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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: March 17, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sat. March 17th 1866- My dear Mother I received your letter several days ago but have been unable to answer it until [sic] now. I was so disappointed because Henry did not come yesterday and I do not see how I shall endure it if he does not come to-day - I can go much easier next week than I could any other time and it will be too bad if he does not come. Clara Spaulding and Libbie Anderson have gone to Poughkeepsie to spend the day and I am left with Mollie Woodruff alone. I...
Show moreVassar College Sat. March 17th 1866- My dear Mother I received your letter several days ago but have been unable to answer it until [sic] now. I was so disappointed because Henry did not come yesterday and I do not see how I shall endure it if he does not come to-day - I can go much easier next week than I could any other time and it will be too bad if he does not come. Clara Spaulding and Libbie Anderson have gone to Poughkeepsie to spend the day and I am left with Mollie Woodruff alone. I have almost given up hopes of Henry's coming for the Omnibus has come and gone in which I expected he would come. I am almost homesick and cannot study or do anything. I feel very well so I have not taken the powders for I have to go out walking every day and could not get excused. Mr Corning preached for us last Sabbath. We all enjoyed it very much. He is a very "free and easy" sort of a man. They say he tries to ape the Beechers, and he has a good many enemies in Poughkeepsie. I cant hardly write for the disappointment, I was so sure Henry would come and we have review next week in Trigonometry so I would not lose any- thing in that. When you will both come so near together it will hardly pay to come back again before you come. There is no news here but what I have told James and I cannot think of any more to write so with much love I am your affectionate daughter Helen -P.S. When you come to N.Y. wont you please bring the green silk that is left of my dress I want to put a band on the neck and another breadth in the skirt for it is too narrow to wear with the large hoops they are wearing. It always was narrow. And dont forget to bring the pattern for the outside of the fan waist or full waist to make my calico waist- Your affectionate daughter Helen
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: March 10, 1866
Text: Vassar College March 10th 1866 My dear father I was very much delighted to get your letter and did not think more of the V than of the letter though it came very accept- ably. I did not knowfrom your letter when you intended to say Henry was coming but Concluded that it must be about the 15th or 16th Ihope the public will appreciate his capabilities for the office of Supervisor- ship and testily it by electing him. I sympathise with you most sincerely in the new bump you have received. Which...
Show moreVassar College March 10th 1866 My dear father I was very much delighted to get your letter and did not think more of the V than of the letter though it came very accept- ably. I did not knowfrom your letter when you intended to say Henry was coming but Concluded that it must be about the 15th or 16th Ihope the public will appreciate his capabilities for the office of Supervisor- ship and testily it by electing him. I sympathise with you most sincerely in the new bump you have received. Which one of your faculties is it that has been so enlarged. Benevolence is'nt it? I do hope you wont write on that wretched paper again, it is about as distressing to look at as it must be to write on. We have had the most dreadful gale here from Monday morning till Thursday night. I could hardly stand on my feet when I went out to walk. It is a delightful day to-day though and quite cold. We are all very anxious for spring here for we have to walk an hour every day no matter how disagreeable the weather is. Last night Pres. Raymond read a part of "Midsummer Nights Dream" before the Literary Society and the Professors and teachers attended. He read splendidly and we all enjoyed it very much- The other night we had another trial of the Organ and the Organist and assistant organist of Trinity Chapel New York and several otherorganists played upon it - I have commenced to study Physical Geography. We only have one lecture a week and it is very interesting. I wish Henry would hurry and come for I am getting rather tired and think a rest would do me good. It has commenced to blow again, and I think it must be going to blow up something - snow or rain- They are discussing the subject of badges for our literary Society, some are In favour of rings and some want pins - There is considerable electioneering going on about it- Tuesday was the President's birthday, (he was 52)- and so we got a basket of flowers for him and paid fifteen or sixteen dollars for it for a present for him- I have some lessons to get to-day and considerable more to do so must excuse me if I do not write a very long letter- I have had a dreadful cold from the change of weather here Our room has been so cold for the wind has kept the registers from drawing and so I have kept getting more cold. It seems as if it never would be Spring. Please write soon to me again and do not wait as you did before. If your letters come during the week I always have to wait till Saturday before I have time to answer you so you will get an answer sooner If you write in the middle of the week then I will get it on Friday or Saturday - Write soon to your affectionate daughter Helen Seymour.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: March 10, 1866
Text: Vassar College Poughkeepsie March 10—1866 My dear brother James I must say you go from one extreme to another, very soon. The last time you wrote it was on French paper and this time it is on business paper and in a yellow envelope. I think the change is for the better though. I am sorry you cannot take lessons in French I hope you will be able to soon if you are not I will give you lessons if you will behave. You know you are a very trying scholar. There is nothing of interest going on here....
Show moreVassar College Poughkeepsie March 10—1866 My dear brother James I must say you go from one extreme to another, very soon. The last time you wrote it was on French paper and this time it is on business paper and in a yellow envelope. I think the change is for the better though. I am sorry you cannot take lessons in French I hope you will be able to soon if you are not I will give you lessons if you will behave. You know you are a very trying scholar. There is nothing of interest going on here. Did you get my letter about the procession? I do hope Anna Wickes will have the very same kind of Scholars that she was herself, for she was a perfect trial to Mrs Cary- I have written all the news in father's letter so you may read that. I had a letter from Lizzie to-day. She says Mr fe Mrs Levy have just sailed for Europe and they are very lonely without them. I expect they will bring back some more presents to them. She said she looked for me all through Feb and wants me to come soon to see them and enquires if you and Mother are coming in the Spring. She says cousin Mary is not well at all, cannot endure anything hardly and is very weak, so the poor girl must have a good deal to do. I am very glad our minister is going to be married and hope the report may not prove false. He will be more likely to stay with us- I wish they would buy a nice house for him. Is there any in town? The wind is blowing a perfect gale again and our room is very cold so I am close by the register as I write. "Turtles' as you call her is "dumb". When are you going to send my "croquet"? I shall soon want to use them. Prof. Wiebe the music Prof, is going to have a concert next Friday and we shall have some music from the Organ I expect. I think they were cheated when they got the Organ for it has not a good tone at all. I do not know but they will send it back now. I have spent nearly the whole morning writing and the girls have been so noisy I could hardly write at all. I shall be all ready to go with Henry when he comes and if he does not bring those "Skirt-covers" I shall not know what to do. You dont say anything about them at all- The Cats kill mountains look beautifully from my window this morning the air is so clear and the sun shines very brightly- They are just as blue as the Sky- Have you any Calls lilies in blossom I wish you would send me some flowers in a box with some wet cotton If you have any to send. How is your camelia flourishing? I hear you keep the piano going do not be too hard on it- You must answer soon and write a long letter for I want one when Henry come. Oo write all of you- and I will be perfectly happy- Your affectionate Sister Ella.P.S. Give my love to Sarah Smith and tell her to write to me. My love to Mother and Henry —— Ella.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: March 2, [1866]
Text: Vassar College - March 2nd [1866] My dear Mother I was very much delighted at receiving your letter for it was so long and long coming. I should think your letter was long enough getting started, and I am afraid it may be the case with mine as to-day is Saturday (or rather to-night) and my letter cannot go till Monday. I am very glad James has occupation for it will be so much pleasanter for all. It was very dull, I should think for him to be idle at home all the time. President Raymond gave...
Show moreVassar College - March 2nd [1866] My dear Mother I was very much delighted at receiving your letter for it was so long and long coming. I should think your letter was long enough getting started, and I am afraid it may be the case with mine as to-day is Saturday (or rather to-night) and my letter cannot go till Monday. I am very glad James has occupation for it will be so much pleasanter for all. It was very dull, I should think for him to be idle at home all the time. President Raymond gave us a talk this morning about taking our daily walk and said there were not more than three days in the whole three hundred and sixty five that a well person could not go out with advantage. Well it was a dreadful day to-day,- it rained very hard but some of the girls as a good joke on the president went around to all the rooms and got the girls to go out all dressed with waterproofs and umbrellas and march in a procession around the grounds There were about a hundred who went and they looked about as forlorn and ridiculous as could be imagined every one single file, and when we got in front of the college we saw the president waving his hand- kerchief at his window, taking the joke with a good deal of enjoyment. I am just as anxious to come home or for the time to come when I shall go home as can be - I want to get through my studies first of course. We are goingto survey the college grounds and make a plot of them and put in all the college buildings with mathematical exactness, just like any surveyor. Our Trigonometry class is to do all this. I feel very well again and keep remarkably well considering how much I study. My time is much more occupied here than at Utica as and I feel about as well.I did there. Soon it will be very pleasant here for it is growing warm very fast; if it does not grow cold again. How nice it will be next Summer to be at home and the house so comfortable. I do not think you ought to go to New York again this spring you will come home sick again. Let Henry get what you want when he comes - I am sure he and I could get something perhaps not as cheap as you would. I can hardly think what news to write as there is none now I wrote it all in James' and father's letters, except the procession You do not say whether you have got my hoop skirt covers yet. I am quite anxious about them for I am very much in need of them. I hope father will get the Patterson place if it has to be sold, it will pro- bably not be much and X would not miss having it for anything. Father gave me a very graphic description of how you were all occupied last Sunday, when he wrote his letter and it was so "true to Nature" I could see the whole scene before my eyes- I hope you will write soon and cannot you and father find something better to write on than that awful yellow paper? Please do write and write a good long letter When Henry comes I want to get a spring balmoral french calico besides innumerable other articles such as shoes &c. My love to all. Your affectionate daughter HelenP.S. Please ask father to send me a little money now as I need some before Henry comes-
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: February 25, 1866
Text: Vassar College Feb 25th 1866 My dear Mother I have not heard from home in more than a week in fact nearly two weeks now. I do not think you realize at home how little you write to me and how far between. Yesterday I was sick abed all day with a little disorder of the stomach, nothing very serious but enough to make me feel very disagreeable. Miss or Dr. Avery gave me something which has made me feel quite well again to-day - It was quite an eventful day as it was the first day I ever kept to...
Show moreVassar College Feb 25th 1866 My dear Mother I have not heard from home in more than a week in fact nearly two weeks now. I do not think you realize at home how little you write to me and how far between. Yesterday I was sick abed all day with a little disorder of the stomach, nothing very serious but enough to make me feel very disagreeable. Miss or Dr. Avery gave me something which has made me feel quite well again to-day - It was quite an eventful day as it was the first day I ever kept to my bed from sickness since I have been away from home, and the last I hope. I was almost afraid Henry would come yesterday as it was so near the end of the month, and if he had I should certainly have got up off my bed and gone with him. What warm weather we are having now. The thermometer was 60° here yesterday out doors. We had a lecture this week from Dr Hays or Haines the associate of Dr Kane on his arctic expedition and had a very interesting time. George W. Curtiss visited the college yesterday. He is coming expressly to lecture for us in the spring his engagements will not permit him to do so now. We had some splendid tableaux here on Thursday evening Washington's birthday which we kept as a holiday. Has James gone back to Rochester yet? How is he now? I am getting very much out of patience on the subject of letters. It is about the hardest work to get any letters out of all of you I ever tried. How do your new "helps" assist you. Do they grow better or worse or remain stationary? I hope you do not have to work as hard as you used to. I think you ought to try and give up as much of the work to others and when I come home I hope I shall be able to help you some. I have not much to write about here there is not much news that would be of interest to you. Tell Henry his afghan is going to be very handsome and he must come prepared to buy the worsted to finish it. We are not going to have any Spring vacation so my trip to New York may just as well come at this time as at any other. Do write soon and tell all the rest I want to hear from them very much. I think my promptness must have frightened Henry as he has not written again. Give my love to all. Your affectionate daughter Helen Seymour P.S. Don't forget to remind Henry of my hooped skirt covers, and the money for my bill of the last half year. Ella
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: January 28, 1866
Text: Vassar College Jan 28th 1866- My dear Mother I have had so little time that I have not been able to write so often as I wished. It has been almost Impossible to write and so you must excuse my neglect if you can call it so on those grounds and not because I had no desire to write home. I have been almost homesick having my expectations disappointed every time I saw the mail come and no letter for me. I have had so much to do the time has passed very rapidly and it hardly seems as if I had...
Show moreVassar College Jan 28th 1866- My dear Mother I have had so little time that I have not been able to write so often as I wished. It has been almost Impossible to write and so you must excuse my neglect if you can call it so on those grounds and not because I had no desire to write home. I have been almost homesick having my expectations disappointed every time I saw the mail come and no letter for me. I have had so much to do the time has passed very rapidly and it hardly seems as if I had been a month away from home. There has been a good deal of sleigh riding here for the past two days — I think from the number of loads that every girl in school must have taken a ride - I went with a party on Friday and we enjoyed it very much. There were about twenty of us and the day was very warm and pleasant- How are the darkies progressing. Do you find confinement in an upper room sufficient yet? How is James' cold. I shall be expecting a letter from him to-morrow because he ought to be so touched by the appeal I sent to him. Tell him to continue sending the Republic it seems quite natural to get it. Then you can fill your letters without being obliged to depend on the news to write about. Then tell Henry he owes me perfect quantities of letters and will have to write very long letters if he expects to attain to the honor of getting one in reply- I have not seen anything of my croquet box or of my hooped skirt covers- I am afraid if they are not got, they will forget all about them and you will not be able to get them. I will send father the bill for my next term's tuition very soon the half year ends on Feb 1st. I can hardly find anything to write there is so little that would interest you of what passes here and everything is just the same every day - We have lectures on Physiology once a week and are soon to have a concert of some of the music Scholars - I expect to perform. The weather has been very changeable here and very bad for taking cold but I have not been sick at all.How is Mr Norton? Does he seem to be sinking or getting better? I think Emma Wehner is a very pleasant girl and am getting much better acquainted with her. I think from what she says of her father he must be a very fine man. Doctor Raymond does preach such long sermons, it tires me almost to death to sit through them. Today his sermon was an hour and a quarter long and never is less than an hour so we are in the chapel nearly two hours, and we get so sleepy- They have dismissed Madame Sparton one of the french teachers the most comical old thing you ever saw. She dresses equal to Mrs Fields only neater and has better things to wear but has just about as much taste. She wo'nt go however and says she shall stay till next Summer as they engaged her till that time- So they cannot get rid of her unless they should bring an officer of the law to eject her. Do please write to me every week Mother. What is the use of having so much work? You cannot have very much now, besides you have two letters to answer now. My love to Father Henry and James- Your affectionate daughter Ella—
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: January 25, 1866
Text: Vassar College - Jan 25th 1866. My dear father I received your letter to-day and it was so welcome I thought it deserved an answer as soon as I could find time to write one. So to-night I have finished my studies as they were not very difficult to-day and have an hour to write in. I suppose you want the complete history of the time that has elapsed since I left home so I will try and do my best in giving it - I rode all day very pleasantly to Albany and had a seat to myself as there were very...
Show moreVassar College - Jan 25th 1866. My dear father I received your letter to-day and it was so welcome I thought it deserved an answer as soon as I could find time to write one. So to-night I have finished my studies as they were not very difficult to-day and have an hour to write in. I suppose you want the complete history of the time that has elapsed since I left home so I will try and do my best in giving it - I rode all day very pleasantly to Albany and had a seat to myself as there were very few in the cars. When I got to Albany I found them awaiting me at the train and I passed a very pleasant visit there, Sunday in some places in Albany the thermometer was 20 degrees below zero and Monday and Teusday [sic] were so piercing cold that I was obliged to stay. Wednesday the weather was a little warmer so Thursday morning I started in spite of everything and everybody- When I got to the college I found our room so cold we could not sit in it yet and was very glad I was not here In the worst of it. Since I came back I have taken up a new study and am consequently very busy - To-day is the first day since I came back that I could say I was sure of having time enough to learn my lessons for the next day.very acceptable and will do quite well if letters cannot possibly be written. Tell James he is a magnificent correspondent. If his time lies heavy on his hands as it did when I was at home he can write a letter every day and feel none the worse. You were so careful to keep from telling any news I expect your next letter will be perfectly crammed, so do write soon and do'nt omit anything on any account. About twenty of us think of taking a sleigh ride to-morrow and of course expect ever so much fun. We have only had one opportunity for a ride since we came back before this there has been so little snow- I am sorry the colored persons are so demoralized that they cannot be reduced to order -The skating pond has been very pleasant. About one hundred girls skate and others are learning. Some of them skate beautifully. Gerty Frothingham of Rochester is the finest skate. She is just as much at home on skates as she is on her feet. She can cut any flourishes that any one can. The pond is kept cleaned off and a man is usually down at the pond to assist in putting on skates &c - They have been cutting ice for the ice house. It Is about a foot thick and very clear. Mr Vassar's nephew the Secretary was down on the ice the other day for a while- He is a very good skater - I have but a few minutes longer to write and must hurry- The Brockport Papers were The second night we went to hear "Blind Tom" the pianist Mr Weaver went to Mr Rice's next door and asked Miss Conklln from Elmira visiting there and Mr and Mrs Rice to go. I walked down with Mr & Mrs Rice and Mr Rice said he hardly thought he should be dragged into hearing "Blind Tom." He is a brother of Gen. Rice and a very strong democrat. But he was very much surprised to see what the drake could do, and said he did not believe he was nearly an idiot as was represented but was a very smart nigger and not blind either. My time is more than passed for closing and so I must close abruptly. Give my love to Mother and Henry and James and tell Henry I think we have some business to settle and I wish he would write. I will write every Saturday if you will and answer anyone who writes. Your affectionate daughter Helen
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: January 8, 1866
Text: Albany Jan 8—1866 - My dear Mother I arrived here safely and in time Saturday afternoon and found them waiting for me at the depot. The train was on time at Albany though it was behind time at Brockport- It was very comfort- able in the cars and I had a seat to myself nearly the whole way so I had a very pleasant ride. It has been very cold here. Yesterday and the thermometer stood at 14 degrees below zero in the evening and this morning it was 17 degrees below zero so of course I cannot...
Show moreAlbany Jan 8—1866 - My dear Mother I arrived here safely and in time Saturday afternoon and found them waiting for me at the depot. The train was on time at Albany though it was behind time at Brockport- It was very comfort- able in the cars and I had a seat to myself nearly the whole way so I had a very pleasant ride. It has been very cold here. Yesterday and the thermometer stood at 14 degrees below zero in the evening and this morning it was 17 degrees below zero so of course I cannot start away from here in such weather. I am having a very pleasant visit and Netta declares I shall not go away in a week but I shall go as soon as the weather moderates for the Hudson river road is such a cold road I should almost perish in such weather My watch keeps very good time indeed. Tell Henry not to forget my hoop skirt covers and when he goes to Rochester to get them. I hope James has not tried to go to Rochester in this weather. It is so dreadfully cold. Tell Mrs Thatcher Netta was very much pleased with the quilts and they came just in time for the cold weather. I hope Henry did not get hurt in jumping from the train when it left Brockport. I was so afraid he would it was going so fast. How isJames' cold? I think we will go to-night and hear Blind Tom the celebrated Negro pianist. This is his third evening. How are your darkies? I pity Frank if it is as cold at home as it Is here this morning when he goes after the milk- I have no particular news to tell so will close my letter. My love to father Henry and James and tell them to write immediately to me at Vassar College. Your affectionate daughter Hellen—
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: December 13, 1865
Text: Vassar College Dec 13th 1865 My dear father I have concluded to start for home on Wednesday morning and will arrive home at about 10 o'clock at night. I go then because I can have company to Rochester and do not have to travel alone. All my roommates are going then too. School closes at noon on that day. I am just crazy to go home if you will excuse the extravagance of the expression. It is Wednesday the 31st of Dec. that I shall arrive upon so do not forget the day. Some one or all of...
Show moreVassar College Dec 13th 1865 My dear father I have concluded to start for home on Wednesday morning and will arrive home at about 10 o'clock at night. I go then because I can have company to Rochester and do not have to travel alone. All my roommates are going then too. School closes at noon on that day. I am just crazy to go home if you will excuse the extravagance of the expression. It is Wednesday the 31st of Dec. that I shall arrive upon so do not forget the day. Some one or all of you please meet me at the [blank]depot or if James is well enough I should like to have him meet me at Rochester. Perhaps it will be better for him to just meet me at Brockport for I shall probably have company all the way home. Only just a week from to-night I shall be at home. I would not miss it for anything. There is no train beside the one I am coming on that I can come on so I can do nothing but come when I do. Give my love to James and Mother and Henry if he is at home- Send me some money just as soon as possible. Your affectionate daughter Helen
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: December 10, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Dec 10th 1865 My dear Mother I suppose you have received my letter announcing my intention to spend the holidays at home. I have waited and waited for news from home but have not had a letter in more than two weeks, and am homesick and afraid there is something the matter because you don't write. Wont you please ask father to send me some money to come home with? I am afraid he has forgotten that I will need some. And I would like about five more to get a hat. I have had my...
Show morePoughkeepsie Dec 10th 1865 My dear Mother I suppose you have received my letter announcing my intention to spend the holidays at home. I have waited and waited for news from home but have not had a letter in more than two weeks, and am homesick and afraid there is something the matter because you don't write. Wont you please ask father to send me some money to come home with? I am afraid he has forgotten that I will need some. And I would like about five more to get a hat. I have had my feather dyed green in New York. It was very much faded. How is James? I have been afraid he was very sick for I have not heard from him in five weeks. We had a very good time here Thanksgiving — considering. We all concluded to stay, mostly because we did not believe we could get permission to go away. Our old french teacher in Utica is teaching in Poughkeepsie and came up here to see us last Saturday. I shall not care if the house is not in order when I come home, but I want to come - awfully. I'shall start either Wednesday night or Thursday morning- I have not found out about the trains yet, but am coming on a train that will go through without changing to Rochester. I was afraid to stay in New York longer than Tuesday for fear Miss Lyman would scold and I could not get anything out of Henry about home. I have not very much to write about. On Thanksgiving day we had a very good dinner. All the Vassars were here to dinner. We had Tableaux in the evening, some by Madame Castina and others by the teachers. We passed part of the day pleasantly, but by fits and starts we were homesick, and thought of home a good deal and that made it seem rather forlorn. Are you well still? I should think you would need some help in your work. I hope Henry will come home before Christmas. All the Rochester girls are going home and Emma Helmer and her friend from Lockport are going too. Has James gone back to Rochester yet? I have not received the letter he promised me. I cannot find anything of interest to tell you so I will close with love to father & James. Your affectionate daughter Helen Seymour
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: December 2, 1865
Text: Vassar College Dec 2nd 1865 My dear father I did not mean to let your letter go so long without an answer when I received it; on the contrary I had quite an idea of answering it at once in spite of my lessons which claimed my attention at the time. I was so glad and thankful that you wrote that note for me for it accomplished the desired object and Friday morning found me on the way to New York with Clara Spaulding. I arrived just before the streets became crowded with the New York...
Show moreVassar College Dec 2nd 1865 My dear father I did not mean to let your letter go so long without an answer when I received it; on the contrary I had quite an idea of answering it at once in spite of my lessons which claimed my attention at the time. I was so glad and thankful that you wrote that note for me for it accomplished the desired object and Friday morning found me on the way to New York with Clara Spaulding. I arrived just before the streets became crowded with the New York regiments who were on parade, it being "evacuation day" I saw the 7&in their new uniforms. They were were quite surprised to see me for I had just written that I did not think I could get away. On Saturday I went to a matinee at the Opera. I went at half past eleven and staid till after four. I enjoyed it very much. It did not seem to be more than an hour in length. I heard all the prominent New York singers - It was fortunate I went then for It was the close of the season till after New Years. I got dreadfully tired in New York, we have so far to walk if we go anywhere. On Sunday I went to church once. But I was so surprised to see Henry in New York. He came to the college the same day I left. Seeing him made me wish to come home very much, we have two weeks holidays. I came back to Poughkeepsie on Tuesday not because I wanted to but I knew Miss Lyman would be very much provoked if I staid longer. I am very glad the house is getting along so nicely. You say you are lonesome and I suppose Mother is too. How would you like to have me come home for the holidays I should like it much better than going anywhere else. They want me to come to New York but I got so very tired and worn out the last time I was there I did not think it did me much good. Besides they make a good many presents Christmas and would expect the same from me and I have no time to make anything and no money to buy anything and on the whole I think it would be pleasanter for me and cheaper for you. I shall be very glad to come. I am so much obliged for the drink of cider you say you took on my account. We have to eat by gaslight here now and enjoy our breakfast better than any other meal for we have very nice breakfasts. They are going to have a very fine dinner Thanksgiving and tell James they are going to have tableaux by the celebrated Madame Castrina! the heroine of the "pure gold thread!"I must confess I am rather astonished. Dr Anderson of Rochester was here yesterday. They are putting up the Organ in the Chapel and the Gymnasium will be finished soon if the weather remains pleasant. Really Father you are getting to be my principal correspondent and you must not say you do not write uninteresting letters any more. I afraid there is no hopes of reformation in Henry in respect to letterwriting. Do write soon to Your affectionate daughter Helen - P.S. Love to all.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 22, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Nov 22nd 1865. My dear father, If you conclude to send a note requesting permission for me to go to New York as I hope you will please send me some more money as I have but a little remaining. I have spent but very little excepting for my school books. I paid for my gymnasium dress $14 and have bought apples a few times with my roommates. When books - some of them - cost $2.50 it counts up. My roommate Clara Spaulding has written home for a note to request permission to spend...
Show morePoughkeepsie Nov 22nd 1865. My dear father, If you conclude to send a note requesting permission for me to go to New York as I hope you will please send me some more money as I have but a little remaining. I have spent but very little excepting for my school books. I paid for my gymnasium dress $14 and have bought apples a few times with my roommates. When books - some of them - cost $2.50 it counts up. My roommate Clara Spaulding has written home for a note to request permission to spend Sunday with her sister who is at school in N.Y. and Miss Lyman said if she had a note from home she could go. The note is required as a sort of guarantee that your parents are willing. Do let me go, Clara wants me to go with her. If you will please write next mail. Your affectionate daughter Helen
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 9, 1865
Text: Vassar College - Nov 9th 1865. My dear Father I was so glad to receive your letter a few days ago and then afterwards to get the papers. It must be very uncomfortable to be without carpets this cold weather but you will soon have them down probably. You say you have had snow at home. We have only seen a few flakes floating In the air. It has been cold enough to freeze ice half an inch thick though. I would give a good deal to help arrange things at home but can comfort myself with the thought...
Show moreVassar College - Nov 9th 1865. My dear Father I was so glad to receive your letter a few days ago and then afterwards to get the papers. It must be very uncomfortable to be without carpets this cold weather but you will soon have them down probably. You say you have had snow at home. We have only seen a few flakes floating In the air. It has been cold enough to freeze ice half an inch thick though. I would give a good deal to help arrange things at home but can comfort myself with the thought that I am improving here. I hope to know French and German very well by next Summer. In our Geology class we are collecting specimens of all the rocks. To-day we got a quartz specimen or rather Prof. Tenney got it for us. I expect to come home with a great box of rocks. I am glad James got such splendid paper for his room, he wrote to me about it. I have a suggestion to make. As you have to wait for Henry every night cannot you spend the time in writing to me? It would amount to a good deal every night. I am very glad you had resolved upon a long letter, it was fortunate for me. Has James been home since he has been at Rochester? He comes home often as usual I suppose. How nice it must be. Have they succeeded in getting Mr Brown? I do hope they will have some one before I get home. James wrote they had mostly agents to preach lately. There are about 325 scholars here. Some have gone home from sickness and some were unable to come at all. They had accepted 350 but of course things happened to prevent some from coming. President Raymond had a "reception" for the teachers a day or two ago. Emma Wehner is expecting her father here to-day. I am glad Mr Kimball has received so good a call. I suppose his objections to a city church are removed. I see Henry is sacrificing himself to the good of his country. I am glad election is over before Christmas or I should not expect to see him as soon as I do. School closes on the 18th of Dec. so we are to have two weeks vacation I hear, and Henry must come on the 17th that is Monday in just about six weeks, or a little over five. He must hurry if he expects to get ready by that time and I am afraid he never will get ready to start on Monday but he must. You say your letter was getting very old. It was just as good for all that. Do you sit in the tower room any? I must close now for I have already encroached on my study hour to write to you. I send James a picture of the College for his album which he will probably show you. Will you please write a note to Pres. Raymond and send it to me asking him to let me go and stay in New York from Friday night to Monday morning? so I can give it to him? If you and Mother are willing I should like it so much instead of going away Thanksgiving. I mean the Friday after Thanksgiving. Write soon and please send me the Independent as well as the other papers. I noticed there was a speech of Gov. Seymour's in the World. Your affectionate daughter Helen.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 9, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Nov. |1865, Dear Mother I will add a few words to you this time. Wont you please make me a pr of drawers and a chemise and send them by Henry when he comes? Our washing never comes up to us in less than two weeks after we send it down and so we have to have two suits in the wash and two suits out to wear till we get them again and as I have only three suits I sometimes have to...
Show morePoughkeepsie Nov. |1865, Dear Mother I will add a few words to you this time. Wont you please make me a pr of drawers and a chemise and send them by Henry when he comes? Our washing never comes up to us in less than two weeks after we send it down and so we have to have two suits in the wash and two suits out to wear till we get them again and as I have only three suits I sometimes have to wear my clothes two weeks without changing. Please make them and I will trim them when they get here. There is such a very large wash they cannot get them up any sooner. Lizzie Squler has written to me I send you the letter. If you will write and tell me that I can go some time before Christmas I will be very glad, for I want to get my wrappers and woolen stockings and go away from here once beside. Clara Spaulding is going to have a letter from her parents asking permission for her to go to New York once a month to see her sister who is at school there. I wish I could have father write a note to President Raymond asking if I could go down Thanksgiving or on Friday night and stay till Monday. They do not have vacation but the girls say they are going to write for permission to go away then. I am sorry to hear you are working very hard. 1 am sorry I did not stay at home till the house was put in order If you are going to work so. Your affectionate daughter Ella.  
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 5, 1865
Text: Vassar College Nov 5th 1865- Dear Mother I received your letter and was very glad indeed to get it. I am very busy and have very little time to write or even keep up my acquaintance with the few friends I have made here in the College. How X should like to see the house now; it must look very nicely. I suppose you have put the furniture in and arranged it. If I had not such splendid girls for roommates I should be dreadfully homesick here sometimes. They are mostly girls that you like better...
Show moreVassar College Nov 5th 1865- Dear Mother I received your letter and was very glad indeed to get it. I am very busy and have very little time to write or even keep up my acquaintance with the few friends I have made here in the College. How X should like to see the house now; it must look very nicely. I suppose you have put the furniture in and arranged it. If I had not such splendid girls for roommates I should be dreadfully homesick here sometimes. They are mostly girls that you like better every day you know them. I wish I could be certain about Henry's going to Norfolk, but I never knew him to start for a place in less than a week after he said he would. You don't know the perfect dreariness of a day even spent here with all you arrangements made to go and everyone else going about you. Do have him start two or three days in advance. My roommates are all going away to stay from Thanksgiving till the next Monday and I do not fancy staying here in my room all alone. Llbby Anderson has been a way twice to Poughkeepsie and stayed from Friday night till Monday morning and Clara Spauldlng went to New York and stayed till Monday. One of the times they were both away together and it was perfectly dreary. I had no idea that two would make such a difference and what I should do if I had to stay here alone I do not know. I should think I might go away Thanksgiving as long as I am to be alone. If the girls were to be here I should not care so much but a disappointment here is quite a different thing from one at home. If Henry has any objections to my going to Albany I would like to have him write to me and state them and I will see if they are worth consideration. I do not think it is an unreasonable request for you said I might go there often while I was here. To-day I went to church in Poughkeepsie and it is the first time I have been out of the College grounds since 1 have been here and I probably shall not go out again unless X go to Albany or New York. Netta has invited me and I have not answered her yet. I have been very well so far, but am very tired at night. I never saw such a place for long lessons and there are some very smart girls here too. I shall be very glad indeed to have the barrel of apples. We do not have any apples here, but we can send down town and buy them at the rate of $5. dollars a bushel, and it takes my money too much to do that much. Do not put any russets in I never liked them but put in Spitzenbergs. I have no room in my closet but I have got permission to put them in one of the empty rooms of the Professors houses, In our wing of the College and in order to get them to the right place, direct to "Charles F. Farrar". Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. Be sure and send them the girls in our room are delighted at the thought of having them. We do not have any at all and they will taste very nice. I am so afraid you will overwork yourself. Why dont you get some one to help you till Christmas? I do not know when the vacation will begin but will write as soon as I find out. Henry cannot be too expeditious in settling up his business however I believe we are to have as much as two weeks. Write soon to me Give my love to Henry and Father. Has cousin Mary Anne moved? I wrote to Lizzie but have not received an answer. Your affectionate daughter Ella.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: October 27, [1865?]
Text: Vassar College - Poughkeepsle Oct 27th [1865?] My dear Mother I have not received a letter from you since I have been here. I suppose the reason is that you have not written and I suppose you have no time to write. I do hope you will not try and do some of your wonderful days work. Have you no girl yet? I wish I was at home to see how you are getting along and help, and more than all to go to church Sunday at home. It is perfectly forlorn here Sundays. We have to go to Bible class in the...
Show moreVassar College - Poughkeepsle Oct 27th [1865?] My dear Mother I have not received a letter from you since I have been here. I suppose the reason is that you have not written and I suppose you have no time to write. I do hope you will not try and do some of your wonderful days work. Have you no girl yet? I wish I was at home to see how you are getting along and help, and more than all to go to church Sunday at home. It is perfectly forlorn here Sundays. We have to go to Bible class in the morning that is pleasant for we have such a nice teacher - Prof Tenney. Inthe afternoon we go into the Chapel to listen to a Sermon from president Raymond, and he is generally rather dry. Mr Corning who writes for the Independent, preaches at the Congregational church in Poughkeepsie. I think they will have to make some provision before the year is over so the girls can go to church for they are so dissatisfied. Wont you tell Henry and Father not to forget to send me the Republic. It is almost as good as a letter for it comes from home and it is so little trouble to send it. When is Henry going to Norfolk? I wish I could go with him. He is only going to stay a little while I suppose, and it would do me so much good. I mean it would make me feel better, and the trouble is when will I go if I do not go now? It will not be much out of school. However if you do not wish me to go I wish you would have Henry stop when he comes and when he goes home. James has given me quite a graphic description of the way in which you have fixed the rooms that are finished. Have you got a minister yet? Have they succeeded in getting Mr Brown? I expect you will have a minister when I return. They are building a riding school and Gymnasium here I do not think it will be done very soon though. They say it will be done in sixty days as they can use it when the walls are up and the roof on. You must remember me to Mrs Walker and Mr & Mrs Norton and Fanny. If Mrs Walker is going to Albany I will call on her Thanksgiving when I go there. They are entirely too strict here about the girls writing letters receiving calls and visiting their friends in Poughkeepsie. All the girls are dis- satisfied with them and I do not think they can be so strict long. Miss Lyman is from Montreal and is very "English" in her notions. Tell Henry if he wants me to finish the remainder of his afghan he must bring me some money to buy the worsted when he comes to see me. I will get it at New York. Clara Spaulding one of my roommates is makinga beautiful one. I am making mine after the same style. Do write to me soon and tell me what you are doing. Your affectionate daughter Ella
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: October 24, 1865
Text: Vassar College Oct 24th 1865 My dear father I suppose you are very busy just now finishing up the house and preparing to commence at the furnace. I do wish you would hurry off Henry to Norfolk. I am afraid he will not go till Christmas if you do not. It is just as pleasant as can be here except on Sundays when we have to stay at the college and listen to a Sermon from president Raymond. I do wish there could be some way provided for us to go to Poughkeepsie to Church, but we have to pay 40...
Show moreVassar College Oct 24th 1865 My dear father I suppose you are very busy just now finishing up the house and preparing to commence at the furnace. I do wish you would hurry off Henry to Norfolk. I am afraid he will not go till Christmas if you do not. It is just as pleasant as can be here except on Sundays when we have to stay at the college and listen to a Sermon from president Raymond. I do wish there could be some way provided for us to go to Poughkeepsie to Church, but we have to pay 40 cents if we go in the "bus" and cannot often get permissionto go on any condition. Indeed it is very impossible to get permission. I have not been since I have been here. We have heard Mr Beecher (T.K.). My roommate Clare Spaulding is one of his congregation in Elmira and so went to take tea with him- He stayed at Prof Farrars, one of the professors. The salaries of the teachers &cd perhaps you would be interested in knowing I found them out by one of the professors. President Raymond has six thousand dollars. Miss Lyman the lady principal has three thousand, each of the professors 2 thousand and the assistants $450. It is the best place here to learn languages I ever was in. I am studying French German Geology and Zoology and Music. I wish I could just step in upon you and see the house and the gas. It Is so nice here to have gas. We have it In our bedroom as well as in our sitting room. I am sure I do not know what we have to use Shakespeare and Milton for, but I suppose they will come in time into use. The examination was what I dreaded most and that I have passed through and fortunately do not have to take geography arithmetic Gram- mar Algebra or Rhetoric, which some do, rather to their disgust. There are so many girls here it is a long time before we get acquainted with them. They are here from everywhere - almost. Some from Kansas and one from California - San Francisco. A good many come from New York and Brooklyn. Next room to us is Mary Cornell daughter of Ezra Cornell who is Union candidate for State Senator and who has given five hundred thousand dollars to build an agricultural College. Miss Robinson daughter of Prof Robinson the Mathematician is here, and there is a young widow here. She is only 22 though those are all the very distinguished characters here. Mr Vassar has three neices at school here. Two from Poughkeepsie one from Auburn. I am quite lost without my usual correspondents I hardly get a letter in two weeks now. I am so very busy I do not miss them as much as I did now. Two of my roommates have gone since I wrote the first part of my letter. Clara Spauldings father has been here to-day and she has gone with him to New York to see her sister who Is at school there. Libby Anderson has gone to Poughkeepsie to visit. This is the second time she has been. Mary Woodruff and Sarah Lawson are here though, but it made me feel very homesick to think I could not go too. I wish I could see you all. Tell me how you are getting along. Your affectionate daughter Helen.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: October 11, 1865
Text: Vassar College - Oct 11th 1865. My dear father, I received your very welcome letter and also the money which was very acceptable indeed- I had begun to think you had forgotten my existence at home I had not received a letter in so long a time. I will try and not send for any more money in a long time but if Mother and James do not answer my letters I will not answer theirs very soon, and Henry must write to me first for 1 have a long list against him of unanswered letters. It is very pleasant...
Show moreVassar College - Oct 11th 1865. My dear father, I received your very welcome letter and also the money which was very acceptable indeed- I had begun to think you had forgotten my existence at home I had not received a letter in so long a time. I will try and not send for any more money in a long time but if Mother and James do not answer my letters I will not answer theirs very soon, and Henry must write to me first for 1 have a long list against him of unanswered letters. It is very pleasant indeed here and I like the School more and more. Two more girls from Miss Kelley's School came here yesterday, the Osborn girls and there are now eleven girls who attended that School. We have not had many rules made yet so we can have about as much liberty about the grounds as we wish- Rev. Thomas K. Bircher of Elmira is going to preach in the College Chapel next Sunday- President Raymond usually preaches and we like him very well- I have become a little acquainted with Emma Helmer cousin Henrietta's "daughter" and like her appearance very much - We have a very fine french teacher here Professor Knapp- We use his grammar and reading book- He was professor of languages in Madison University New York- I am so glad that the house Is getting on well and that you are having gas put in. I wish I could see it. You must write me all about the arrangements very particularly and how it looks. Have you had the Balustrade made yet? I am writing under difficulties- There are some girls in our room and they are talking with all their might so I get somewhat con- fused in my sentences. I hope you will write soon for my correspondence this year is rather limited on account of the rules here. It Is very late now and I must close and If I have not written a long letter I have made the most of my space - I will write just as often as I receive any- Is Henry going to go to Albany or not. And is he going to come this way this fall? Please write soon and till all the others to write to me. Your affectionate daughter Ella. P.S. Dont forget the postage stamps in the next letter.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: September 26, [1865?]
Text: Vassar College Sept 26th [11865?] My dear Mother I am expecting a letter from home but still thought I would commence a letter as I had now time. I have left your letter to-day as I had to be examined and having now passed through that ordeal I am able to finish my letter. I received James1 letter to-day and was rather surprised to find you had not received mine. It is strange to see how contented the girls are here. I hear of very few eases of homesickness. They have to get Gymnasiumdresses...
Show moreVassar College Sept 26th [11865?] My dear Mother I am expecting a letter from home but still thought I would commence a letter as I had now time. I have left your letter to-day as I had to be examined and having now passed through that ordeal I am able to finish my letter. I received James1 letter to-day and was rather surprised to find you had not received mine. It is strange to see how contented the girls are here. I hear of very few eases of homesickness. They have to get Gymnasiumdresses here and I have engaged mine with some of the rest of the girls. The gymnastic teacher gets them. There is a dress and trousers of gray flannel and it costs about $12 or fourteen dollars and will do for a bathing dress when I get through with gymnastics I have paid $7. towards it and would like to have father send me enough to pay the rest and something for school books- I am enjoying myself very much and have two old schoolmates at Utica to room with me beside Libby Anderson. Write soon to me. I did not see Sophie at Rome when I looked out of the window. Please ask father to send that soon for I want to pay the teacher. Please, answer soon and tell Henry I shall expect him to write first as he owes me so many letters Give him my love- Your affectionate daughter Ella.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: September 22, 1865
Text: Vassar College Sept. 22nd [1865?] My dear father, I am more than satisfied with my new school - everything Is on the grandest scale. I wish you could see the Library Art Gallery Geological rooms fee. I spent the morning - most of it - looking at some beautiful books of engravings you can amuse yourself here any way you please, and there are some very nice girls here - I should think It would take two weeks to classify the girls and get them settled - I had an introduction to Mr Vassar who was...
Show moreVassar College Sept. 22nd [1865?] My dear father, I am more than satisfied with my new school - everything Is on the grandest scale. I wish you could see the Library Art Gallery Geological rooms fee. I spent the morning - most of it - looking at some beautiful books of engravings you can amuse yourself here any way you please, and there are some very nice girls here - I should think It would take two weeks to classify the girls and get them settled - I had an introduction to Mr Vassar who was very kind indeed to me. He took dinner here to-day and we had ice-cream for dessert. They furnish a good many things here that you were obliged to buy at Utica - so in the end It will probably be no higher - The weather is delightful here now and the grounds look very prettily. They have a real post office with boxes and a boy to tend it In the building- I shall have to get me a gymnasium dress for they require all the girls to have one, and will you please a end me the stamps that Henry neglected to get- I don't want to buy any more of them here than I can help- I have one of my schoolmates at Utica here - Clara Spauldlng and her Mother found some acquaintance a here Mr Chandler and family and came with them to the college to our room and In the course of their conversation they asked where I was from and on learning that I was from Brockport said that they lived there thirteen years ago - and knew you. Libby Anderson says she would like to have me meet any one who did not know some one that I knew This gentleman was a minister - of what denomination I do not know- Mr Weaver stopped at Mr. Eastman's the Commercial College Men and introduced me to his brother for the Mr Eastman was not at home. He came to the carriage and talked a few minutes to us- Altogether I have had a delightful time since I have been here. I must close so as to send my letter to-day. Mr Weaver gave Mr Vassar a check for they have to pay upon entering for the half year. Please send the money to Mr Weaver at 162 State St Albany - Write soon and tell me how the house is getting along- Your affectionate daughter Helen. Geo S. Weaver [in another hand]
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: September 22, [1865?]
Text: Vassar College Sept 22nd [1865?] My dear Mother I arrived safely at Albany Tuesday night. On arriving at Utica I met Libby Anderson who got on there to go to Vassar College.- Netta met me at the depot with her new carriage. Mr. Weaver could not go Wednesday and so we took a ride and visited - I was glad to have a rest before I went on to school, for I was very tired- We had a very pleasant journey from Albany and found Mr Vassar here at the College. He was very kind and told me when- ever I...
Show moreVassar College Sept 22nd [1865?] My dear Mother I arrived safely at Albany Tuesday night. On arriving at Utica I met Libby Anderson who got on there to go to Vassar College.- Netta met me at the depot with her new carriage. Mr. Weaver could not go Wednesday and so we took a ride and visited - I was glad to have a rest before I went on to school, for I was very tired- We had a very pleasant journey from Albany and found Mr Vassar here at the College. He was very kind and told me when- ever I wanted a favour and met him In the halls to speak to him- I had an Introduction also to a nephew of Mr Vassar about twenty- A girl from Utica who attended Miss Kelly's School Introduced us to him. Her name is Florence Hart- There are seven girls here who attended school at Utica when I did. Our room was engaged by Libbie's cousin in Poughkeepsie some time ago and is one of the best. I have not had a touch of homesickness yet- everything is so pleasant here I do not see how I can. Our room is about eleven feet high - We have a sitting room and bedroom There are three bedrooms to our sitting room. Every-thing is just as nice as anything can be. We visited the Library - Art Gallery - Geological rooms and Astronomical observatory with Mr It Mrs Weaver They were both delighted with everything (as everybody is) and Mr Weaver thought he should certainly send Kitty and Liszle here when they were old enough. Mr Mitchell was in the observatory and explained the telescope and gave us quite a little lecture on Astronomy - The teachers are all very kind indeed, and the lady principal has all Miss Kelly's good traits without her formality, and unapproachableness - We can see College Hill Military school from our sitting room window. The whole building seems more like a large elegant Hotel than a school. There are three hundred and fifty girls here already and I have made quite a number of acquaintances already - The building is much pleasanter than I thought it would be and though the pieces [sic] of cake are decidedly small and the preserves are minus the fare is very good. The bill is high enough father will find to warrant a good school. One gentleman from Brooklyn has seven daughters here - It will cost him something from $2500 to $3000 - I hope you are not working yourself to death. Have you any help? Write to me soon and tell me the town news. I am very anxious to hear from home. Your affectionate daughter Ella
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