitchers of milk on the table besides the cream pitchers, beautiful yellow milk. After tea came silent hour, and chapel, then Miss Dana came into our room for a little while. The girls were a little afraid of being considered prisoners, when they found that the gates are locked and no girls allowed to go out, but I think they will soon recover. We have just been interrupted by a visit from Miss Hill and Miss Harris, twoyoung hopes who reside next door. I like Miss Hill very much, but can't say that I care to cultivate Miss Harris' acquaintance. O! I forgot to state, that yesterday morning before we were dressed Mrs. Metcalf brought us a letter from home. I assure you I was delighted. I am very sorry that Mr. Colburn was sick. I am sorry for all we said because he didn't come and see us. I stopped in the midst of this letter. I had to stop for chapel, and on my way Mrs, Metcalf met me with Will's letter. It certainly was one of the best letters I ever read. I shall write him very soon. Does Sara's hired woman have the impudence to sport her daughter also? I am so glad that Mother has a new dress - balmoral ditto. I have read over Mother's and JWillie's letters three times already. It was so kind of Mother to write too. I read my letter first in chapel waiting for Dr. Raymond and ever so many girls looked as greedy as possible. I have not been one bit homesick yet, a day or two ago when Miss Lyman said in chapel that three of the young ladies fathers were waiting to see them it almostmade the tears come. Miss Usher has a letter of introduction to us. I shall be glad when she is able to be seen. I wish you could see Madame. She is killing. Miss Lyman told us one day that we ought to step faster in changing during silent hours - so Madame gathers her skirts around her and rushes through the halls imagine Mrs. McLeod undergoing the same graceful process and you can have a faint idea of her appearance. Give a great deal of love to all. as to Bridget how she would like to wash for three hundred girls beside nine women and children, we are allowed a dozen articles collars & cuffs count as one - I should hate to have charge of the laundry. It is raining hard, the weather until yesterday has been perfect. Miss Gilbert says she doesn't think we shall be reached in the examinations before Wednesday - I wish they were over. The girls almost all wear calico in the A.M. - so Hattle & I are sporting our calicoes. How are the girls flourishing. Tell Father not to be troubled about our lettersfor we haven't anything else to do at present. I am contemplating drawing up a plan of the house & sending it to you.I hope that Max survive my absence with tolerable composure, increased loss of flesh would be unbecoming. I think I have Dr. JL's sweet voice as much as anything.Give a great deal of love to Father, Mother, Willie and yourself - We have got to send all the letters we write home to be mailed for the present. Ican't say I consider it pleasant, but in view of the fact that Miss Hill has five gentlemen correspondents upon whom she had decided I don't know but it is necessary. Do write soon and occasionally send us a paper.Minnie says she wants a plate of grapes too. Unsigned (probably Martha S. Warner, '68)
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: n.d.
Text: Vassar College Oct. 4. My dear Nellie, I received your letter this A. M. on my way down stairs to purchase a Livy. I did not get my Livy but it made very little difference. How much news you do have! Poor stupid I with the outer world safely locked out, can tell you little of interest save what immediately concerns us, and although we may be deeply interested in the fact that Miss Johnson has lamed herself so that she can hardly walk, practising gymnastics, or that Miss Burnet desires to room...
Show moreVassar College Oct. 4. My dear Nellie, I received your letter this A. M. on my way down stairs to purchase a Livy. I did not get my Livy but it made very little difference. How much news you do have! Poor stupid I with the outer world safely locked out, can tell you little of interest save what immediately concerns us, and although we may be deeply interested in the fact that Miss Johnson has lamed herself so that she can hardly walk, practising gymnastics, or that Miss Burnet desires to room with Lizzie Dramer on the ground that they are congenial spirits, nevertheless we cannot expect you to be particularly entertained thereby. One thing I desire to complain of immediately lest I forget it. That is, the long length of time it takes for our letters to go to and fro. A letter mailed from Detroit on Saturday, reaches here Wednesday, that is not bad, butMother's letter mailed Tuesday, the day we started, didn't reach here till Sunday. I don't think it is fair at all. So much for growling. What under the sun possessed Mary Colburn? I am so glad it is a little girl. How forlorn Mr. Colburn must feel in Detroit with her out there. I hope she will do nicely all through. How terrible Lulu Goodwin's death is. I can scarcely believe it. I had not heard of her being sick. I saw her out riding a few days before we left. It seems very much like Nellie Davidson's death does it not? Minnie had a paper from home with Tootle Dey's death in it. What was the matter with him? I am very glad that Mother has gone out to Kalamazoo. I hope she will enjoy it ever so much, and stay a long time. H Willie goes out to Mr. Cobb's I know he will like it. They have a very pleasant place and Mr. Cobb is extremely good natured. I am ever so glad that you went to Mrs. Ladue's. You must have enjoyed it highly. Who helped you dress? How kind Mother is! did you make up your handkerchief? What a delightful escort George Pomeroy must have been, but yet, if hedid as well as he knows how he would be a great deal better than no one. Who else talked to you? Was you introduced to any one? What time did you get home? You see I believe in plenty of questions to draw one out. The girls must have looked lovely, especially Sara. I fancy that Emma's style of coiffure would have looked better in a tableau than at a dancing party, but of course I cannot tell. What a very brilliant affair it must have been. I wish I had been there to see. Mrs. Ladue should have waited until next winter, when her party might have had a "bright peculiar star." Give rather our warmest congratulations upon his triumph. I am very glad indeed, about as much for the factory as for the bridge. I hope they will get the one in Canada also. Be sure and be very sociable this winter, especially now while Mother is gone and you are alone. I would advise you to call upon Miss Beaument. Remember me to Mr. Pease, if you should see him. Mr. Colburn ditto, also Mr. Freeland. Tell the old Doctor when you see him, that I have forgotten the name of the hill hetold us about. We are kept pretty closely here, that is as far as going down town is concerned. We are allowed to wander over seventy acres of the ground at will, (provided we are in immediately after sunset) as the droughts have been so severe this year, that the river channels are exposed in some cases, and after sun down the air is not considered healthy. Eastman's Commercial College in Po'keepsie contains 1100 students, and Bryant & Strattons several hundred, there are two Military Schools and several private schools, so that the streets are running over with young fellows, some of them not of the highest order, there are always plenty of girls in so large and establishment as this who would delight in such fine opportunities to start flirtations with any one they saw, and very probably would get themselves and the teachers into a great deal of trouble, and reflect anything but credit upon the College, therefore I don't at all blame Miss Lyman or the President for hedging our way to town with innumerable difficulties, and flanking us with teachers. For the same reason gentlemen calling on the ladies are to be provided with letters of introductionfrom their parents. Nellie have pity on me. I am condemned for the space of one week, to sit at Madame Spartan's table and be talked to in French only. Shades of Epicurus! I shall starve altogether. If a skeleton should come to you nicely boxed up, shed a few tears over it for memory's sake, and write as its epitaph, "Died of Madame's French." I am to recite to Prof. Knapp in both French & Latin, and are to study "Knapp's French Grammar" on the plan of Andrews and Stoddard's Latin. I may send home for Racine, but can't say. It will depend on whether the tragedy he wishes us to read, is or is not in the Reader. Prof. Knapp is very handsome but he reminds me of George Cochrane. I have struck up an acquaintance with the "music man" who lives next door. We have confined our remarks so far to "It's a very cold morning," and "Yes Sir", but practice makes perfect. I wish I could have seen Jake Beller chase his watermelon down stairs. It must have been a sight for sore eyes. I have laughed a great deal since I have been here, over our washing as much as anything. We have all had colds in our heads.Minnie is very bad yet, and as we are not allowed but twelve pieces, we have great fun deciding what dozen to send, and what to save over. I thought at first that a dozen was a great plenty, but when I came to count my handkerchiefs, collars, underclothes and so forth, its magnificent proportions dwindled fearfully. I shall have to manage however. There are a great many girls, whom I know something about, or live near, or know their friends. The other day I was talking to Ida Lynde about Mrs. Lynde when Miss Huntingdon exclaimed "Do you know her friends too? Seems to me you know every body." By the way Kittle Edmonds, daughter of the Judge is here. I haven't seen her yet, but intend to hunt her up. O dear I can't think of anything but that wretched French table. I wish Miss Gilbert would have to sit there all the time. No use blaming her tho, for she only did as she was told. I must stop as it is nearly time for French class. I don't think I put much into my letters, yet I manage to spin them out considerably - Give a great deal of love to every one at home and to the girls - Write as soon as you have time, how remarkably smart you are growing. Yours lovingly Mattie.
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: n.d.
Text: Vassar Nov. 20. My dear dear Nellie. I am thoroughly ashamed of myself to have spoken in such a spiteful manner about your writing - especially inasmuch as I received your letter just two minutes after having sealed mine to Mother What is the matter with your eyes? I am sorry for you. You must be very careful and not be induced to use them much. We had Father's note this noon, and I assure you we were delighted at the thought of seeing him - Hattie went up to ask Miss Lyman and she said ...
Show moreVassar Nov. 20. My dear dear Nellie. I am thoroughly ashamed of myself to have spoken in such a spiteful manner about your writing - especially inasmuch as I received your letter just two minutes after having sealed mine to Mother What is the matter with your eyes? I am sorry for you. You must be very careful and not be induced to use them much. We had Father's note this noon, and I assure you we were delighted at the thought of seeing him - Hattie went up to ask Miss Lyman and she said "O yes" almost before Hattie had finished speaking - But our joy was very much dampened by the sad, sad news of Ned Brush. What a terrible blow it must be to the family. Poor Willie must feel very badly. Give all our loves to himand tell him, how much we all feel for him. Ned makes the seventh High School boy that has died - Lucretia Goodwin is the only girl. Did the boys come in from Ann Arbor? And did the High School attend the funeral. I don't think that there is any other boy whose death would have affected us all as Ned's has. I can't realize at all that tomorrow morning we shall see Father! I didn't dream that I wanted to see him so much Saturday we were all so frustrated that we didn't accomplish a single thing - Unless it was to call on Mrs. Banister. She is certainly a wonderful woman. Her hair is but little gray, and her whole appearance is that of a lady whose tenor of life has been very even. She taught Miss Lyman's Bible Class Sunday, and we all went in to hear her. She talked most beautifully to us. I don't believe I shall ever forget it. Minnie says she thinks it is worth coming to Vassar to have seen her. She cameinto our room and admired it extremely - I presume I shall write another sheet tomorrow after having seen Father, but I felt moved in spirit to write tonight - What started Lucy and Ed Butler up to our house? Did they come in the day time? I judged so from your letter. I think Sallie's photograph is perfect. I have taken a great deal of comfort from it. Her dress is sweet pretty isn't it - She told me in her last letter that her Father would be married on the sixth of December. I do hope they will be happy - If Mrs. Birch doesn't behave herself I hope she'll repent of her marriage. How I hope Mary will be married before long. We do use the most refined and cultivated style of Continental here. I have reached such a point of perfection that I can say eenyourea without any desire to shout injuria afterwards as I had at first. Prof. Knapp pronounces beautifully - It is a treat to hear him - For thatmatter he does everything as perfectly as possible. I am glad to hear that you have succeeded so finely with "Hattie's remains." There is a girl here who sports a dress exactly like it. I beg a thousand pardons, but I have just looked over your letter and discovered that you said evening with reference to Lucy - It's singular that we none of us noticed it, but we all spoke of it and wondered if she could have brought him up there in the day time - Lizzie Reed had a letter today containing the death of Judge Collamer of Vt - Has Father heard of it? I am happy to hear that you are so charitably disposed. I hope you will send all your spare clothes. Did you have your waterproof dress made gored? I think they are immesureably prettier. I saw by a paper Minnie received today that they are afraid of cholera in New York. If it comes I have no intention of going there if it does seem - If it wasn't for paying 7.50 per week for board I'd prefer to stay here. I know they will have first class times. Minnie says she just wishes you were here. She thinks you would be a real comfort to our dear little Prof, in German and French - she and Hattie sufficient in Greek! Isn't she puffed up? By the way Nell I wonder if Avery Knapp is any relation to our beloved prof - Such a brilliant younggentleman that it seems a matter of certainty that he is related to some distinguished person - Have your eyes rested upon his fair countenance lately - I am ever so glad you like Miss Beaumeut so well. I hope you will cultivate her with such assiduity as to obtain an introduction to Gardener Clark. But don't on any account say "How do you do Mr. Gardener." Hattie had a letter today containing a photograph of Emma Sebring, she has also had one from Sate Kelley, they are both very pleasant looking girls. One day last week she had a letter mailed at Poughkeepsie. Who it could be we could not imagine, and puzzled over it some time. It proved to be from the illustrious hero, James Cadman, who inclosed in a note, a letter of introduction from his Mother, and asked permission to call. Miss Lyman said that altho' the introduction should have been from her parents, (i.e Hattie's) that she might see him, consequentlyHattie despatched him a note to that effect Saturday afternoon, when we were so anxiously watching the omnibuses in hopes of seeing Father, the little dot who waits on the door, appeared with a card in her hand. We all screamed and jumped, thinking that of course he was here, when what was our dismay to read - "Jas. P. Cadman." "What a fall was there my countryman"! I haven't got over it yet. As the Irishman said "it wasn't the going up hurt me, 'twas the coming down." I wrote thus far last night, when the bell rang and the gas went out. In the morning we started out in a pouring rain and rode down to the depot in style accompanied by Mrs. Raymond and Mr. Smith, that is as far as the Gregory House. I took quite a fancy to her - We waited in the depot for about an hour, when the cars came and out we rushed and saw our dear good Father. How I do love him. We had just about fifteen minutes tosee him, he introduced us to Miss Simpson, she is very pleasant looking. We gabbered as fast as possible until he was obliged to start. I wish it was Thursday. We had quite a time opening our hat box. Father forgot to bring the key and we couldn't find any one that would fit it - Mr. Wheeler tried to pick it but he didn't succeed, so at last Minnie took the lock off bodily. You don't know how very much good the whole contents did us - I am writing with my dearly beloved prodigal son of a lead pencil. Hattie's bonnet is beautiful, and has been much admired - The rose buds are a great addition. Tell Bridget that the cookies were extremely welcome. I was very much afraid that you wouldn't send any eatables. I could smell the apples all the way home. How kind it was of Mother to send me some gloves. Hattie's hat is very pretty. I feel in a most happy state of frame generally. Lottie Harris a dear little girl wholives next door, sends word that she hopes you will send some heavy sponge cake next time - I think I shall like that tintype by day but I can't see it distinctly by gas light. My letters from Sara and Emma were capital - How terrible Ned's death is - I can't realise it at all. Miss Gilbert sends much love. I don't know but I have said that before. Never mind it will bear repeating - I must stop and begin to study. Give such quantities of love to Mother that she won't know what to do with it. Tell Willie poor boy that I want to put both my arms around his neck and kiss him, and tell him how very sorry I am for him. I do hope you'll forgive and forget what I said to Mother, and I'll never do the like more. Don't hurt your eyes my dear. Love to every one Minnie and Hattie of course, say so. They are studying Greek. I do wish I could see you - Write soon as you can but do be careful of your eyes, or I shall have to go home and tend to you. Good bye - Your loving - Mattie. (Martha S. Warner, '68)
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: n.d.
Text: Vassar Coll. [?] My darling mother I [was?] just finished my composition and in consequence thereof. I feel so for feel that I cannot refrain from writing to you. My subject was "The Wreck of the P[?]" Minnie and Hattie consider it good. Hattie wrote [on] [the] a letter describing our journey, which was ex- cellent. Winnie's subject was "[?] [?] [?] of Vassar College" I think it was very good indeed. Prof. Buckham is the only one who sees them and he is to preserve...
Show moreVassar Coll. [?] My darling mother I [was?] just finished my composition and in consequence thereof. I feel so for feel that I cannot refrain from writing to you. My subject was "The Wreck of the P[?]" Minnie and Hattie consider it good. Hattie wrote [on] [the] a letter describing our journey, which was ex- cellent. Winnie's subject was "[?] [?] [?] of Vassar College" I think it was very good indeed. Prof. Buckham is the only one who sees them and he is to preserve them in the ar chives of the College. I wonder if we shall have to write one when we graduate to go alongside. Matthew Vassar founder has sent an in vitiation to the school to visit his country seat. Part are going this morning, part this afternoon, and the remainder another day. We are among the other day saints. Hattie and Minnie are going down town in a few minutes under the convoy of two teachers. I don't think that I shall ask to go in a hurry it is such a labor of love to obtain per- mission. Hattie is already quite a favorite here Miss Gilbert said the other day that they made fun of her in Faculty meeting. Hattie wanted to know what they said and she told that Prof Knapp said that she had read ore Greek and Latin than there is in the regular courts and Prog Gar man said she had studied more mathematics. Prof. Knapp is very anxious to have Minnie and Hattie alone in a Greek class. He doesn't think Hattie had better study latin this term. he has also decieed that I shall not study Greek. I am a little disappointed but perhaps it will be better for me. I want to study some Franch of Natural [?] in order to recite to Prof [?], I like him more than all the other Profs put together. He was the first person who spoke to us after we came and was so polite and kind that I wanted to hug him. He lives next door to us and I often pass ing to and from our corridor. The music man lives in the other side of his house, but I can't sayI am unable to control my affections for him. Minnie and I went out to walk yesterday (Hattie had bumped her toe, and was unable to accompany us) we went way over to sunset hill and saw the sunset. The view was very gin, but there were not clouds enough. i got some very pretty wild flowers and made a bouquet for Miss Metcalf. at which she expressed great pleasure. I was very tired when I came home but feel very finely today Last night we held a reception and invited all our table to come only size came, but we had a real nice time. Miss Hart wore her gymnasium dress gray flannel trimmed with red alpaca braids. it had just come and was very becoming. She turned out to be a [?] girl. knew Anna Marock and family is a cousin of Lucy Ward's husband and are ola play She recognized the girls pictures, but thought they had improved wonderfully. I am more and more astonished every day of my life and number of girls there are here whom I know about or know their friends Hattie said yesterday that we were growing like you in that respect. By the way every one who seesyour ambrotype things that I resemble my mother very much. Did you see Willie's letter to me? Wasn't it capital? What has become of Helen why doesn't she write to us? Minnie hasn't heard a single word from her home: isn't it a shame? She says that I Detroit might be razed to the ground and they never would send her word. Ida Lynde is here. I like her very well. She is a wild little thing. Mrs. Metcalf's little girl is the most perfect witch I ever saw. She is into every thing and every body but she is just as smart as she can be! What would you think of me Mother if you should see me drowning in bread and milk every morning and night, and deep in the mysteries of roast beef at noon? I was the first over at our table who dared to do anything so vulgar as eat bread and milk but every one at the table from Miss Gilbert to Miss Glass fool lows my illustrious example. There is always a large pitcher of milk on each table at breakfast and too at supper. ouch milk as you can't think of in Detroit. Yellow as creel al most and nearly as thick. Doesn't it seem as if we had been here two years instead of two weeks? I for as much at home here as if I had always lived here, but I do want to see you. You are certainly coming are you not? Don't think I am forgetting the home people because I don't send more messages but to tell the truth I [?] somuch to say to every one that I can't single out any one thing to send. Why doesn't Sara write to me? She promised so humbly that she would answer my letters im mediately but I know I ought not to say [?] for she has more than she can do now. I am going to be very faithful and answer every letter very promptly but after we begin to study I shan't write but once a week. School gins regularly Mon day. I think they have been very smart to examine all other girls and classify them, besides receiving them and assigning their rooms in a week [?] a half. The teachers look completely aorn out Mrs. Metcald examines seventy in history one day and fifty five the next. in consequence of which she has been [?] able every day since. Give a great deal of love to all the home people and every one else. Tell Mrs. Raymoth that Dr. Bymond has a daughter Hattie. She hasn't come yet, but I believe she is to be a scholar when she does make her appearanceMy dear dear mother take care of yourself and send me a piece of your dress give a great deal of love to father and h[?][?]. Your loving daughter [?]
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Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Date: n.d.
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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