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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, n.d.:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Mar. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, n.d.:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Apr. 1867:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: April 14, 1867
Text: Vassar College April 14, 1867 My darling Mother, How kind it was for you to write me such a beautiful long letter when you have so much to do and so much upon your mind. I wish I could be with you, and relieve you of some portion of your care - I am rejoiced and depressed and then hopeful again every time I hear from you. It is very hard for you to be obliged to stay there so long, when you don't and do want to. I am very much afraid that your strength will fail, and then you will have...
Show moreVassar College April 14, 1867 My darling Mother, How kind it was for you to write me such a beautiful long letter when you have so much to do and so much upon your mind. I wish I could be with you, and relieve you of some portion of your care - I am rejoiced and depressed and then hopeful again every time I hear from you. It is very hard for you to be obliged to stay there so long, when you don't and do want to. I am very much afraid that your strength will fail, and then you will have to go home sick and I should never forgive them for letting you hurt yourself. In that case however I could test my powers as a nurse. I am glad that you approve of my fondness for Physiology. Next to Latin and GreekI like it better than any thing I ever studied. Louise and I are very anxious to study higher Phisiology next year. I don't know as we shall have time, or whether Miss Avery would be willing to have two classes. Louise has strong inclinations toward the medical profession, and I yesterday nearly threw my two sisters into fits by proposing to study it with her and adorn my Father's front door with a tin plate bearing the inscription "Dr. M. S. Warner." I think I should enjoy theoretical medical practice very much, but in actual practice I fear I should fail signally - I am surprised at my neglect in omitting to tell you the motto of our class, especially as I take great credit to myself for having proposed it - "Spectemen agenda", Let us be judged by our doing. It seems to me very appropriate in our present circumstances, as we will be the first large class of graduates, and people can't help judging us and our Alma Mater byour conduct in life. Having delivered myself of my speech, I think I had best descend to things of more immediate interest. Louise and I went to church today, and, for the first time in the two years that we have been here, found a church, and heard a sermon that we enjoyed. The church was a Methodist one, the minister was Mr. Cookman. He is a young man and last year preached here once, and made a deep impression, but one not at all favorable to him. He conducted the morning service here on the day of prayer for Colleges, and we liked him very much Prof. Knapp likes him, and so we went this morning. His text was "In Christ's stead," and his method of treating it very fine. Sunday It was the first Sunday of the Conference year and he preached about the minister's office. He was not only sound and orthodox in his belief, but he preached from his heart as men very seldom do here. I don't know whether Po'keepsie min-isters are particularly spiritless, or whether my heart is warmer, but I very seldom hear one who seems to care whether or no he does any good. As for Dr. Raymond we gave him up long ago. Mr. Cookman's church is the largest, handsomest, and has the most intelligent looking congregation that I have seen in Po'keepsie. Corneilia Penfield is in great trouble - Her only brother died last week of inflamatory rheumatism. She had a letter Thursday saying that he was better, & Friday, one saying that he was dead - I am very sorry for her, it is so much harder to have such a trouble away from home. Her brother was only nine years old. I didn't suppose that such little people had rheumatism. Here I have taken up all my letter with accounts of myself, and not asked after your health, Uncle Shepherd's or any body else's. I am sorry, but please imagine all the proper things said, forI am too tired, and have too many letters to write to write any more. Give a great deal of love to all the people - Clara must be a splendid girl - It's a great shame to make her work so. The girls send a quantity of love also - I wish you were at home to see Sarah's baby, & to help Carrie - Good bye dear - Your loving daughter - Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Mar. 1867:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: March 31, 1867
Text: Vassar College March 31, 1867 My darling Mother, Do you think that I have gone to sleep, or fainted away, or eloped, or have you not noticed how long it is since I have written to you? I am very sorry, and very much ashamed of myself, but Mother dear, I have been so busy that I couldn't in the week days, and Sundays I have been prevented - To night I am so sleepy that I can hardly keep my eyes open, and have no hope of writing an intelligent, or legible letter. Indeed you must not be at...
Show moreVassar College March 31, 1867 My darling Mother, Do you think that I have gone to sleep, or fainted away, or eloped, or have you not noticed how long it is since I have written to you? I am very sorry, and very much ashamed of myself, but Mother dear, I have been so busy that I couldn't in the week days, and Sundays I have been prevented - To night I am so sleepy that I can hardly keep my eyes open, and have no hope of writing an intelligent, or legible letter. Indeed you must not be at all surprised if you find another date before the end of the sheet. Minnie is going home, not to stay, but for a week or two, till she gets able to come home, or rather back - I can't understand what is the matter with her, she seems tohave broken down altogether. I hope that a quiet rest at home will restore her health. You don't know how much we all wish that you could be at home, but of course it is best for you to be in Rockford. I think that Mr. Curtis is contemptible, altogether beneath notice. I am glad that you and Aunt Martha didn't attempt to discuss those questions - How is Uncle Shepherd now? Does the doctor think there is really any hope for him? How good God is to make him a Christian. I don't think we ought ever to despair of any one. I walked into church today, and am more tired to night on that account. It has been a beautiful day, that first that has promised Spring. The beauty of the weather tempted a great many to walk in. Dr. and Mrs. Gleason, friends of Miss Avery's from the Elmira water cure are visiting here. Mrs. Gleason spoke to us after Chapel Friday night. I liked hervery much. She was in one Physiology class also. I suppose Hattie told you all about the crowd of Holyoke teachers we have been favored with. I just saw Mrs. Stodard in the hall, for I was at Latin when she was in our room. I can't say that I fancied her. I presume it was in part owing to my disliking her daughter so much. Miss Lucy Wright, daughter of the late Dr. Wright of Persia, is to be married Wednesday, to a Mr. Mitchell of Po'keepsie, and is to sail immediately to Syria - Mrs. Cochrane knew her, do you remember? Jessie Campbell is to be married Teusday evening to John Harvey. They are to be married in the Christian Church, in grand style - Jessie will wear white silk. Minnie had a letter from Hattie Dickinson a little while ago, describing her elegant presents of silver, and the beauty of her outfit - She has six elegant new silks, garnet, blue, green,black, black and white check, and white, the black and white is her travelling dress. They are going to keep house on Winder street. Mr. Henry McKnight is dead, as you probably know. The Jews have bought the church where Mr. Freeland's people meet, and they are obliged to build a chapel on their lot, immediately. Delia Howard is in very poor health, and is talking of going home to stay. She has not been well since the holidays. The other girls are all well I think. Clara Glover is sick a good deal. Please give a great deal of love to Auntie, Uncle, and the cousins. Tell little Emma that I will write to her soon but can't this time possibly. I am glad that my other effort proved satisfactory - Minnie, Hattie, and Helen send much love. Sarah says "I do so want your Mother to come home." She says that she is not very well yet, has notregained her appetite - Her baby drinks a tumbler full of milk at a time, she not having enough for him - I hope that she will be well soon - Carrie is busy getting ready to be married, & she too is longing for Mrs. Warner - If ever I am in half as great demand as you, I shall consider my mission in life fulfilled. Good bye dear - I have written this all this evening in spite of my fears - Yours with much love - Mattie
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Sep. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: September 23, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sept. 23 1866- My darling Mother, How good it was of you to write us such a good long letter. It is so good to hear from home. I hope you admire the word "good", it appears to be a favorite one of mine - It is a beautiful day, the sun is very bright and warm although it is chilly in the house - Hattie and Miss Stoddard are going to church together, and Minnie is to escort two young girls. I went to church last Sunday, walked both ways, and felt better for it....
Show moreVassar College Sept. 23 1866- My darling Mother, How good it was of you to write us such a good long letter. It is so good to hear from home. I hope you admire the word "good", it appears to be a favorite one of mine - It is a beautiful day, the sun is very bright and warm although it is chilly in the house - Hattie and Miss Stoddard are going to church together, and Minnie is to escort two young girls. I went to church last Sunday, walked both ways, and felt better for it. Yesterday we all three went in, and called on Mrs. Knapp, she seemed very glad to see us - I like her better every time I see her - They are boarding now in a private house, and enjoying life highly. Congratulate the Pomeroy's for us. Howstrange it must seem to them to have a baby at their house. What a pity that it is not a boy, they all wanted one so much. I hope that Mrs. Pomeroy will continue to do well. What will they call her? Is she old enough to show whether she is dark or fair? Was Mrs. Pomeroy ready for her? Do tell me all the particulars The Detroit girls are progressing finely. I don't think they have been at all homesick, either individually or collectively. That Miss Bartlett I have seen two or three times. She seems in a flourishing condition. Emma Cartledge's niece I am ashamed to say, we have not been to see. It's real mean of us for she looks like a child who would be desperately homesick, but we have been so busy and have made so many visits to forlorn new scholars that we haven't come round to her. I mean to go and see her this very day, for today of all days in the week she will need attention. Dr. Raymond is not able to preach today, and they do say that our lovely friend Rev. J. L. Corning will perform that duty for him. Interesting prospect! I wish we could fill our pew at home this evening. Hattie has begun to take observations on the spots on the sun. She takes them every day at twelve, so that at that time you can imagine Hattie on top of the observatory peering at his roasting majesty through a telescope. The sun has been spotless so far, but in at least a month she hopes to see some little black spots the size of a pin's head upon his disk. Clara Glover is to observe the moon and sweep for comets. I don't think it pays. My inaugural came off in a proper manner and I have taken my seat as Pres. of our Chapter, two presidents from our room is doing well, isn't it? Prof. Van Lugen and his bride have arrived. They were thirty two days on the ocean, owing to breakages in the machinery. The vessel was a Dutch one, makingits first voyage. Their friends on this side of the water were seriously disturbed about them before they arrived. Madame Van Ingen Is very tall, and dark, looking far more like a French woman than a Hollander. She wears no hoops, which adds to her apparent height - Her English is almost a minus quantity, and they say, that the poor thing tucked away in the fourth story of one of the Prof's houses unable to converse with any one in the absence of her husband, is some what homesick. I pity her from the bottom of my heart. Hattie wants you should send her that blue paper Minnie gave her & was left in one of the secretary drawers and I want my black kid gloves - I am afraid however with all our wants that you'll have a larger bundle than you can send conveniently. If so leave out anything you think unnecessary - There are about eight new teachers none of whom I like at all - but I shall have nothing to do with them - The Faculty have been working night and day to perfect their arrangements, and have succeeded so well, that on Monday we commence recitations. Dr. Raymond and Profs. Knapp and Farrar look worn out. It's too bad especially has Prof. Knapp had no rest this summer owing to the dangerous illness of his wife. I am thankful that you are having so pleasant a visit with Auntie and Cousin Mary, they must have been delighted to see the last of us - Has Auntie seen Mrs. Howard yet? Miss Gilbert said, in a letter received from her Friday, that Uncle and Aunt Safford, were to visit you soon, so dont despair - She also said that Clara joined the church last communion Sabbath Horace is at home but much worse, they will be obliged to take him back. He is very affectionate and kind whenever he knows them, which he seldom does. She hoped that we would write to them, poor Aunt Sarah is almost, heart broken. I mean to writevery soon. She says that Horace still preserves a gentlemanly appearance, but that he is a very mournful sight - Please remember us to Mr. & Mrs. Ballard, Mrs. Raymond, Mrs. Hibbard, Sara, Carrie, &c. I can't realise now that I've been at home at all, everything looks precisely like last year, except the new faces, some of whom I like, many of whom I don't like - Miss Lyman is so gracious that the old scholars are somewhat bewildered. Helen says she is going to write, but as she is comfortably basking in the sunshine reading, I hardly think she will, therefore I will say for her that she is in ecstasies with every thing and person so far, except Prof. Knapp, to whom her objections seem to be, that he is very handsome, and has a black mustache. Give a great deal of love to all at home. I am thankful that you have a good girl at last. I've been up by a quarter past six every morning till this one - Good bye - Your loving daughter Mattie-Mother if I have not said so before I want to say now, if Auntie would like it please give her for Mary my plaid brown dress. It will be of no particular service to me & she seemed to take a fancy to it & there is enough good to make Mary a very pretty dress - With love - Hattie
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, Jan. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Mar. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Sep. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: September 30, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sept. 30, 1866. My dearest Mother, How busy you must Be with your house so full, how I wish I could be in two places at once. I am very anxious to see Uncle and Aunt, having heard you speak of them so often - I hope that they will make you a long visit, and that Aunt Mary will stay with you indefinitely - Dr. Wilks of Montreal is here, and will preach for us - I liked him very much better than I expected, this morning in chapel, not being prejudiced in his favor. Has he had...
Show moreVassar College Sept. 30, 1866. My dearest Mother, How busy you must Be with your house so full, how I wish I could be in two places at once. I am very anxious to see Uncle and Aunt, having heard you speak of them so often - I hope that they will make you a long visit, and that Aunt Mary will stay with you indefinitely - Dr. Wilks of Montreal is here, and will preach for us - I liked him very much better than I expected, this morning in chapel, not being prejudiced in his favor. Has he had four or five wives? He is a perfect specimen of Johnny Bull. He was Miss Lyman's pastor for twenty seven years, so that of course she is delighted to see him -I think it would be advisable for me to tell him after chapel, that I dont at all approve of his beloved daughter-in-law. We have been seated in Chapel - the Seniors and Juniors by themselves, the common herd alphabetically - You don't know how ridiculously we all feel poking up to the very front seats, where we sit directly under the President's eye, where he can watch us contentedly. We proposed to the class the expediency of putting on our best dresses, and a quantity of artificial flowers in our hair, and marching in five minutes late this afternoon, In alphabetical order, thereby producing an impression. Strange to say however our proposition was not looked upon with decided favor. Did I tell you that I am a Junior now? We have a new French teacher who is very disagreeable - He speaks very little English, although he understands it; he is very cross, and impatient, if anyone doesn't understand what he says the first time, he grows wrathy, immediately, which isn't fair, as he speaks very indistinctly. Perhaps we will like him better in time. The girls like the two Madames very much. Helen is in our Horace class as well as Hattie, I guess she'll get along well - It is so odd to have three sisters in the same class, sitting in a row. I sat by Miss Stoddard as long as I could, but Friday we were seated. I like her very much, she is very quiet and sweet- Prof. Tenney has returned. His Father was somewhat better when he left, but still very dangerous. He was very much afraid some little thing would make him worse, In which case there would be no hope. He said that the New Hampshire forests were a perfect blase of beauty - that they never looked so bright to him before. The trees here are just beginning to turn, but some of them are very beautiful. Helenattempted to paint one of the leaves the other day, but failed signally. We have taken some beautiful walks lately. Monday we went to Cedar Ridge, a beautiful spot. Friday to Sunrise Hill, where we had a grand view of all the country round. Mr. Mitchell had lent us his opera glass, which added much to our enjoyment. We went in our gymnastic suits, which, are just the dresses for long walks. It was so good to see Mr. King! I wanted to hug him - The day he was here we had a most unhappy season at dinner - At our table we had to wait, after we sat down till our meat (mutton chops) could be cooked, then it came so raw no one could eat it, and not enough to go around the table, two more chops were brought after cooking, but even then all were not served, and we could have no more "as the fire had gone out, and two tables had had nothing" - We were as badly off for potatoes, but fortunately had plenty of bread andtomatoes, which some tables were entirely without. At a quarter of two. Miss Lyman learned the state of affairs, and then her wrath burned high. I never saw her look so angry as when she sailed out of the dining room after the steward, who had not appeared during the meal. I think the unhappy man received a blessing on that occasion, as we have had better food, since then both in quality, and quantity - He is a very disagreeable man, and cordially detested by all who know him. I had a letter from Charlie yesterday, he seemed in high spirits, had just returned to New York after his summer vacation. I don't think he said any thing worth repeating. Miss Gilbert wanted we should tell Father that Asa Nurse represents Pittsford in the Legislature this winter. I suppose Father is deep In the coming election, and that both he and Willie spend their time at politicalmeetings of all kinds. I know nothing about the torn affairs are taking, seeing as I do few papers, and paying but slight attention to the politics of those - The marrying and giving in marriage seems to have begun with vigor in Detroit. How I wish that I was there to see. We are all progressing finely - Helen has joined the Literary Society, as she ought to in all respectability - I have made that white cambric skirt and worn it three times, the weather has been very warm - My sewing is all done except the velvet on my wrapper. I have worn my bonnet twice, once to call on Mrs. Knapp, and once to church. I should like to keep on writing all night, but I can't, and must stop. Give quantities of love to every one. Tell Willie to continue in the good way of letter writing he has begun. His letters are a perfect comfort. How much I would give to kiss and hug you - Your loving daughter Mattie
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, Jan. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to father, Jun. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: June 10, 1866
Text: Vassar College. June 10, 1866. My dearest Mother, I am exceedingly mortified to see by my letter book, what a length of time has elapsed since I wrote to you last. It's too bad. I had no intention of letting time fly quite so rapidly as it has. But Mother dear, you may rest assured that to which ever member of the family we write you are all the time as much in our hearts as if we were writing to you. We are just now in quite a state of excitement over our Literary entertainment. We...
Show moreVassar College. June 10, 1866. My dearest Mother, I am exceedingly mortified to see by my letter book, what a length of time has elapsed since I wrote to you last. It's too bad. I had no intention of letting time fly quite so rapidly as it has. But Mother dear, you may rest assured that to which ever member of the family we write you are all the time as much in our hearts as if we were writing to you. We are just now in quite a state of excitement over our Literary entertainment. We wanted it distinct and not mixed up in the least with the performances of the Executive Committee. We failed signally, but fought sublimely. In fact I think the President has much more respect for the girls than he had yesterday morning - We stuffed it out till half past ten, from between seven and half past. I am glad that we didn't gain any more than we did or any less. Our public meeting is progressing finely, only two weeks more though! I'm almost crazy - Never mind when we come home you'll straighten me out will you not? Minnie had a letter from home saying that Mr. Jones thinks of calling on us Wednesday. Minnie is going to write for him to come Teusday evening for the performance. How I do wish you would come. How delightful it would be! I am tired & its bed time and I must send this in this fashion, although I am heartily ashamed to do so, & half inclined not to, but it will be better than nothing so I'll do it. Will Mrs. & Mr. Freeland be at home this summer? I do want to see them.I must stop with this little bit Love to all I'll write soon - Good bye Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Dec. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: December 16, 1866
Text: Vassar College Dec. 16, 1866 My dearest Mother, Yesterday was Helen's birthday and she is now fairly launched into middle life. Hattie gave her a little white frame with that picture of a stagg in it. It is very pretty indeed. I gave her a little poem by Bayard Taylor, "The Picture of St. John." Yesterday afternoon Mr. Wheeler came into our room carrying in his hand a most desolate looking bandbox, with a string tied round it, thereby supporting the top and bottom which would...
Show moreVassar College Dec. 16, 1866 My dearest Mother, Yesterday was Helen's birthday and she is now fairly launched into middle life. Hattie gave her a little white frame with that picture of a stagg in it. It is very pretty indeed. I gave her a little poem by Bayard Taylor, "The Picture of St. John." Yesterday afternoon Mr. Wheeler came into our room carrying in his hand a most desolate looking bandbox, with a string tied round it, thereby supporting the top and bottom which would otherwise have fallen off. He looked at it a minute doubtfully, and said "Miss Dickinson? " Miss Dickinson took it and opened it, and found therein a lovely little black velvet bonnet. The only di-rection on it was "From A. M. Macadam Minnie L. Dickinson, Vassar College, Po'keepsie, N.Y." It didn't even say by express, or any thing to signify how it came. I suppose that her mother had them send it from there to save the trouble of sending it from home. It is a beauty, but Minnie considers it extremely foolish, for she brought beautiful velvet for a hat. I wore my hat and veil yesterday and it looked very pretty and becoming. Helen's is very becoming indeed, and she looks very well. I think that she has grown fleshy. While I was sick Miss Lyman sent me Miss Fiske's "Recollections of Mary Lyon." I think that you would enjoy reading it very much. There are a great many of her evening talks, or chapel talks, or wherever it was that you all used to assemble. I didn't read much in it, but I thought you would like it exceedingly - She also sent me an English magazinein which was an advertisement of a young ladies school which had the sentence "For gentlemen's daughters only" Aren't the English contemptible? I am thankful that I am not one. I had a letter from Sarah Thursday. She told me all about George's illness. Poor fellow! what a sad life he was. Do they wear very heavy mourning? How is Sarah now? Isn't Mrs. William's death sad? Her husband must feel very badly - He will be another widower for Mrs. Taylor to exercise her talents upon. Are they going to continue housekeeping? I should think Mrs. Avery would go and keep house for them. Only four days more before the holidays commence! Several of the Detroit girls are going home. I think they are very foolish, for, setting aside the question of expense it is a very tedious journey, and takes so long that the girls will have no more than to get well shaken out before they have to start home again - or rather back - Then they will be so forlornly home sick for several weeks. I must say that as far as we have been any service or comfort to those girls, they might have been in Egypt. I have never been in to Fannie King's room but twice or three times, since the first week. I have never been to see Delia Howard but once, and Cornelia Penfield not more than three or four times. I don't know why I'm sure - except that there is so little time for any visiting, and every time we go any where almost, it is into our dear Prof. Tenney'- It is so pleasant and homelike there, and they are always so glad to see u- How are all the people getting along at home? Next Christmas I hope youll have some daughters at home, to help make things pleasant - And the year after! Won't it be glorious when I am fairly graduated and at home! Wait till you see the dignity which I shall bear next year as a Senior! As it is this year the Juniors overshadowing the Seniors by reason of numbers are obliged to carry double dignity - We have very pleasant times indeed. I never knew before how one's feeling for one's class becomes. We wantto stop at Pittsford by all means and supposed that included in Vermont. I think it would be all together too much to ask Katie to keep us for two weeks, when Sarah and Jennie are also there. We mean to be in Pittsford at the same time that Minnie is, and I know that we shall have a very gay time indeed - Minnie is going to spend part of the time with Miss Gilbert, & part at Yonkers, with Lillie Beers, a little friend of hers, who almost worships her. I think that the vacation is very opportune, for we are all tired and need rest and change. Please give a great deal of love to all, and a great deal to yourself. Your loving daughter Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, n.d.:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Feb. 1867:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: February 03, 1867
Text: Vassar College Feb. 3, 1867 My dearest Mother, Isn't it gorgeous that Sarah has a little boy? I am so delighted that she is fairly over it and has a dear little baby. I could tell that something grand had happened when I saw Father's direction on the envelope. Have you seen the little chap? Of course you have though, how absurd of me to ask you. Do write to me all about him, unless you go to see Uncle Shepherd. What time of day or night was he born? Who is Sarah's nurse? Mrs....
Show moreVassar College Feb. 3, 1867 My dearest Mother, Isn't it gorgeous that Sarah has a little boy? I am so delighted that she is fairly over it and has a dear little baby. I could tell that something grand had happened when I saw Father's direction on the envelope. Have you seen the little chap? Of course you have though, how absurd of me to ask you. Do write to me all about him, unless you go to see Uncle Shepherd. What time of day or night was he born? Who is Sarah's nurse? Mrs. Jones I suppose. How funny George must seem as a father. Oh dear! how much I do want to be home, and see all the wonderful sights.It seems as though Sarah's baby must belong to us in great measure. Poor Auntie! I am so sorry for her. What will she do with all her little children if Uncle Shepherd dies. I do so hope that you will go to her. She must need some one to be with her, and I am so glad that Aunt Charlotte isn't there. I know that Uncle Shepherd will want you with him when he dies for you always were his favorite sister. I am glad that Mary is willing to keep house while you are gone, but how very odd it seems. Will Father be at home? or will she keep house for Will alone? I went to Mr. Coming's church yesterday for the first time this year. I liked him better than ever before, but still he is not pleasant at all in my opinion. He preached here in the afternoon, and his sermon was excellent. I should hardly have recognized himas the same man. "Diabolus" is here. The chap who wrote that article about us in the New York Times last summer. I suppose he would be better known to you as "Lafayette Howard-" If I was Dr. Raymond I would not acknowledge him as my nephew. He was in our Geology class this morning and I suppose will write all about it in that contemptible paper. The snow is all melting away. I hope that we shall have no more. I am anxious for spring to come. Mr. Manning lectured for us last Friday, on "Samuel Adams." It was very good indeed, and gave us a great deal of information concerning that estimable man. He closed with an account of his opinion regarding Mr. Andrew Johnson. I think it did us a great deal of good although it roused the wrath of sundry young females. Dr. Lord is going to lecture for us on a histor-ical subject. Emerson will lecture sometime. I don't know when - Anna Dickinson lectured on "Something to do." In the course of her lecture she complimented Miss Mitchell very highly. I am so sorry she couldn't come out here. Gough is coming in the spring. Helen has been indulging in a semi neuralgic, toothaic, eyeaic, desease, which consists principally of groans and poultices. She has taken to her lounge this day, and I presume that in a day or two she will be well again - She has been carrying on a series of visits to a dentist's establishment and has smelled vigorously of creosote. She sends word to you that she is in a very critical condition and the doctors' have given her up. She is also dangerous, expressing fierce desires to hurt some one. I think she has really suffered a good deal, but you know that it's orthodox for our family to be groaning - I do hope that you will go to Uncle Shepherd's. I am very anxious to hear from him, and you - Helen says that it is mean of me to make fun of her, and I suppose it was -I know that you have been thinking especially of our dear little baby, now that her birthday has come again. I wish that I was at home to talk with you about her. It seems to me as if Sarah's baby must be in some way connected with ours. I am so very thankful that she is so near you and you can see so much of her. Ah Mother dear! although I know how much happier she is than she could be here yet I can hardly help wishing her back again, when I think of you all alone, and we are so far away. But I know that it is far better for us as is, otherwise she would be here - I hope that you have followed out the plan of which you wrote to Hattie, it is such a pleasant thought, that any one is looking forward to her birthday. I wish I could write longer, and how much I wish that I could see you, and have a long, long talk. It doesn't seem as if we had any visit at all last summer, we had so much to do - But next summer whenI am the only one to be started off - won't we have long, nice visits - I must stop and study. Good bye, Your ever loving Mattie -I must close - Love to all, especially to Sarah. Tell Willie that I will write to him on Wednesday. Good bye - Your loving daughter - Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Mar. 1868:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: March 12, 1868
Text: Vassar College March 12, 1868 My dear dear Mother, Why you poor unfortunate woman! I am so sorry for you that I could cry. I am thankful that Hattie is at home, and I wish I were. Don't you ever dare to write another word to either Helen or me. I feel very guilty for having said any thing to make you feel compelled to write - It was very mean of me, for although I had no suspicion about your eyes, I did know that your hands were always full, that we had all the letters we needed, and...
Show moreVassar College March 12, 1868 My dear dear Mother, Why you poor unfortunate woman! I am so sorry for you that I could cry. I am thankful that Hattie is at home, and I wish I were. Don't you ever dare to write another word to either Helen or me. I feel very guilty for having said any thing to make you feel compelled to write - It was very mean of me, for although I had no suspicion about your eyes, I did know that your hands were always full, that we had all the letters we needed, and more than we deserved, and that you always were inclined to write more than your strength permitted - Don't sew any more, Mother dear, you have done three times your share of the world's work in time past,and can afford now to rest upon your laurels. You know that I am coming home soon, and shall be all fresh for work of any kind, except study - I shall rebel if any body asks me to pay any attention to hours, or books, till the spirit moves - It seems to me that after twelve years hard work, it wouldn't hurt Hattie to rest a while, but I suppose that is none of my business - But it is my business to attend to you. You know that you are my especial care when you are sick, and I shall feel very anxious about you till I hear that you are quite well again - I am so glad about Carrie. How does she feel? and when does she expect to be sick? I have not heard from her, but have faint hopes of doing so before long - I wish I could do some thing for Carrie, but can't this spring - I hope the baby will be a girl - If they have a boy of Carrie'slively turn of mind what a contrast he will be to his father! How thankful I am that the Pomeroy infant is a boy! I suppose that the Dr. is entirely satisfied now. What are they going to call him? I hope that they have succeeded in getting a nurse with at least the recommendation of sanity - I hope that Mary won't be altogether worn out by the care of the house and Bertie too. The latter is as much as one strong woman ought to have the care of. What happened to Emma's friend that he went home on crutches. Did Hattie mean Mr. or Miss Worthington? She wrote Mr. but I thought that he left long ago - I am very sorry to hear of Mrs. Avery's poor health. It seems hardly possible for her to live very long. She is a very good woman, isn't she? It makes me feel unusually mean whenever I remember my former hatred of her.It's extremely humiliating to have so many follies, and worse than follies, to repent of - especially those comitted between my fourteenth and seventeenth years. If ever I have a daughter of that age I shall forbid her to speak under any circumstances, to others than the members of her own family. Has there been more than usual suffering among the poor? We are so entirely shut out from work of that kind that we forget that there is any to be done - The subject of the Howard Mission, has done us a great deal of good in making us think - So has Dr. Post's appeal for help. Every girl must have felt his words as especially addressed to her, in fact he did speak directly to our class, like Mr. Van Meter, he is unwilling to wait - he said that their hands were tied for want of women to do the work, which none but women could do. I wish Iwere strong- I should feel called to go. Mary Griggs is going to Burmah, and is to study medicine three years in Philadelphia first - that will make her twenty three, which Dr. Clark thinks about the right age. I suppose though, that it is no use for me to think about it; with such a head, I should be of little service in a hot climate - We are going on much as usual - Helen is studying her Physiology in a very dangerous frame of mind, for nearly every day she announces a new discovery regarding the scientific method of comitting murder. If you hear of my dying suddenly, and mysteriously, you may know where to look for an explanation - Oh I had forgotten! What culpable negligence! My letter should have been wreathed in mourning - To think of the loss that Detroit and the Warnerfamily have sustained! I doubt if Helen will be able to return so deep in her affliction. Of course you do not hesitate to apply my remarks to the departure of our beloved friend Thomas Huntingdon. My chagrin is great, inasmuch as I have previously invited sundry of my classmates to visit me, holding out the possibility of winning such a prize as the great inducment to our beautiful city. Alas! alas! "I never needed a dear gazelle" &c - You know Mother, that I never did - Has Father satisfied himself regarding his false works? or is he still sitting upon the banks of the Mississipi shouting to the "Father of Waters" "thus far shalt thou go and no farther"? I have been thinking of cheering his solitude by an epistle, but not knowing where, or rather how, to direct, I have refrained, having no force to throw away, writing letters that never getthere. If you will send me his address, however, I will see what I can do. He must have his bridge in good order a year from next summer, when Miss Mitchell and her six astronomers are going to Burlington to see the great eclipse. They are going to make us a visit on their way out - Won't it be fine? The eclipse takes place Aug 7, 1869 - Hattie ought to go on with them, and celebrate her birthday - I am thankful that I live just where I do, for thus I can see all the girls who go west, or east, or up the Lakes - Anna Baker is only nine hours ride from us, and she says that the ladies often go up to Detroit to shop. Nellie Leland is going to live in Chicago, so she will come and see us, and we shall have beautiful times. You will like the girls very much. Wasn't it nice that Sam Clary stopped in Detroit? I wish I had seen him -What is he going to do now? Not live at home I hope. Miss Lyman is in very poor health. I am afraid that she will not live very long. It will be a great blow to the College to lose her - I do love her dearly, and she is just as good to us all as she can be. Prof. Tenney leaves in about six weeks - I can do nothing but clothe myself in mental sackcloth and ashes and rail alternately at Williams and at Dr. Bishop - Do ask Mrs. Ballard what style of a man the Dr. Bishop in the Board at Williams is. Don't ask her husband, for if he cant admire Dr. Todd, I have no confidence in his judgement - Give my love to them both, please. Love to Hattie, Will, and yourself in great measure - Tell Bridget that I shall be home before long to eat up all her soda biscuit - Do take care ofyourself, dear Mother, and don't let your goodness kill you - Poor Mrs. Sumner, I am so sorry for her - Love to Carrie, Sarah, Minnie, Mrs. Raymond, and all the friends - Spring vacation is coming in a few weeks, when I think of sitting on top of one of the turrets and sunning my self - Spring is struggling for life, and winter is slowly giving way - I have seen some grass, of a pale live green color. Good bye, Love to all. Your loving daughter Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Feb. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, Jun. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: June 04, 1866
Text: Vassar College. 6 mo. 4, 1866. Dear Nellie, Many thanks for your good long letter. What an astonishing man to travel Father is growing to be. Do you suppose he really will come for us? I hope he won't want us to go any sooner or wait any? because I do believe either deed would utterly destroy the remenant of brains which I own. It will be very pleasant to have him, especially as there are several little girls going on with us to Chicago. Helen I don't believe that I shall write to...
Show moreVassar College. 6 mo. 4, 1866. Dear Nellie, Many thanks for your good long letter. What an astonishing man to travel Father is growing to be. Do you suppose he really will come for us? I hope he won't want us to go any sooner or wait any? because I do believe either deed would utterly destroy the remenant of brains which I own. It will be very pleasant to have him, especially as there are several little girls going on with us to Chicago. Helen I don't believe that I shall write to you more than three times more, before I reach home! What is the matter with Congress? I saw in the paper that they had repealed the tax on pig iron, which I supposed would greatly rejoice him. I hope he'll gain his point, whatever it is. Hattie Pearl's marriage as well as Mattie Messenger's had reached me by way of Lucy Hawley to Hattie. I am very glad that Hattie Pearl has married Mr. Pond, and not Mr. Kent. That gentleman does not appear to increase in aimability as his years. Mother must have enjoyed the visit from Mr. & Mrs. Weed very much. I am so glad she has seen them again. Was all that nonsense about T. Huntingdon & his washing true, that Father said? If so I think him an impertinent puppy, & I can't imagine why Mother agreed to do it - Miss LeMaire is to be congratulated - Did she marry a Detroit sprig? If so what is the occupation and calling of the same? It must be a relief to the Silsbee's that Mrs. Silsbee is finally at rest. How are the financial interests of the family? Last I heard they were nearly penniless.I am glad that you have a bonnet likewise a basquine. It will be the duty of the family to provide those articles for Hattie after her arrival in D - What style is Empress? I am a perfect barbarian in regard to fashions you see. What a looking letter! In regard to the exact hour of our return. I am unable to state positively - We had laid all our plans to reach home about five o'clock Friday evening - but of course if Father comes for us, it will be just as he says - I hope he won't see fit to alter any thing, for I don't want to leave here a minute before school is out, and I dont want to be a minute later at home. Won't it be joyful! I can't tell you how I long for a place at the foot of Mother's bed. and a good long talk with all of you - Miss Gilbert is able to be around, but is prevented from hearing her classes, by a large stye on her eye. I think it wouldbe the best thing she could do to go home and stay there, and suffer another one to reign in her stead. We have finished the first book of the Mem. or will have done when this reaches you - We have our last lesson Wednesday - Then we reveiw preparatory to an examination by Prof. Knapp. I am utterly witless this afternoon, and shall wait until evening - [In pencil in a different hand] (Well how do you do? Home in three weeks more!!! Father to go home with!!! Aren't going to have an address before our Society!!! Ought to be writing an article for our Society paper. Don't know what to write about. The last scene in the drama has closed with, Exeunt all my ideas-) Did you ever hear of such impertinence! See what I'll do to her next letter! It's wet and rainy, and damp, and sleepy - Love to all, tell Sallie to write just once more. Tell Mother to preserve her strength to hug us. I don't know anything, or care for anything. Minnie & Hattie send love - Good bye, your most stupid sister Mattie S. W.
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, Mar. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Sep. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: September 15, 1866
Text: Vassar College Sept. 15, 1866- Dear Mother, How I hope you went straight to bed after we left and stayed there until you were entirely rested. My conscience smites me every time I recall your poor tired face. I hope next year will be easier. I have been industrious in the extreme, having finished my blue silk, and brown alpaca, and partly sewed the velvet on to my black alpaca. Helen has, I believe, finished all her sewing; she has also passed her preliminary examinations, but has not yet...
Show moreVassar College Sept. 15, 1866- Dear Mother, How I hope you went straight to bed after we left and stayed there until you were entirely rested. My conscience smites me every time I recall your poor tired face. I hope next year will be easier. I have been industrious in the extreme, having finished my blue silk, and brown alpaca, and partly sewed the velvet on to my black alpaca. Helen has, I believe, finished all her sewing; she has also passed her preliminary examinations, but has not yet been examined for classification. Every one seems to think that we must have spent all our vacation in electioneering for Vassar College. I'm sorry for I dont want people to imagine that theyare the class of students our efforts produce. Some of them however are very desirable girls - Fannie King, Delia Howard and Mary Gillett are, I fancy, good scholars, the High School girls I know are, and some of the others I know are not. I hope they will all do well. The College seemed desolate enough this year before the old scholars returned the first day we were here I don't believe there were a twenty old students. Thursday I was in the parlor all day, and I assure you that any familiar face was very welcome. I think that now there are nearly one half old students, but its forlorn. There is a Miss Stoddard here, a daughter of the missionary, who is a very pleasant girl. I am sure we will like her very much; she graduated at South Hadley this summer. Emma Cartlidge's niece is also here, I guess she'll be nice, but she's very young - Miss Pope is a fine look--ing girl, that is she appears like a young lady of strong character. I like Miss Bartlet's looks very well. There are quite a number of new teachers but I know none of them, nor do I particularly fancy their appearance. I am very thankful that Aunt Mary is with you. I hope she'll stay a long time, certainly until Aunt Charlotte has gone. What would we have done without Auntie those last days? Please tell little Mary that we are under great obligations to her for her lamp lighters. We were very glad to hear from Uncle Cephus - it seems that he escaped from Canada in safety, congratulate him. I am glad that Uncle Cephas sent Helen's character. I was afraid she would be called upon for it, and be found wanting. You don't know how glad our Profs- were to see us, it did me good to hear Prof. Knapp exclaim "Oh, Miss Warner."Poor Mrs. Knapp was very dangerously ill during vacation, the Prof- doesn't seem at all rested - Prof. Tenney & his wife are very well - Sannie is as cross as a bear. Hattie is anxious that you should get that velvet, and send her a little piece in a letter, as she wants a braid to match the velvet - Miss Lyman has been as sweet as honey in concentrated essence - I don't know how long it will last - It's forlorn to have Hattie poke off every night. I mean to have a bed made on top of the wardrobe and put Hattie in it - Minnie says Hattie shall share her wardrobe and bureau, if she will only come back. I am going to write you very soon a good long respectable letter, but tonight we have company, and I can do nothing at all - Give a great deal of love to every body - Tell Willie I'll write soon, meanwhile he must do mecredit - Tell Carrie I'll write soon, but she musn't wait - Sara also. Tell her that there is a young lady here named Sarah Pomeroy - Impertinent - isn't it! The Beta Chap - elected me Pres. last Friday night - Imagine me presiding over the meetings. I went to church today, with Miss Blatchley - we went to the Presbyterian church, Rev. Mr. Wheeler Pastor - Kiss every body. I do want to see you very much. Good night - Mattie Please send Helen's silver cup in that bundle-
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to Will, May 1867:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: May 14, 1867
Text: Vassar Collage. May 14, 1867. Dear Will, Don't I beg of your, imagine for an instant that your unwonted epistolatory efforts are to have the effect of silencing mine, that would be a feat as difficult to accomplish for my pea as my tongue. What a good boy you are! Minnie feels highly flattered that her remarks should have boon such early and delightful fruit - Your letters are like cold water to a thirsty soul, if you could in any way appreciate how much we enjoy them, you certainly...
Show moreVassar Collage. May 14, 1867. Dear Will, Don't I beg of your, imagine for an instant that your unwonted epistolatory efforts are to have the effect of silencing mine, that would be a feat as difficult to accomplish for my pea as my tongue. What a good boy you are! Minnie feels highly flattered that her remarks should have boon such early and delightful fruit - Your letters are like cold water to a thirsty soul, if you could in any way appreciate how much we enjoy them, you certainly would be willing to undergo considerable personal sacrifice for the purpose of affording us so much pleasure. Only five more weeks any way! Before I say another word, let me congratulate you upon your promotion.I have but a very vague idea what a "buying clerk" may be, but still I know that it is better than staying up stairs where I was in constant fear lest you should poison yourself, by smelling some thing awful, or put out your eyes by a sudden puff of something, or come to some other equally deplorable end. So Carrie is to be married! I hope that you will go to the wedding, as of course you will if she has any friends at all. Don't I wish that I could be there to see. Hattie and Minnie have scarcely time to breathe, they ought to have a vacation as College boys do, and our class are going to insist upon it next year. They have formed a class organization, and being small in number, but great in ambition, they each took two offices. So their list of officers reads as follows Pres. M. L. Dickinson, Vice Pres. E. S. Geiger, Sec. H. D. Woodward. Treas. H. A. Warner. Poet H. D. Woodward. Sybil E. J.Geiger. Historian H. A. Warner, and I can't think what other thing Minnie is. They have no motto yet, but look longingly toward the Greek language to remedy the deficiency - Our class, numbering twenty five in all, can look down with undisguised scorn upon four Seniors and tell with many derisive smiles, what shall be done by the mighty '68ers. Have you had any spring yet? I don't know whether we have or not. From my own sensations and those of the mercury I should say decidedly not - but the presence of flowers, most of them blue and shivering however, and on occasional light dress, make me believe that the mercury and I err a little in our judgment of things - Ralph Waldo Emerson is going to lecture for us on Friday evening. I am quite curious to hear him, but rather expect him to be dry - He has not condescended to inform the committee what may be thesubject of his lecture, probably considering it sufficient that he consents to lecture to girls at all. I think that we shall have a very good course next year - Helen has, in addition to botanizing, taken kindly to surveying. They are surveying the College farm. I only trust that we shall have the pleasure of escorting her back to her paternal mansion an integer or whole number - I wish I were rather more active, and I'd write you a longer letter, but not feeling at all brilliant I think it my duty to stop before I ruin my reputation. Love to every body in the house & out of it who wants any. Good bye, continue in the well doing you have begun. Your loving sister Marthy S. WarnerMy dear Will, I thank you very much for your letter & will write as soon as I have time. I am very busy owing to the nearness of the close of the year. Love to all. Hattie
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Oct. 1865:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to Soror, Jan. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to parents, Nov. 1865:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, Apr. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: April 11, 1866
Text: Vassar College, April 11th, 1866 My dear Sister, I must beg of you, when you have in your company, simple minded people, who regliously believe what ever is said in their hearing, not to confuse and befuddle their brains in such style, that they return to your native state, and industriously spread the report, that you have abjured the faith of your Fathers, and joined yourself to that of the scarlet woman and Pope of Rome. Just this thing Miss Fannie Hammond has done, creating thereby...
Show moreVassar College, April 11th, 1866 My dear Sister, I must beg of you, when you have in your company, simple minded people, who regliously believe what ever is said in their hearing, not to confuse and befuddle their brains in such style, that they return to your native state, and industriously spread the report, that you have abjured the faith of your Fathers, and joined yourself to that of the scarlet woman and Pope of Rome. Just this thing Miss Fannie Hammond has done, creating thereby considerable commotion in the fair town of Pittsford. Clara Warner, in much perplexity has written to Miss Gilbert, she has also recieved other letters on the subject. Miss Gilbert thinks that the best thing you could do would be to write to that hopeful place yourself, stoutly denying the same. She says that to any denial from us, they would say They left before she turned, and the family don't let them know, hasn't Fannie come from there, and doesn't she report the evidence of her own eyes and ears? You will have to walk circumspectly in future my dear, if this is to be the result of any flights of fancy you may indulge. Did I ever tell you that a report was circulated thro' the College, at Thanksgiving time that we were Southern sympathisers, owing to a remark I made, to the effect, that Thanksgiving Day belonged in November, and I didn't believe that the Pres. knew much about Northern customs? We are very much engaged at present in preparations for the Founders Festival. Every thing is going to be done in fine style. I'll send you a full account when it happens. Minnie is one of the committee of arrangements. Hattie has managed to keep clear of nearly every thing.Minnie had a letter from home yesterday. It lacked two days of being four weeks since she had heard, they were very busy with spring work, as I conclude that every one must be, insomuch as this morning there were only three letters to divide among the forty girls on the corridor. Sara, I suppose, is almost if not quite ready - Dear me! how near it is! I do hope that she has these few days for "otium cum dignitate." I am already to rush down to tho depot, either next week Friday or any nearer time required - If you can conveniently please get me a sample of her dresses. I don't expect a letter from her until she has returned from her wedding tour, and is fairly settled as Mrs. George N. Ladue. Where are they going to live? I wish you to understand that you must defer your confirmation until such time as your two youthful sisters "can be there to see". I would advise you to enter the convent as soon you have given up allhopes in the matrimonial line. But so long as one last glimmering hope remains cling fast to that - I must go to French - Good bye Mattie. [Martha S. Warner, '68]
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Jan. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Oct. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: October 07, 1866
Text: Vassar College Oct. 7, 1866. My dearest Mother, How do you do this beautiful Sunday morning? Father told us nothing about it when you were to have your eye doctored, so that I cant tell whether it is getting well, or you have it yet in anticipation. In either case I am very thankful that you have Aunt Mary with you, and I trust that she will stay with you all winter, especially if Father is to be gone this year. And, next you'll have Hattie there all the time. Isn't it gorgeous to...
Show moreVassar College Oct. 7, 1866. My dearest Mother, How do you do this beautiful Sunday morning? Father told us nothing about it when you were to have your eye doctored, so that I cant tell whether it is getting well, or you have it yet in anticipation. In either case I am very thankful that you have Aunt Mary with you, and I trust that she will stay with you all winter, especially if Father is to be gone this year. And, next you'll have Hattie there all the time. Isn't it gorgeous to contemplate. How much I would give to sit on your bed this morning and tell you every thing I have to say, instead of using this stupid pen. I have so many important items to communicate that I can hardly tell where to commence -For some reason best known to their High Mightinesses the Steward and Lady Principal, we, the members of the Junior Class have been honored with a private apartment in which to take our meals - A table has been laid in the cloak room of the dining hall, and there we sit like little lions at a menagerie, on exhibition for the benefit of all passers by. The reasons are conjectured at by all of us. Some, inclined to vanity, consider it an arrangement to show us off with greater ease when distinguished guests are present, others, accustomed to calculations of ways and means, suppose that is in order to determine with accuracy the exact amount eaten by the class in order to ascertain how much the College may be considered in pocket, after we are graduated and gone; others still, of a prosaic tendency, insist that the sole reason is because more room was needed in the dining hall, and the departure of fourteen persons would be a great assistance. However thatmay be, we are well served, and enjoy it highly. When you come to see us, we will invite you in there to dine. We have this morning been divided into Bible Classes. We girls are in Prof. Knapp's, but as he will have to hear his on a week day, or else come out here to live, which latter alternative would be the death of him in a week, I intend to join Prof. Tenney's for Sunday - I don't know yet what they will study. Prof. Knapp has a class in the Greek Testament, which recites twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays, I know that we shall enjoy it exceedingly. He is the pleasantest man to study any thing of that kind with of whom I know. We have for our first lesson, twelve verses of the second chapter of Matthew. Prof. Tenney's department is now in operation. He lectures principally - and is a very interesting, as well agreeable speaker. I presume we will horrify our friends and acquaintances after we return home, byseizing all the millers, grasshoppers, bugs, toads, turtles fee. that we can find, for a collection. Yesterday we went nutting, and Hattie brought home a box turtle for the Professor, while Lillie Beers, had a little garter snake to preserve in alcohol. I believe Helen is writing Willie a detailed account of our adventures. I have not enjoyed an afternoon so much since I came back. Hattie and Minnie have gone to church. I didn't go, as there was no communion in the Presbyterian church, and my morals won't permit my attending the Congregational church here. By-the-way, what is the difference between the old and new school Congregational churches? I never heard of any division until yesterday one of the girls, Louise Blatchley, said that she belonged to the old school Congregational church, and she said that in New Haven the two churches would have no communication with each other, as one considered the other heterodox. Hattie thinks that the division must exist in New Haven alone. How do the electionsseizing all the millers, grasshoppers, bugs, toads, turtles fee. that we can find, for a collection. Yesterday we went nutting, and Hattie brought home a box turtle for the Professor, while Lillie Beers, had a little garter snake to preserve in alcohol. I believe Helen is writing Willie a detailed account of our adventures. I have not enjoyed an afternoon so much since I came back. Hattie and Minnie have gone to church. I didn't go, as there was no communion in the Presbyterian church, and my morals won't permit my attending the Congregational church here. By-the-way, what is the difference between the old and new school Congregational churches? I never heard of any division until yesterday one of the girls, Louise Blatchley, said that she belonged to the old school Congregational church, and she said that in New Haven the two churches would have no communication with each other, as one considered the other heterodox. Hattie thinks that the division must exist in New Haven alone. How do the electionsmuch I want to hug you. Good bye, with a great many kisses, your loving daughter Mattie -Please send us with the other things one of the Physical Geographies. They are, or were, I think on the upper shelf in our cupboard. Helen wants her felt hat.
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Apr. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: April 17, 1866
Text: Vassar College. April 17th, 1866 Dear Helen, I think you are a smart youth! when I write to you the 24 of March, and receive an answer from you the 2nd April, which I answer the 4th, it doesn't sound well for you to complain of not receiving letters from me. We, that is Hattie, had a magnificent letter from Mother this morning, as "chockfull" of news as ever Sol Gills was of science. Of course it is a great disappointment to give up the thought of seeing Sara; but to tell the...
Show moreVassar College. April 17th, 1866 Dear Helen, I think you are a smart youth! when I write to you the 24 of March, and receive an answer from you the 2nd April, which I answer the 4th, it doesn't sound well for you to complain of not receiving letters from me. We, that is Hattie, had a magnificent letter from Mother this morning, as "chockfull" of news as ever Sol Gills was of science. Of course it is a great disappointment to give up the thought of seeing Sara; but to tell the truth I had almost made up my mind that if she went through here, it would necessarily be so late, that we could not go down, which would be a far greater trial than her going west, instead of east. It is bad enough to have her five hun-dred miles away, but to have her so near and be unable to see her, would have been dreadful. I do hope that tomorrow will be pleasant. I actually feel nervous about it, which, after so glorious a sunset is the height of absurdity. What a blessed fellow George Ladue is! I have dreaded very much to hear where they would live, lest it should be up on High Street, or some where around there. Won't it be delightful? Nearer if possible than before. I hope that Father will be home in time for the wedding. I should feel very sorry if he shouldn't see Sara married. How beautiful her presents are! Did she seem to like ours? Oh, how I should like to be at home for a week just now. Wouldn't all our tongues fly - I dreamed last night of being at home and seeing Sara married, and was just running over to Wing's for some eggs, when I found myself placidly staring at the beaureau. I can't tell you howmuch disappointed I was. This day has been signalized by a marvellous event. I received a letter, directed to Miss Martha S. Warner, Poughkeepsie N.Y. As it said nothing of Vassar College, they took the liberty to advertise it, so that I didn't obtain it till today. It was a delicate note from Henry Chaney, on a sheet of foolscap paper, telling me about that picture of Eddie Brush. What style of full length portrait can they get for 100 dollars? I believe that if I were a young gentleman, writing even a business note to young lady I should have sent a neater specimen than that. I never saw anything equal the amount of calls that you and mother have made lately. I suppose you'll quite despise my company when I go home, Hattie had a letter from Father yesterday. He didn't seem very kindly disposed toward our presemt congress.I am very sorry that he has not succeeded any better in his design. What fools it makes men to have power in their hands. If you and I were at the head of this nation, what lots of things we'd do, wouldn't we? I wish we could have seen Father, but consider his reasons for going the other way unanswerable. I wonder if he wants to see us, or misses us much. I would give a great deal to sit down in his lap and put my arms around his neck. Only ten weeks more! It hardily seems any time at all. I most sincerely hope that Aunt Catie's desire may not be gratified. Some of the girls talk of visiting a few weeks, before they go home. But we mean to take the first train that leaves for the east, and not stop till we get into the back parlor, or Mother's room. Is Willie intending to figure as a Home-guard, or Hungarian? I read it the latter, Hattie the former - I am glad Mother likes the idea of the Founders Festival. I thinkIt will be very pleasant. Mr. Vassar is very feeble, and we shall have to take care not to tire him unduly. He has had a paralytic stroke since Christmas, that impaired his health very much. I have no doubt that this will be his last birthday. I mean to take a photograph of him home. He doesn't look a bit like a hero. His beloved nephew Young Mat reminds me more of a little, swelling, bantam roster than any thing else - Tell Mother, that we are much obliged for her kind offer. I don't think that I want anything but a light calico, and some kind of a summer dress. My underclothing is in a fine state of preservation, stockings excepted, as usual. How pleasant it was for you to go over that printing office. I looked upon the newspaper, with a slight feeling of awe, after I received your letter. I intend to preserve it, as a memento of your visit. Charlie Clark always looked to melike a very pleasant, and obliging gentleman. Miss Beaument appears to be a young lady after your own heart. I am very glad that you like her so well, it must be very pleasant for you, to have a friend so near. Oh Nell! I have just seen the most beautiful sight! The Aurora Borealis has been perfectly exquisite. I never saw any thing like it before it. The light rose in massive columns reaching almost to the zenith. It was fairly wonderful. Hattie as an astronomer, has standing permission to venture forth after dark, therefore she and Miss Helmer, prepared to go out, but they suddenly faded (i.e. A.B.'s) so they (i.e. H. and Miss H.) remained safe in the fold. Ten o'clock is close at hand, and I am extremely sleepy, therefore I must bid you a fond farewell. Love to all - Mattie. Tell Mother that I have not forgotten her, and am going to write soon. It's no use boarding the minister if hehas reached the mature age of forty years without choosing unto himself a helpmeet, he would not be a desirable one to be chosen by. I am very glad the new church is so flourishing. I hope you will continue to flourish. Lucy is progressing. I wonder if it was her Uncle who gave her that card case. I never saw any thing like her. I wish Carrie's letter would be forthcoming. Has Willie ever launched his boat? The girls are running crazy on the subject of boating on this little pond no bigger than a man's hand. Good night again Mattie Minnie and Hattie are loving
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Apr. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: April 07, 1866
Text: Vassar College April 7th, 1866. My darling Mother, Right glad were we to receive your dear good letter. How many things you and Nellie do find to write about. I desire first of all, to express my approval, of that card case. She never had anything of the kind, and has a very pretty napkin ring. Besides when she is out calling in full bridal array, it will make a very pretty addition to her dress. Its a good thing that Doctor Pomeroy got married, isn't it? Minnie says that Mr. Corning is...
Show moreVassar College April 7th, 1866. My darling Mother, Right glad were we to receive your dear good letter. How many things you and Nellie do find to write about. I desire first of all, to express my approval, of that card case. She never had anything of the kind, and has a very pretty napkin ring. Besides when she is out calling in full bridal array, it will make a very pretty addition to her dress. Its a good thing that Doctor Pomeroy got married, isn't it? Minnie says that Mr. Corning is one of the wealthiest men in the country. Do you know what the Ladue's are going to give her? I hope that Sara will cultivate an affection for shawls. How near it is! only a little more than a week! the nearer the time grows, the more unreal it all seems. The thought of seeingher nearly destroys my self possession. I am glad that you are so anxious to see us, it is very pleasant to feel that one is missed, but yet I do think that poor Thomas Huntingdon will have to make up his mind to the dreadful sacrifice. Undoubtedly it is a trial. Such delightful weather as we have had! Thursday the thermometer stood 18° where the sun has never shone since the house was built. Spring dresses blosomed out in great profusion, and one damsel had the good taste to appear in a white waist - but yesterday and today it has been cold and rainy, so that spring dresses are back in their trunks. I am glad not to have much prematurely warm weather this spring. Last night we had an election of officers in our chapter, in which we dethroned Hattie, and exalted Miss Bush in her stead. Nellie Seland is Vice Pres. Nellie Baker Secretary, Miss Glidden Treasurer. I hope next week to be relieved from my duties a Scrap-box committee. We find our Society very interesting indeed, and very improving likewise - Mr. Vassar de-sires that his birthday, April 29th, should be celebrated in the College, as a regular holiday - I believe the exercises this year are to be a mixture of literary and musical exercises - what, I don't know. Minnie is on a committee appointed by our chapter, to confer with the faculty committee, of which Prof. Knapp is chairman. They are at present holding a prolonged session. I am quite eager to learn the result. What misfortunes Carrie meets with, when attempting to call, in her blue silk. She wrote to me some time ago, about being spotted from head to foot, by a small boy dashing thro' a mud puddle. Is she as pretty as ever? Does Lucy have much to say about Ned Butler now? or is she devoted to some one else? Carrie never insinuates that a gentleman ever looks at the house. You know how very reserved about their affaires they always were - in a certain way, I mean. I wish you'd remind her that she owes me a letter. I am very sorry for your disappointment in losing Mr. Freeland's last sermon. I thinkmyself, that Bridget claims more than her share of churchgoing - but as you say it seems hard to part with one so nearly associated with our little darling. What a pity that you missed that last prayer meeting - I am very glad that Mr. and Mrs. Freeland are going to remain in the city. If Mrs. Bronson can have them room in her house, why can't she board them too? I should think it would be very difficult for them to manage in that way. What an aggravating specimen Mrs. Taylor can be. I am very glad you did them yourself. Sara has spoken several times, about how beautiful the skirt was. I think she will like it all the better for being all your own handiwork. I should like to keep on writing to you indefinitely, but duty in the shape of Latin, Greek and mending, beckons me away. Such an unhappy dress as that dark calico of mine is - Every Saturday for the last three weeks I have exhausted body and mind in mending that dress. On can hardly look at it, without hearing the accustomed sound tear-tear- But that's no matter for I'm going home pretty soon. Prof. Knapp came up this morning with Fannie MacGuire's little sister, it made me almost envious, I think I had bet-ter go home very speedily - for I shall be cultivating all manner of wicked thoughts and feelings. I can hardly bear to see the girls Fathers come to take them home Friday night. I am not going to ask again "When is Father coming home." but hope you will give us prompt information, when the event does take place - Love to all. Tell Willie the mail bag has looked fearfully thin lately. I presume he'll write after Sara is married. Good bye Mother darling take good care of yourself till we come home. Your loving daughter Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, Dec. 1865:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Mar. 1867:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: March 10, 1867
Text: Vassar College Mar. 10, 1867. My darling Mother, I can't tell you how rejoiced we all were to hear from you again. All account's of Uncle S. had reported him failing rapidily, and we were very much afraid that he was dead. How joyful it is to have him better! Do the Drs. really consider him out of danger? It hardly seems possible when he has been so very very sick, and with so terrible a desease. I suppose that he will never be able to regain his former health, or is that too...
Show moreVassar College Mar. 10, 1867. My darling Mother, I can't tell you how rejoiced we all were to hear from you again. All account's of Uncle S. had reported him failing rapidily, and we were very much afraid that he was dead. How joyful it is to have him better! Do the Drs. really consider him out of danger? It hardly seems possible when he has been so very very sick, and with so terrible a desease. I suppose that he will never be able to regain his former health, or is that too considered possible? I am anxious for you to be at home again and fairly rested so that we can hear all about your visit at Rockford, and about the Curtises. You won't be sick will you? That would be so too bad, but after such a seige as youhave had I should be a little surprised if you were not sick. I think you will be fully appreciate at home if you ever were appreciated any where. Poor Will seems utterly disconsolate, he says that it seems five years since you left. How is Auntie? I hope she won't be sick again. What a dear little child Emma is to write me a letter, but I do hope that she has no distinct idea of what she intended to say, or that she asked any very important questions. I thought somewhat of learning the Hebrew alphabet in order to descipher it. She is just a little over three years old now. I wish I could see her. Sanie Tenney is just about her age, and a dear little child. I was examined in Botany yesterday, and feel very comfortable now that it is over, but am very tired today. We have to be examined in all the Junior studies which we have taken here. Natural Philosophy, I intend to take next year, as Ihave my hands full for this year. Prof. Knapp has a new assistant, who has our Greek class. I like him very much, he is very particular indeed. We are commencing Thucydides in Greek, and it's very hard causing very hard study upon our part. We have also commenced the Tusculan Disputations which are as easy as Thucydides is hard. I like it very much indeed. Miss Avery is delightful in Physicology. I know that we shall enjoy the class very much. I don't quite enjoy the bones yet, and can't help shuddering at the thought of taking a hand tomorrow and studying it. I never liked to handle such things, but I suppose that we will outgrow all such follies, and will fit skulls and knock on bones with as much nonchalence as Miss Avery herself, in time. I didn't suppose that Miss A. would be nearly so much at home or so pleasant in the class room as she is. I am growing to like her very much.Dr. Raymond is away, and I have no idea who will preach for us. Dr. Lord preached last Sunday, a very good sermon in some respects but extremely cynical in many respects. I don't like men who regard themselves as social Ishmaels. He has very disagreeable voice, and that makes what he says sound even harsher. I had a very nice letter from Carrie, bemoaning your absence and longing for your return. She seems in a very prosperous state. I haven't written to Sarah yet, & it is disgraceful, but I don't seem to have any time. However I intend to do it this afternoon. Will writes that Kittle Ward's cousin Miss Murray is going to be married to Mr. Williams of Farrand, & Sheley - So J. T. Tilman is dead! How many old citizens have died lately. We are all well except Minnie who has not been very well lately, having a disagreable combination of cold and headache. Hattie & Minnie send much love. Minnie says "tell her I'm glad she is going home, she will seem nearer-" I must stop and write to little Emma. Good bye, give a great deal of love to all the people, & tell them how glad we are forthem. I wish I could kiss you. Good bye again. Your very loving daughter Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to Will, n.d.:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Apr. 1867:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: April 21, 1867
Text: Vassar College April 21, 1867 My dear Mother, I am going to send this letter home hoping that you may be there, but I do not dare to congratulate you upon being at home at last, lest you should be still at Rockford. If you are safely at home you ought to be absolved from all duties of every kind, and devote your attention to sleeping, and lying upon the sofa. Although that may not be the height of human happiness with you as it is with us. I do hope if you are at home, that you will, or...
Show moreVassar College April 21, 1867 My dear Mother, I am going to send this letter home hoping that you may be there, but I do not dare to congratulate you upon being at home at last, lest you should be still at Rockford. If you are safely at home you ought to be absolved from all duties of every kind, and devote your attention to sleeping, and lying upon the sofa. Although that may not be the height of human happiness with you as it is with us. I do hope if you are at home, that you will, or rather have, seen Minnie. She wanted so much to see you, that if she doesn't she will be much disappointed, as I have no doubt you will. We are looking for her next Teusday. I as-sure that it will be a joyful day for us when she is back again. I feel as half of myself were gone. We have had a beautiful Easter Sunday today. This morning at six o'clock I went to a service which the Episcopal girls held, which I enjoyed very much. Then Louise and I went down to Mr. Cookman's church, which service we also enjoyed highly. I like Mr. Cookman better every time I hear him, one great merit which he possesses is that he is sincerely in earnest, and means to do all the good he can, which is a very great merit in the men of this time and town. Mr. Mitchell preached here this afternoon. He is a missionary to Syria lately appointed by the Board, and has married Miss Lucy Wright daughter of the late Dr. Wright of Persia - April 20. Dear Mother will you excuse me if I don't write any more now? I was prevented from writing more Sunday night& now am very busy - I wrote a little letter to Emma which I inclose to you - I will write more next time. Goodbye. Your loving daughter - Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Feb. 1868:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: February 13, 1868
Text: Vassar College Feb. 13, 1868 My dear Mother, A letter which I received today from Father filled me with perturbation I didn't mean to alarm my home friends by telling them that I was resting from my labors - I am not sick, and expect to get through the year, if not with flying colors, at least comfortably. I certainly have no thought of going home. The reason that Miss Avery told me to rest a week was because it was the week in which the first semester ended, and the second began. There...
Show moreVassar College Feb. 13, 1868 My dear Mother, A letter which I received today from Father filled me with perturbation I didn't mean to alarm my home friends by telling them that I was resting from my labors - I am not sick, and expect to get through the year, if not with flying colors, at least comfortably. I certainly have no thought of going home. The reason that Miss Avery told me to rest a week was because it was the week in which the first semester ended, and the second began. There were very few recitations that week, and she thought that it would be a good opportunity for me to rest. I went to all my meals and did what I pleased, but didn't think of arousing sympathy upon false pretences - I amdoing famously. Father wants me to write more frequently. I don't quite see how I can. I think I have written home every week of late, and sometimes oftener. I never know when to write to him for he is so much away. Please don't think of me as sick - I am not at all. How much you will miss Mrs. Holmes. I fancied that they had abandoned their New York project, but Hattie's last letter speaks of them as on the eve of departure. If she is still in Detroit, please give my love and good bye to Mrs. Holmes, and tell her how very sorry I am that Detroit and especially our church are obliged to lose her - I am sorry that you didn't see George Gilbert married, because I wanted to hear all about the performance, but I should have dreaded going out there among perfect strangersespecially when I knew him so slightly. I am glad however that you had your dresses. What a beautiful brown yours is. Last night Louise, and Achsah, and Sarah Glazier, and I, took tea at Prof. Backus. We had a delightful time. I haven't enjoyed an evening so much since I left home. We went about twenty minutes before six and stayed till nine - The Prof, remarked that, lest we should feel any anxiety regarding chapel, he would tell us that he had had us excused. Wasn't it thoughtful? We didn't see the baby, but heard him. They were trying to put him to bed without the gas, to which he objected sorely - Mrs. Backus is a charming lady, and the Prof, is so bright and full of fun that he makes every one at ease. I think it was very kind of them to invite us. Monday was his birthday -he has attained the age of twenty six years. Sannie's birthday comes next Sunday, he will be four - Tell Hattie that the boy stands forth conspicuous in him, he has almost entirely ceased to be cunning. Scolland lectures here tomorrow night - The Sterlings will come up with him, and I want to see them far more than I do him - They came up with Wendell Phillips, and to the third - They are very pleasant, and were very polite to us - Please give my love and Helen's to all our friends - I am glad that Dr. Ballard liked Prof. Knapp's letter. Tell Hattie to write to Helen next - She hasn't had a letter since I can remember. Tell every body that I am enjoying most respectable health. Many thanks for the papers - Your loving daughter Mattie S. Warner
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Nov. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: November 04, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Nov. 4, 1866- My dearest Mother, I am all alone in my room. Helen has gone to church, Mattie and Minnie are in chapel, and I have seized the opportunity to write to you. How glad I am that you could hear Mr. Ballard today, and didn't have to sit an hour and listen to Dr. Raymond - Why doesn't some institution make Mr. Ballard a D.D. I am sure he deserves it as much as any one - I wish Father would please tell Ann Arbor to show her appreciation for true talent, and...
Show moreVassar College, Nov. 4, 1866- My dearest Mother, I am all alone in my room. Helen has gone to church, Mattie and Minnie are in chapel, and I have seized the opportunity to write to you. How glad I am that you could hear Mr. Ballard today, and didn't have to sit an hour and listen to Dr. Raymond - Why doesn't some institution make Mr. Ballard a D.D. I am sure he deserves it as much as any one - I wish Father would please tell Ann Arbor to show her appreciation for true talent, and give him all the title our poor ministers can ever aspire to. We told you didn't we that we were put into Prof. Knapp's Bible class? He, poor man, is so crowded with business that he finds it impossible to comeup here Saturdays, even for the exquisite pleasure of having a class of sixty one girls, of all ages and beliefs, at a time when but for love of the man, they would rebel, so he has dropped us, and Miss Lyman told us to pick ourselves up, and put ourselves where we pleased, for which last unexpected concession, I assure you we blessed her - So we are in our dear Prof. Tenney's. He is treating the first chapter of Genesis taken Geologically - He was very interesting indeed this morning, and as I hear Prof. Knapp twice a week in Greek Testament I am well satisfied with the change. We have a new music teacher who has just come over from Germany, her name is Sue - She is very odd looking but may be very nice indeed. I believe that she speaks very little English. How hard it must be for Carrie to have Mrs. Avery sick. Seems to me Mrs. Avery is sick a great deal lately - I do think thatCarrie is as lovely a girl as I know. Isn't it gorgeous that Maggie can use her eyes again? I think no doctor but an oculist ought ever to experiment on people's eyes. I do hope that your eyes are growing strong again. I want so much to see you Mother - it doesn't seem as if I could wait till next summer, but the time is going very fast - There is an utterly disagreeable young woman here named Frothingham, who attended Dr. Pease's church in Rochester. She sits at the head of the table this week, and as I sit close by her of course I have to be as agreeable to her as possible. She expatiated for some time on the love they all bore him, also the influence he had over the young gentlemen - Mother I don't want any bonnet, and for a hat get me any thing you want to. I don't know anything about it, not having seen a single hat of any kind. I think a felt hat would be very pretty indeed. Nellie wore her velvet hattoday, and it looked very pretty — Is it not becoming? I hope that you wont be worn out with company, but yet I am glad every time I hear of any one's being at our house. I suppose that Sarah is having a splendid time keeping house. Won't it be forlorn if George has to go away - What a goose Julia LeMaire is! I am out of all manner of patience with the people. Won't you have some body at home Thanksgiving? It will be so desolate with out any one - Tell Father that he Is a jewel to want to share the good things with us, and I wish he could. I am going to write to him very soon, just as soon as I have any ideas. I am perfectly destitute of any thing of the kind. Hattie wants you to please send her, her pink Bible Dictionary - She say that she an accumulation of duties just now, but just as soon as she can, about by Teusday she will write. How did you manage with Rose and her baby both sick? Hattie likewise wants a belt. She can't find onein Poughkeepsie. She will send you a sample - All send s greet deal of love - Please remember us to all the nice people whom we like - Love to Auntie & Mary in large quantities - Willie and Father also - Good bye - with much love from your loving daughter Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Nov. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: November 15, 1866
Text: Vassar College- Nov. 15, 1866- My dearest Mother, I was delighted to receive your letter, how good it was of you to write to me - We are so much rejoiced to hear such good news of your eyes. I hope that they will continue to increase in strength, until they are as well as they used to be before. You don't know how astonished I was to hear your news of Sarah. I was so positive that nothing of the kind was the matter with her, that I could scarcely believe my eyes. Do tell me all the...
Show moreVassar College- Nov. 15, 1866- My dearest Mother, I was delighted to receive your letter, how good it was of you to write to me - We are so much rejoiced to hear such good news of your eyes. I hope that they will continue to increase in strength, until they are as well as they used to be before. You don't know how astonished I was to hear your news of Sarah. I was so positive that nothing of the kind was the matter with her, that I could scarcely believe my eyes. Do tell me all the particulars as soon as possible. Nov. 21. I wrote thus far last Wednesday but was prevented from finishing it, and have not been able yet to finish it, but I am going to now any way - We are having a beautiful time prepar-ing for our public meeting which is to take place next Monday week. If Father thinks best I shall enjoy staying here very much although of course I am very anxious to see Burlington and its inhabitants once more. I don't know whether we shall have to pay board or not, but I think it altogether more probable that we will. When you send the box will you please send that large shell comb of Aunt Rebecca's? I want it very much, and will take excellent care of it. What is the matter with George Pomeroy? Your letter to Helen said that he was very low if alive. Is it not very sudden? I had not heard of him being ill - I don't know whether any one could mourn for him or not. If his mind had been unimpaired I think that he would have made a fine man - He was a very smart boy. As it is, I could hardly be sorry for him, or for the girls, his life, if helives, must be a terrible burden to himself, if not an utter blank, and a constant cause of anxiety to his friends - If he dies please tell me all about his sickness and the family, please do any way. Has Mrs. Pomeroy quite recovered? How is Sarah's health? We received Mr. Ballard's letter today. How very kind of him to write, and of you to ask him - I think the motto a beautiful one. You heard it did you not? "Per aspera, ad astra," "Through trials to glory." The girls like it very much, but we are going to get several together before we decide upon any. Did you read his letter? It was a very kind one, but I must say I dont fancy the idea of a dock in church. The church was what he meant by the "audience room" was it not? Did you hear that Italian lecture? I hope that he presentiment is a true one, and that the Pope will leaveRome before the close of the year, but I must say that I have little faith in such predictions - He seems to me very much like a fixture - Get me a felt hat please. Mother, a real pretty shape, turban if they are prettiest, and please send me my felt turban that I foolishly left behind me. Auntie and little Mary have left I suppose. I am very glad that they made you such a good long visit, & I wish that some one else would come and make you another while Father is gone. Otherwise how forlorn you will be. How did you ever come to take tea at the Colburn's? Has the old lady grown gracious? or what? Do tell us what you are going to do for Thanksgiving? Who are you going to have to dinner? What are you going to have to eat? &c &c. I am hungry and want to hear of some good things to eat. I suppose that we are to have some kind of a dinner, and a Shakspeare reading in the evening. Coming as it does just before our public meetingit was not considered necessary to have any thing much - Give a great deal of love to all the people who want it. Father, Willie, Sarah, &c - I hope that your eye is quite well now. I am very sorry that I let so long a time elapse between my last letter and this, and never mean to do so any more. With a great deal of love, and a great many kisses, I am Your humble servant, M.S.W.
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