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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 28, 1864
Text: Gentlemen, I congratulate you on being permitted by a kind Providence once more to meet together under circumstances so peculiar auspicious and … amidst the desolating [times] in which our Country is at present suffering It is a meeting upon the results of which hangs verry[sic] great and important issues, I feel therefore that more than an ordinary weight of responsibilities rest upon us. We are attempting by this days consultation to give to the world a new moral educational and creative...
Show moreGentlemen, I congratulate you on being permitted by a kind Providence once more to meet together under circumstances so peculiar auspicious and … amidst the desolating [times] in which our Country is at present suffering It is a meeting upon the results of which hangs verry[sic] great and important issues, I feel therefore that more than an ordinary weight of responsibilities rest upon us. We are attempting by this days consultation to give to the world a new moral educational and creative power or influence is intrinsicaly[sic] worth more than one which is merely of a communicative power, so with a College, it should posses[possess] the germ of life within itself, something that will grow, made things are generally without life, but educational institutions should be living entities and rise in strength & grandeur by an inherent power - inanimate thingsmay be made complete by the engenuity[sic] of man, but decay begins immediatedly[sic] when his work is finished - so does a tree grow through the same process absorbing the elements … for its growth and if, but when these elements receive thier[sic] right direction they repair its waste and bring out at last its strength & beautifull[sic] symmetry and in magnificent proportions. A College should rise in power by a similar process, much way be done by giving it a favorable planting, loping of its redundant branches and inserting fruit-bearing scions, but still nature must do its work before it can be a tree - so much may be done to plant and prune and aid a College to to absorb in itself the forces of society but will never become what we desire till those forces have produced thier[sic] results. The old limbs will die, and new ones will shoot up in thier[sic] places, and perhaps give it a better form than anticipated. You cannot make a plantation today as itwill appear half a century hence, so [as] Colleges - you cannot tell at the start what they will be in the end. This is a neccessary[sic] condition of success to leave a large margin for changes. How many officials male and females will alternately succeed each other, and become permanent growing branches no one can tell. When the life and energy is obstructed from any cause it will be their time that others takes thier[sic] places. We want no sinecures, no drones, to ounce the stores of the working bees. These are the curse of most all endowed institutions, and it is not a bad idea of the Germans as Prof Fisher imform[informs] me to make the income of teacher dependent upon thier[sic] success. I hope excissions[sic] of this kind will not be necessary in our institution, nevertheless it will do no harm to warn my friends in advance, and further not to expect too much at first. Give the College a chance to grow by forces which neither money nor legislative aid can supply. All great things are of slow growth, we have therefore much room for the exercise of the best of the virtues - patience. I say we have much room for that virtue - the natural impetiosity[impetuosity] of american character renders patience one of the most difficult things to practice. We want to see things done at once - a day is a year - a week an age - in our headlong callender[calendar]. Our national education has been untill[sic] lately all in the direction of haste - quickness of action, a driving impetous[impetuous] performance, a hurrying toward the goal of ambition, has been the salient point of our national character. This is not by any means a reprehensible peculiarity, but unaccompanied by neccessary[sic] restraint of patience it engenders a one-sidedness of character most unfavorable to a full development of individual or national strenght[sic]. We have sadly witnessed in the conductment of our national Army a full illustration of this.And now gentlemen with the general idea of caution which I have suggested I have to add that as I have laid the foundation it remains for you to rear the superstructure. The mutuialitys[mutualities] are mine, but the live-giving spirit is yours, and in thus in detail I have nothing to advise nor power or ability to impart. The time and manner of opening your Institution rest with you - all I can give you are the facts, and then leave the subject to your wisdom and discretion. The Architect Mr. Rennick will inform you of the present advance of the edifice and what remains to be done. The Sct. Mr. Swan will give you all the essential information in his department. The Treasurer the state of your funds, disbursements and liabillity[sic]. The [superintendent] will impart to you what has come within his duties, and Prof Harrar, the progress and completion of the astrinomical[sic] “Observey”[Observatory] Prof Ward has completed the Geological Cabinets Room,and made some advance in filling up the Library and Art Gallery department. For the more full inspection and completion of the latter I have purchased of the Rev. E. L. Magoon the entire collection of his valuable gems of Art & Science in oil & water [colores[sic]] with numerous devices of Ancient, Armory, Coins & etc for the sum of $20,000, and now gentlemen I donate them all to your College. These valuable collecting as a whole are not surpassed in this Country, and must form a great attraction and powerfull[sic] utillity[sic] to your Institution. Dad-Magoon had kindly consented to arrange them artisticaly[sic] in the Gallery on or before the first of August. And now Gentlemen having briefly alluded to the progressive matters of your College allow me your patience a little which to call your attention to some of the retrograde, and counter incidentally that has fallen upon your Executive Committe[sic] since your last meeting.You or most of you perhaps are aware of the catastrophe befallen the Builder Mr. Harloe and the genirous[sic] and liberal course of the Executive Committee in adding him under the unfortunate circumstances to some extent which he was obligated by relieving him from an important position of the Heating [fixtures] to the amount of some 9 to $10,000. Mr. Harloe further seeks to be released from the obligation of all the cost of the pluming[plumbing] etc amounting to some $20 to $25000 more, and if the difference between the contract price could be allowed him he thinks he could manage to finish the Building. The Gate Lodge & Astronomical Building are under a written contract with Mr. Harloe but at such advanced prices as will enable him to complete. The report of the Treasuer[Treasurer] will afford you every information under those heads, I will however remark in connection with the College Edifice that we have alreadysuffered largely in our means for want of patient, and practical prudence & foresight in those who were early entrusted to superintend and supervise some speciality. There was from the first an untill[sic] quite recently an ungert disposition to lavish means unwisely and impotence of details and for practicable results and conveniences which has led to much embarrassment & loss. It was impossible for me (from the state of my health) to guard against all mistakes especialy[sic] those the earlest[earliest] made which properly belonged to one whose expierened[experienced] as I supposed knew what was wanted in the line of his long practice but which mistakes was not untill[sic] too late brought to my notice. Still it is believed that these are now substantiously[substantially] surmounted and at last removed. The Gass[sic] Buildings, Steam Boiler house are in process of erection under the supervision of Messrs Haughwout & Co., of New York with all the apparatus. The contract covers all the appen-dages[appendages] for heating & Lighting while [the] whole edifice and by the 1st Octoberr. Excepting the Gass-mometer[gasometer] &Boiler house which is now in the process of erection at the expense of the College, The Gass Apparatus & Steam Boiler pipes for heating costing some $40,000. The Ex[ecutive] committee has also made a contract for the Kitchen Ranges - Steam Tables etc with Messrs Moneuse & Duparquet New York. The Astronomical Clock etc, are fitted up and after our adjournment, the Gentlemen Trustees will have an opportunity to visit the College and examine it and other Buildings & appendages. I with great pleasure speak in this connexion[connection] in honor & credit of Prof. Farrar whose untiring zeal & energy has completed his work in a most satisfactory manner, and as for as the Executive Committee can judge in a most scientific & perfect way. And Gentlemen altho’[although] much has been done - much remains undone. The Farm Buildings are to be erected - Gate Lodge to be finished - Boiler & Steam Buildings to be built, and last but not least the entire plumming[sic], Bell-hanging through the whole Edifice, with the purchase of Furniture for your pupils, professors, and your President departments, and if all this can be completed within a year from next fall, I think there is not another instance on record where so great amount of work has been done in so short a period. The State Enebrate[Inebriate] assylum[sic] at Binghamton and under the patronage of the public Purse began in or about the same time with College is yet incomplete & requires some year or two to finish - so that if takes yet 12 months longer, we shall accomplish an amount of work in labour + material, beyond any other College in america.Nevertheless, Should you finaly[sic] decide in view of all the circumstances of the case to open the College in the coming winter. It has been suggested to me, by your President, that so much of the College can be made ready, to make a small Beginning in January with about 100 pupils, and this idea meets my entire judgement. Prof Raymond will speak more fully on this point. [Note: the above section was crossed out] Out of some 240 to 250 Colleges, there were 3 founded in 16600, 22 in 1700, and 215 in 1800, all requiring an average of some 20 years to get fairly at work.There is every thing Gentlemen to encourage our perseverance. The public feelings in your Institution are with us we have every inducement to prosecute our work with vigour. We use daily receiving Letters of enquirys[sic] when the College will open and your Clerk and Book Keeper Mr. Schou will inform you of the number of pupils who have already applied for scholarship which of course will be refered[sic] with the numerous applications for Professorships, Teachers & etc to the proper departments. And finaly[sic] Gentlemen I have the most intense & highly gratifying intelligence to communicate to you above all and every thing else that, the Rev[erend] of God, J. H. Raymond has accepted the Presidentcy[Presidency] of your College upon terms mutualy[sic] sattisactory[sic] to both party & with the blessings of God we may now hope our College to be a complete and final success.And finaly[sic] gentlemen I have placed the foregoing remarks on paper as I have all my former communications to you and because I could not speak of them verbaly[sic] but for the purpose of having them Recorded by your Secty[secretary] in the minutes of his journal, so that hereafter that there cannot be any misunderstanding or doubt of the views or opinions of the founder, and moreover to impart to you his views under all the circumstances of the time of opening the College. Nevertheless should you after deliberating & considering all the arguments pro % con to open it the coming winter[.] It is[has] been suggested to me by your President elect, that so much of the Building can be made ready to accommodate say 100 to 120 pupils and to open on the 1. January. President Raymond will explain to you more particular on this point and shurely[sic] no eyes will be more gratified nor heart elated than that of your founder.1864 Address of the Founder at the meeting of the Board of Trustees June 28th
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 11, 1864
Text: "Springside" July 11 1864 My dear Sir d Your valued letter of the 2.. current, with draft of the College Circular was duly recevr and since read to our Ex Com. and subsequently placed in the hands of the Printer for publication from one to two thousand copies, and with directions to hasten its issue as speedly as possible We may look for its dilivery 10 to 12 days hence. The business matters growing out of the failure and settlement with l!Harloe" has retarded the answer to...
Show more"Springside" July 11 1864 My dear Sir d Your valued letter of the 2.. current, with draft of the College Circular was duly recevr and since read to our Ex Com. and subsequently placed in the hands of the Printer for publication from one to two thousand copies, and with directions to hasten its issue as speedly as possible We may look for its dilivery 10 to 12 days hence. The business matters growing out of the failure and settlement with l!Harloe" has retarded the answer to your note____with the wish also that it should be accompanied with some expression of the Ex Com. as to its merrits, which I am now happy to inform you meets thier entire approba- tion----- Letters of enquiry about the opening of the College continue to pour in-----and our uniform answer is that "CircularsM will be issued in a few days giving the public all the nessary information——fee--------- !lHarloen has now quietly retired, save the finish of the Gate-Lodge, and we are making arrangements to place the College Buildings in other hands to complete—— The Steam Buildings & Gass works are in process of vigilant construction, and we are confident, that all will be complete & in readiness for trial by the time cold weather sets in-----Everything now looks favorable in regard to Materialities, some little matters in appointment intrude themselves.----- Prof. Farrar wants to know what are to be his prospc'ts—— M.. Smith (Steward expectant) whenhis services are to commence, andM^. Phiny who is engaged by Prof*. Ward has applied for the Janitorship on the completion of the Minerogical Cabinet——the collection of which are now being placed on the Shelves in the Glass Cases------ In this department nothing will excell it in this country-™---- "Magoon" is rapidly arranging his Gems of Fine Arts, and we shall give him the whole of Library Room for his purpose------ Should you visit Elmira you will understand the object of this enquiry^Prof. Rulford was to see Prof Fas son last week——staid over a night--------and employed the same in testing his Telescope &c and reported it the most complete mounted, and best glass of its sise in America------ Your allusions to our Co-opperation in giving effect and completeness to our great enterprise most cordialy vibrates in unisen & my convictions are matured that nothing will occur to hinder or thwart their perfect consummation &c------ Miss Germand closes or opens every day with a kind of !,Doxology,! on not you absent friends------and should be supprised if heard the Echo in "Angelica" soon—— Reminding you of the closing part of your Letter—— viz-—— MTo keep me informed &cn I remain very truly and dtp- Prof. Reputation of F- Affectionately Yours &c P.S. Remember us kindly to M Vassar your Family &c-----MV id? O %3 . diCJli* (To J. H. Raymond)
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 12, 1864
Text: VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., July 12"th 18640 Jno: So Mann Esqr Dear Sir In reply to your letter of 8th Inst: I may briefly remark that the College will not be opened for reception of pupils until the 1 Septbre. 1865, but Circulars will be issued in the course of the present month giving the Public all the required informations Will send youa Circular as soon as issued. Yours respectfully M. Vassar

Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 20, 1864
Text: Poughkeepsie, N.Y., July ZQ1}1 1864. William Warner Esq. Dear Sir I have to acknowledge the receipt of your valued letter of the 18th Inst: and appreciate highly the interest with which you embrace the enterprize that have occupied my whole mind & attention for many years. With reference to the opening of the College for reception of pupils I may briefly remark that the Trustees have decided not to open it until September 1865, but Circulars will be issued in the course of this month...
Show morePoughkeepsie, N.Y., July ZQ1}1 1864. William Warner Esq. Dear Sir I have to acknowledge the receipt of your valued letter of the 18th Inst: and appreciate highly the interest with which you embrace the enterprize that have occupied my whole mind & attention for many years. With reference to the opening of the College for reception of pupils I may briefly remark that the Trustees have decided not to open it until September 1865, but Circulars will be issued in the course of this month giving all the necessary informations and I shall avail myself of the pleasure to send you a Copy as soon as issued. You will then perceive there is ample time for your daughters to prepare to enter the College as well as for yourself to make such arrangement that may prove most advantageous to your interest. I have as yet notreceived the Report & pamphlet referred to in your letter but hope soon to be put in possession of them and shall not omit to give my particular attention to the same in as much as they have a peculiar bearing on the future Organization of the College. I send you by to days mail the first Proceedings of the Board of Trustees in 1861 and a report from the Art Committee of the College which are all the documents that officially have been issued by the Trustees since the Commencement of the Building and any subsequent pamphlet & report that during the coming winter will be put in Circulation, I shall cause to be remitted to your address. Begging you to accept this brief answer to your different ques- tions I remain Respectfully M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: August 12, 1864
Text: Spring side Aug?* 12, 1864 Rev? J. H. Raymond LLP My dear friend, Yours of the 8"th Current lies before me, and I am free this morning from protracted calls to answer it- Yesterday we counted 20 visitors to our Cottage, throt: the day and evening, and the residue of the week is pre-engaged. Prof,. Brown of "Dartmouth" with "Farrar" call yesterday, on going back to the College found a host of Strangers waiting an entrance, alth. our Posted Bill Notices on the Gate...
Show moreSpring side Aug?* 12, 1864 Rev? J. H. Raymond LLP My dear friend, Yours of the 8"th Current lies before me, and I am free this morning from protracted calls to answer it- Yesterday we counted 20 visitors to our Cottage, throt: the day and evening, and the residue of the week is pre-engaged. Prof,. Brown of "Dartmouth" with "Farrar" call yesterday, on going back to the College found a host of Strangers waiting an entrance, alth. our Posted Bill Notices on the Gate Lodge precluded visitors without per- mits . You are in receipt it seems of a Letter from Prof. Farrar. I am glad to hear that the spirit of it meets your approbation, nevertheless he with all other solicitors for post and places are in your hands. He goes up to-day to see the "Dudley" "Observatory" will be home to Night.Matters & things goes on more smoothly at the College. You say you feel at times "impatient" to get through the hardest of all "work" doing nothing "---thats a good symton with the Doctors, their patients is getting better and will recover, Time is usualy tedious when the mind is not harmoniously employed- Your "inspiration" will quicken as your "task" approaches. I hope your tarry at "Angellica" will not stop your heard from growing, if it does tend among a people of unappreachable task to "rust instead of resting you11, I suppose you will be going out to the approaching 100H1 Anni- versay of "Brown11 University," so old an Institution of Learning and cherrished mainly by Baptist cannot but inlist the interests of all of that denomination and all other friends of schoolastic, and Minis teral Education. if it were possible I would liked to have accompanied you.1 am afraid you are suffering yourself to be too much used as you say you get but little "rest11. I therefore protest in the name of our College against such draughts on your time. Yesterday was the hotest day we have had this season, the heat was almost unindurable, but is cooler this morning and clouding up for Rain- Your Letter address^ to M.V. Ch. of the Ex Com &c will be laid before them Monday next. You may anticipate the request &c. But I must close as Doct Babcock is waiting to go with me to the College to see Library Room now being shelved &c May the blessing of God rest upon you. Our united regards to M. L. R# We shall be looking for you at the appointed time. Yours very truly M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: August 19, 1864
Text: Springs ide Friday Morning. Aug. 19. 1864 My dear Doctor All safe-----the steamer arrived l/4 4. O'cke----- 6 spring Waggons in attendance at Wharff - at 5 P.M - all safe in College. The Docks where litteraly black with people, majority being Black Legs who came up from N. Y City and Towns along shore to see the long announced Boat Race perhaps 10.000 persons witnessed this foolish and useless exhibition------ It is not often I allow myself an indulgence of grief - but I con- fess my...
Show moreSprings ide Friday Morning. Aug. 19. 1864 My dear Doctor All safe-----the steamer arrived l/4 4. O'cke----- 6 spring Waggons in attendance at Wharff - at 5 P.M - all safe in College. The Docks where litteraly black with people, majority being Black Legs who came up from N. Y City and Towns along shore to see the long announced Boat Race perhaps 10.000 persons witnessed this foolish and useless exhibition------ It is not often I allow myself an indulgence of grief - but I con- fess my spirits failed me yesterday on reading the closing portion of your note - viz - nWhen our hearts are both dust may the print of our toil still feed the myriads of immortal minds &cn - this sentence brought me down with tears, considering how many eyes will hearafter be gazing upon these Gems while the Collector, and donor bones lies mouldering in the in the grave----. Yours truly &c M. Vassar (To Elias L. Magoon) 241 40Springs ide Friday Morning. Aug. 19. 1864 My dear Doctor All safe-----the steamer arrived l/4 4. O'cke----- 6 spring Waggons in attendance at Wharff - at 5 P.M - all safe in College. The Docks where litteraly black with people, majority being Black Legs who came up from N. Y City and Towns along shore to see the long announced Boat Race perhaps 10.000 persons witnessed this foolish and useless exhibition------ It is not often I allow myself an indulgence of grief - but I con- fess my spirits failed me yesterday on reading the closing portion of your note - viz - nWhen our hearts are both dust may the print of our toil still feed the myriads of immortal minds &cn - this sentence brought me down with tears, considering how many eyes will hearafter be gazing upon these Gems while the Collector, and donor bones lies mouldering in the in the grave----. Yours truly &c M. Vassar (To Elias L. Magoon)
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: September 6, 1864
Text: Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 6n 1864 Mrs. Sarah Oliphant Madame. M? James Bowne of this city handed me your letter to him containing a request of a Photograph & all the documen that have been issued with reference to the Vassar F. College. Being not in possession of any Photograph, I take the pleasure in remitting you a Lithograph and also the different pamphlets apper- taining to the endowment & erection of the College, which all I hope will contribute to the interest you manifest for...
Show morePoughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 6n 1864 Mrs. Sarah Oliphant Madame. M? James Bowne of this city handed me your letter to him containing a request of a Photograph & all the documen that have been issued with reference to the Vassar F. College. Being not in possession of any Photograph, I take the pleasure in remitting you a Lithograph and also the different pamphlets apper- taining to the endowment & erection of the College, which all I hope will contribute to the interest you manifest for this Enterprize Thanking you for your Kind sentiments expressed towards the Institution and myself, for which I feel highly gratified* I remain Dear Madame Respectfully yours M. Vassar 24o .40'Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 6n 1864 Mrs. Sarah Oliphant Madame. M? James Bowne of this city handed me your letter to him containing a request of a Photograph & all the documen that have been issued with reference to the Vassar F. College. Being not in possession of any Photograph, I take the pleasure in remitting you a Lithograph and also the different pamphlets apper- taining to the endowment & erection of the College, which all I hope will contribute to the interest you manifest for this Enterprize Thanking you for your Kind sentiments expressed towards the Institution and myself, for which I feel highly gratified* I remain Dear Madame Respectfully yours M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: September 26, 1864
Text: Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept. 26th, 1864. Mrs. Sarah J. Hale Dear Madame: I receive your kind favor of the 23dInst. with the enclosed proof sheet of an article of the College to be introduced in the October Number of the Godeys Booke. I cannot express to you how highly gratified I feel and how much I appreciate your continued Interest forthis Enterprise and in perusing your article on this subject I feel nothing to add nor to deduct. I could send you a Copy of the large "Report on...
Show morePoughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept. 26th, 1864. Mrs. Sarah J. Hale Dear Madame: I receive your kind favor of the 23dInst. with the enclosed proof sheet of an article of the College to be introduced in the October Number of the Godeys Booke. I cannot express to you how highly gratified I feel and how much I appreciate your continued Interest forthis Enterprise and in perusing your article on this subject I feel nothing to add nor to deduct. I could send you a Copy of the large "Report on Organization" but as this report was written by the former President Dr. Jewett and has since undergone so many alterations at the different meetings of the Trustees that its originality will have to be transformed before laying it before the Public,-—it would be of no avail to send you that report now,ut as soon as our present President has formed his plan, that in substance may be based on the former, only more comprehensive, abbri- viated and distinct-----1 shall take the pleasure to remit you a copy for con- sideration & publication. It is very likely that the next meeting of the Trustees will take place the 28th February 1865 and probably the appointments of the Faculty will be made, but it will greatly depend upon the progress of the building which has lately suffered much by the failure of the Builder and other contingencies not possible to foresee. I remain Dear Madam Yours truly M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 25, 1864
Text: 1862 Chr. A. Raymond 28 … Hamilton Nov 28 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend It seems hardly possible that a month her passed since receiving your last letter. No doubt but that with your multiplied case you have not … much such poor …, and I have been so busy about other small matters, pertaining mostly to the sometime … of teaching, that I have felt like doing little else. Teaching is very hard work in one …, for … all the time imparting, and at the same time trying to make an impression upon...
Show more1862 Chr. A. Raymond 28 … Hamilton Nov 28 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend It seems hardly possible that a month her passed since receiving your last letter. No doubt but that with your multiplied case you have not … much such poor …, and I have been so busy about other small matters, pertaining mostly to the sometime … of teaching, that I have felt like doing little else. Teaching is very hard work in one …, for … all the time imparting, and at the same time trying to make an impression upon others. It is very … to the … system, and after making studying a few hours you feel as if “Virtue had gone out of you” — I seldom feel like writing letters at night after teaching all day. … … respite in given .. by thanksgiving holidays — and I improve the … in writing though so late. But where is miss Amanda! She is a more correspondent than I. She is certainly letting one … in neglect. i don’t … her hand any more, … the … with it. Has shen been enjoying a … from her … friend who has kept her hand all to himself? You were deciding about heating the College when you last wrote. What have you decided upon? I know all the objections to all other plans, but that of …. This I have never tried, and may … it to be the best. Which have you adopted? I believe we left off in the midst of the subject of “Paying professor”. I was trying to show you that an endowment was not necessary in order that they might be paid. That the right … would pay themselves. It seems that I proved to much, and you see that they … receive too high salaries. Practically I think they would not be excessively paid for the work they would …, & the … they would have. But you could modify the plan beyond a certain point. Though it is a question whether any … of the … would as effectively and the institution. … that you could ask of them ought to be to pay their own way, and take their own …, letting them have what they could make. … talent, would thus be repaid, and such cannot be had without paying for it. … a stay … the other day, containing a passing notice of the “College,” & of bro. Jewett. Send me any such notice that you don’t want. And by-the-way ask Miss Amanda to send me the papers that you take, when you have no further use for them. News is an item here, and no one take N. Y. papers. My … won’t stand a … draft, for … bills for them all, and it will be a work of benevolence for Miss Amanda, to save them from being corrected into … paper. She can let her light shine by making that me of her good work. She owe me more than that for not answering my letter. We are … here on a moderatescale. After getting under way, I think we can sail the ship to good profit. On the whole we don’t dislike the place. … a good place for …, but not much for sunshine. We have had five bright days since we have been here. When you come up next summer we shall hope for better weather. It is said to be delightful in summer. What are you doing for preaching now! And what is the local news about College Progress? I seem quite out of the world. Remember me to Mr Jewett and family when you see them, and the Prop when you write — Miss Amanda is another From Truly Cha. A. Raymond
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 22, 1864
Text: oughkeepsie Thursday 22d Decr/64 My dear Mr Raymond. You would naturaly suppose I had nothing to write about so soon after you left us, but events multiply so fast around us that we can be at no loss for topics----- The nGreat Political11 Union Banquet" came off last evening at the new Iron Mammouth Furnice buildings on Water- Street & such a gathering of people on such an occasion was never seen before in Po1-----altho' the weather was unpropitous all went off with a good eclat...
Show moreoughkeepsie Thursday 22d Decr/64 My dear Mr Raymond. You would naturaly suppose I had nothing to write about so soon after you left us, but events multiply so fast around us that we can be at no loss for topics----- The nGreat Political11 Union Banquet" came off last evening at the new Iron Mammouth Furnice buildings on Water- Street & such a gathering of people on such an occasion was never seen before in Po1-----altho' the weather was unpropitous all went off with a good eclat, inspiring the devotional feelings of Patriotism just in season for the Executive last call of 300,000 more men and at a moment during the height of thier exhlerations last evening——perhaps the whole assembly would have volunteered for the long term, but the efferessence passed off with the warn- ing hours of night, and morning light us sherd in after a mercyless snow storm with a clear sky and mercury at 0 - Preparations are busily making for the "Grand Annual Celebration" of Eastman College pupils" this evening and that on a large scale-___The "Furnice Buildings"above discribed is the place of Renidvous----— Supper Two Bands of Musick from N.Y City, and many civilians are to be on hand, s succeeded by a grand assembly of invited Lady guest ending in a Ball------ the room is some 250 in 1 engirt an ample wi^th, Tickets of admission are being distributed-----one of them has just been sent (Complimentary) Founder V.F.C. for self and family. At 7 P.M. MGrand Procession1' moving, some 1500 young Gentlemen in companies of 200, as they passed my domic il, halted each division giving three cheers, this was not however out of any special respects to me individualy, but for the benevolent scheme of inaugurating a new area for Womans mental pro- gress. --------- Friday Morning----— I have just been reading the "Eagles" account of the doings at the "Grand Banquet" of last evening. Comment is unnecessary—— I send you the paper. The weather being favourable to test the capacity of the Heating apparatus of the College, Coal is now being carted to the Gass & Steam House to give a trial of its powers next week, beginning on Monday----- I hope it will prove a complete success-—- It is just a week agoyesterday since I was out to the College, having been confined to the house with a bad cold----- Letters continue to come to "V.F. College address-one yesterday from a M. Spring of Baltimore, M.D Enclosing a package of Antiquarian documents, cancelled obligations, Letters, vouchers, ricepts &c&c of Gen. Washington, Rob: Morris & others from the years 1793 to 1814—— which he wants placed in the archives of the V.F. College.----- Our other Seminarys of Learning are have§ thier holiday Exhibitions____ Especialy the Military Drill-Schools which by the bye are quite florishing----- The modern introduc- tion of military tactics into those Schools has given a fresh impulse of interest to them-------they were most if not all on the wane before intro- ducing this feature, Is not this fact significant of an ideaz the decorative leading the usefullf would not some symbol of the decorative by the way of a uniform costume for the young Ladies in Vassar College fascinate & heighthen attractions, stimulate ambition &c&c—— these simple matters impress my mind favourably-----keeping of course within the limits of extremes--------- This feature and that of the College Educational term is all at present that leaves my mind unsettled. SatY. 24. . This Morning light disclosed to me the fact that "Old Hudson" was substantialy embar- goed, throwingthe remainder of the season business upon our Railroads- Miss Church picture must come to us through this medium------ Matthew goes to N. Y. to-day to attend to it-----that is if MT Rollinson can get it from on Board of the Tantamar----- There has been such a long history of this last specimen of our former President8 business tactics that I am quite anxious to see the last of them,------ Doct Babcock called yesterday a m, for the pur- pose of seeing you in relation to your visit East I gave him as weir as I could a brief synopsis of your tour----- your interview with his old friend8 . r . M. Mitchell & Daughter. He appeared quite happy at the results---------- "Swan" is absent at N. York, presume to lay in a Stock of Holliday gifts for his childrei I must let this festival season pass off quietly as my health does not allow indulgence in it------- As I send you the las test "Eagle" I make no comments on the news of the day------Amanda attended the Lyceum Lecture last Evening to hear Geo. Vandenhoffs Readings of Shakespere Richard 3. &c. Crowded House— E.P. Whipple comes off next----- subject------—- Well I find my paper about used up----- I only add that Amanda & self was talking over quietly matters & things in general and among them we were wondering how you and Wing got home that cold Stormy day following your departure from Po------- We hope safe and comfortably &c Amanda joins in best regards, with the usual complements of the season Yours very truly M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 27, 1864
Text: Vassar Female College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Decbr[December] 27th 1864. Mrs. Sarah J. Hale My dear Madame Your two letters of the 22d[22nd] [Past] with the enclosure of a pleasant poem constituted an agreable[sic] feature of this passing christmas. They have both commanded my attention & as your letters must have not failed to interest me. The unabated ardor & ability with which you pursue these questions in which thewomen of our day are almost unconsciously interested cannot fail of a...
Show moreVassar Female College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Decbr[December] 27th 1864. Mrs. Sarah J. Hale My dear Madame Your two letters of the 22d[22nd] [Past] with the enclosure of a pleasant poem constituted an agreable[sic] feature of this passing christmas. They have both commanded my attention & as your letters must have not failed to interest me. The unabated ardor & ability with which you pursue these questions in which thewomen of our day are almost unconsciously interested cannot fail of a high reward. In that respect we labor & exhaust ourselves for the same end. I pray that you at least may live to see some worthy result. It is gratifying to be assured of your confidence in the gentleman upon whom now devolves the serious task of organizing the interior life of this College. I am very sure he is bringing to the task large abilities & experience & a frankdesire to do only that which shall but promote its interests - in which of course to a large degree are involved the interests of young women at large The domestic life of the young is not by any means to be neglected with us. It is the base from which every woman must reach to whatever may lie beyond that at any rate - as much more as possible. I am looking forward to the article you promise in your January etc - I never fail to get instruction or confirmation or both from that source & these are very valuable to me. Mrs. Cudahy was indeed here recently & with Dr. Raymond visited the college. Her stay was so short, I had best a glance at her & no opportunity to form an acquaintance. Your opinion alone justifies me in believing her services to be of greatvalue wherever she may be My health is at present best moderate & too much pen work goes very far to prostrate me. With my best wishes therefore for your health & property I must be allowed to close Very truly yours. M. VassarM. Vassar answered Mrs. Sarah J. Hale Care of L.A Godey Esq Philadelphia Pen
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 7, 1865
Text: Janry 7 1865 My dear Mra Hale For some months last past my thoughts have at in- tervals been occupied with the idea of adopting a uni- formity of Costume for the pupils attending V. F. College—The object of which is first, to prevent jeal- ousy which usually arise in the minds of young persons in the articles of Dress—Secondly to secure more com- fort and convenience to them, while in School or at their playfull recreations. Your fertile mind will readily suggestwhat there should be—their...
Show moreJanry 7 1865 My dear Mra Hale For some months last past my thoughts have at in- tervals been occupied with the idea of adopting a uni- formity of Costume for the pupils attending V. F. College—The object of which is first, to prevent jeal- ousy which usually arise in the minds of young persons in the articles of Dress—Secondly to secure more com- fort and convenience to them, while in School or at their playfull recreations. Your fertile mind will readily suggestwhat there should be—their make and material—something that will be desirable, least need- full of repeating washings repair &ca, and to consist of something like the " Bloomer Dress " which would give freedom to their persons whether in School or out of School for exercise. Will you please to take this matter into considerations and at your early conven- ience inform me—Of course these garments are only for School house and need not be expensive so that they will be available to all the pupilswith those sugges- tions, I am persuaded you can readily fill up the rest. I remain Dear Madame Yours very respectfully
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 7, 1865
Text: Private Janry 7 1865. My dear Mrs. Hale Your esteemed favor of the 3d Inst, lays before me —your Kind expressions of sympathy for my late tem- porary illness is only another proof of your Kindness, I find language inadequate to express my feelings— next Summer I do hope you will honor me with a visit to see our u Noble Work " as you are pleased to term it, which will afford me an opportunity to renewmy gratitude &ca. It was entirely my fault that I omitted to comply with the terms...
Show morePrivate Janry 7 1865. My dear Mrs. Hale Your esteemed favor of the 3d Inst, lays before me —your Kind expressions of sympathy for my late tem- porary illness is only another proof of your Kindness, I find language inadequate to express my feelings— next Summer I do hope you will honor me with a visit to see our u Noble Work " as you are pleased to term it, which will afford me an opportunity to renewmy gratitude &ca. It was entirely my fault that I omitted to comply with the terms for the " Ladys Book "and I do not blame any one for its stoppage—I now enclose $3 for its renewal. I have read the Article on " Do- mestic Science " in this January No" and think the re- marks just & true and fully accords with my views. With regard to the Lithographing of V. F. C. sent you last fall—you could have "Jewett8 and Ray- monds " names pasted over with a Slip of paper sub- stituting on them " Raymond over Jewett" and Henry WardBeecher" over Raymonds. We have covered a number in this way:—its easily & readily done. If you wait till next early summer we intend having ready a new Lithograph, embracing a more extensive views of the grounds, astronomical Observa- tory, Gass & Steam works, Gate Lodge &ca. I also purpose to have my Photograph taken by some N. Y. City artist as I cannot get a good Likeness here, I will send you one of the first—therefore do not incur any expense these hard times. I am pleased to hear you are taking so much interest in the charitable objects of the day I hope and pray you may be rewarded for it. ____ I again thank you for the deep solicitude you mani- fest for my health & welfare, and permit me to re- turn you my grateful thanks with the Compliments of the Season. "A Happy New Year" Yours very truly &ca M V.P S. 3 o'clock P M. The " Mission Link " just come to hand. The above named $3 has been remitted a few: days ago by my clerk.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 14, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie January 14"1 1865 Dear Mr« Raymond. I finished reading your valued letter of the 9H1 current after my return from College @ 2 Olck this P.M. i made Amanda delay dinner till I had read it - from its date and reception I think it has been detained somewhere.------ The first paragraphs informed me that you had written me about Christmas, if so, it never came to hand and our wonder and conjectures are now revealed------lingering delays heighthen our surmises & fears, a...
Show morePoughkeepsie January 14"1 1865 Dear Mr« Raymond. I finished reading your valued letter of the 9H1 current after my return from College @ 2 Olck this P.M. i made Amanda delay dinner till I had read it - from its date and reception I think it has been detained somewhere.------ The first paragraphs informed me that you had written me about Christmas, if so, it never came to hand and our wonder and conjectures are now revealed------lingering delays heighthen our surmises & fears, a thousand conjectures intrudes in such intervals, teeming with ominus forebodings------your letter before me relieves from all these. I heartily sympathise with you in the amount of time and valuable hours consumed in the little details of life which seem to amount to almost nothing yet allied to the little rivilets of nature they go to swell up the great ocean of existence, and were we without them our lifes wld be a non-entirity*— I am much pleased with your remarks on the -preliminary opening of the Collegeif you ever receive my holiday letter you will find some thoughts running paraell with them. The Interior •official organisation I deem so important that I shall not be quietly at rest till the great agony is over, altho* it is greatly diminished by the action you are pursuing in the promises in securing the services of such distinguished females as you have thus far visited or favorably apprecia- ted,-! hope by all means you will sattisfy yourself either by correspondence or personal interview with Miss Lyman of Montreal—---- I am quite shure that a Lady proffesship in the cullinary department of the Col- lege would add much to its popularity, and I have lately met with a Germain Lady quite Competent to fill the post. Refering to MF. Swans brief allusion to our late trial of the heating apparatus of the College which came off with so great success, I will send you a paragraph from the MPof Press11 by a gentleman who attended the trial if obtained in time for this day letter. Our Commit- tee on the purchase of furniture & Bedding &c are preparing to leave home next week, they will visit N. York and Boston. &c I thank you for the sympathy expressed in my behalf for the onerious dutys unavoidably imposed upon mein carrying forward our great enterprise, true they are at certain times very ardious, but I am thank God enjoying fair physical health, and hope it will continue till I have finished up the long cherrished object of my life & see it in suc- cessful! opperation. I am also well pleased with your suggestions con- publication &c cerningAnot to elaborate beforehand too lavishly, let our works gradu- ally do this, we have an illustration of the mischief of this policy in some degree beginning to work in "Eastman3 School,f! Many of the pupils are disappointed, he has not come up to his flourishing circulars, and some have gone home after a week or two trials- These things only invite criticisms and often jealousys, I am with you for doing things in a quiet way My special bui&ness to the College this morning was with reference to alterations in the Chapel Gallery, lowring the balustrade in front The Foreman will make an estimate of the cost & we will determine to-morrow I must now close this letter as I have many calls on business from tennants who enquiring about houses &.c. ,&€« Amanda & Mr. Schou joins in their best regards to you & your good Lady & family. Yours very truly &c , M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 6, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie March 6 1865. r s My dear M« Hale Your very kind favor of the Zl Ulto, with enclosure of duplicate of a letter I addressed you on the 2.. April 1864 upon the subject of changing the title of V.F: College came duly to hand, but as President Raymond is now absent from this city I must ask your indulgence for a definite answer to your question until his return; even then we should need the consent of our Board of Trustees, who do not meet till the second Tues- day in April which...
Show morePoughkeepsie March 6 1865. r s My dear M« Hale Your very kind favor of the Zl Ulto, with enclosure of duplicate of a letter I addressed you on the 2.. April 1864 upon the subject of changing the title of V.F: College came duly to hand, but as President Raymond is now absent from this city I must ask your indulgence for a definite answer to your question until his return; even then we should need the consent of our Board of Trustees, who do not meet till the second Tues- day in April which would make it too late for legislative action at this ses- sion as they adjourn on the 1.. April Allow me my dear Madam, to return to you my hearty thanks for the deep interest you continue to take in this my last enterprize (V,F:C.) for the benefit of Woman, and the generous eulogium you have so liberaly bestowed upon me as the Founder of an Institution for her moral and mental advance- ment, and now as you are the pioneer advocate for a change in the title of the College it would be exceedingly gratifying to me to have your opinion on another question equaly novel, viz: The division of School or College terms. It is proposed by some of our Trustees to divide the periods of tuition thus: Mos To say----------First Term from 1?* April till 1 Aug: 4. Second. " n 1 Septr to 20 Decbr 4. Summer Vacation 1 ■ - Winter Vacation. Jan. ^, Febr^, March 3 ,f 4.. The advantages of this division of time will allow the young ladies whose parents or guardians reside in the country or rural districts to avail themselves of the long winter evenings assisting the pursuits in their house- hold duties at home, studying their text-books &c, and making up new and repairing their own wardrobe, while the pupils of parents residing in City or large towns and perhaps in better pecuniairy circumstances will have the opportunity of doing the same and attend the intellectual and polite entertain- ments usually held in large towns or places in the winter months. The col- lege, as you are aware, is already provided in its arrangements for winter conveniences by an extensive heating apparatus sothat it is not out of econom- ical considerations that this change of School terms is suggested, but rather on account of health and comfort to its inmates, for it is the late fall & winter season in our clime that causes most of the maladys common to northern latitudes, and Should we have a large share of them, the public would ascribe it to an unhealthy location of the college, besides which extensive arrange- ments are made on the grounds for gymnastical and athletical exercises in Summer and for the study of Floral, Botany, Trees &Cf. by living existences, these would be comparatively lost to pupils in the winter Season— It is not however our purpose to insist in the entire dismissal of all the pupils, Such as has no parents or homes can remain, but the Season of general Instruction ends at these Several terms and those that remain will only be required to pay Simple board &C?. I will not however extend these remarks, as your fertile mind will readily supply or detect pro1 , or ConfS of the Suggestions I will send you in a few days an article written by me some time Since on the"Female Mind", but not thinking worth publications laid it aside, you can review it, and make such disposal of it as you think proper. rs I remain dear M . Hale Yours very truly M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: April 12, 1865
Text: Gentlemen It is now some 10 months since we last assembled in this room. To me it seems but half its number. Time flys[sic] swiftly as age advances and intervening topics engross our minds, and for these we have certainly not lacked. Just 4 years ago tomorrow we staked out the ground for the foundation of your College and which was singuliar[singularly] memmoralised[sic] by the Fall of Fort Sumter. Then or soon thereafter hostilities of war began in open conflicts, which has spred[sic]...
Show moreGentlemen It is now some 10 months since we last assembled in this room. To me it seems but half its number. Time flys[sic] swiftly as age advances and intervening topics engross our minds, and for these we have certainly not lacked. Just 4 years ago tomorrow we staked out the ground for the foundation of your College and which was singuliar[singularly] memmoralised[sic] by the Fall of Fort Sumter. Then or soon thereafter hostilities of war began in open conflicts, which has spred[sic] desolation, grief, & sadness throughout our wide domain - but during all these upturnings and exciting aggitations[sic] our enterprise have[has] gone steadly[sic] along untill[sic] it has substantialy[sic] reached its material climax, but not without partialy[sic] sharing in the monetary convlsions incident to a state of war. We have nevertheless much cause for gratitude to our Heavenly Father that amisdt[sic] all these calamites[calamities] the Lives & health of our honorable Board have been shared to this hour.It would be impossible for me to speak a tythe[tithe] of the incidents and reflections occuring[sic] to my mind within this interviewing period of 4 years, and of the unremitting draft made upon my mental & physical energies. But I have availed myself of the opportunity of free consultation and converse with our worthy and able President Doct[or] Raymond and our Executive Committee on the various departments of the Enterprised as it progressed, And now on the present occasion.I shall confine my remarks of what I have to say to one or two topics, in respect to which my views may be regarded as somewhat chemical being in advance of the public sentement[sic], both on which I am confident & strongly persuaded the longer you reflect the more nearly we shall come to agree. Among the many points of interest embraced in the plan of organizations, one in relation to which I have frequently conversed with the President is that of arranging the College Terms & vacations so as to maintain a just proportion between the periods of Rest & Labor and at the same time to secure for Collegiate uses the largest possible amount of that season which in our climate is most propitious of the year. Address of M. Vassar Read to Board of Trustees April 12 - 1865 & ordered on file C. Swan Sec.[retary] Without counselling[sic] any rash experiments or a premature departure from existing usages, I beg to propose as substantialy[sic] expressing my idea and serve as a guide to your reflections, some such divission[sic] of time as the following: Fall term from 1st Sept[ember] to 1st January 4 Months Spring term from 1st Apl[April] to 1st August 4 Months Total Term Time 8 Months Winter Vacation from 1st Jan.[uary] 1st April 3 Months Summer Vacation from 1st Aug.[ust] 1st Sept[ember] 1 Months Total Vacation Time 4 Months It will be seen that this arrangement reduces the amount of term-time during the year from 10 months to 8 months say about 2/3 of the whole leaving one third to be spent at home or in travelling[sic] under parental directions; at the same time, it assigns a somewhat larger proportion than is usual of the summer months to term of the winter months vacation. The College as you are aware, is already provided with an extensive & admiral effective heating apparatus; amply sufficent[sic] for the coldest winter weather; so that it is not from any economical neccessity[sic] that this change is suggested, but from considerations of health, convience[convenience] and utility, which I think will commend themselves to a reflective mind as of no trifling weight. It is the late fall and winter season which in one climate is prolific of colds & those numerous eruptions, coughs and other disceases[diseases] of Northern latitudes, which are kindred to or consequent upon them. It will hardly be possible I apprehend to conduct the sanitary management of so large a school of young women through our inclement winter months in such way as to prevent the occurance[sic] of numerous such cases and the occupation of our infirmary apartments with most undesireable[sic] frequency. And the tendcy of the public mind would be to ascribe this to something unhealthy in the location or unwise in the management of the College.Besides in carrying out what is not the least important part of our system the thorough physical training of the students - extensive arrangements are to be made on the grounds for various gymnastic & athletic exercises, healthfull[sic] recreations, and physical accomplishments suitable for ladies. I also understand it to be the desire and purposes of your President to intriduce[introduce] into the College Course a liberal supply of outdoor instruction, such for instance, as geological excursions, the study of trees, plants and flowers in living examples, drawing from nature etc. Now all these are suited to the summer; and in the winter season all the extraordinary advantages for them, passed by the Clollege would be comparatively lost. To these advantages of the summer term, so intimately related to the health and perfect education of the young Ladies, may be added a portion of the winter.Those who reside in the rural districts could avail themselves of the long winter evenings assisting in the household duties, repairing their own wardrobes, making up new garments, and meanwhile reviewing the studies of the preceding term or preparing for those of the next; and those whose home is in the Cities or large towns, while doing the some, would enjoy the additional benefit of attending the intellectual and social entertainment usualy[sic] there in the winter months. It would not however be neeccessary[sic] to insist on the peremptory dismissal of all the pupils during the vacation, such as had no parents or homes within convient[convenient] reach could be allowed to remain, paying only for their board and for such special instruction as they might privately engage in. The fixing of the due proportion between term-time and vacation is a matter of no less importance. In the order of nature, the Creator has wisely provided for the rest of man & beasts.This is seen in the climatical division of the earth, the succession of seasons, the alternation of day and night. Even the earth itself, amisdt[sic] the untireing[sic] activity of those powers by which it generates, repairs & fosters life, finds in the rolling year its appointed periods of repose - fall[sic] & winter contrasting with Summer, seed-time set over against harvest, cold alternating with heat, and wet with dry, so in the conduct of our ordinary life, we divide ur time from day to day, alloting[sic] one third for sleep, one third for labor, and one third to recruit our wasted energies by food and recreation. Is there not an analogy limited here, which we may find instruction in determinings[sic] the proportions of the year to be assigned, first to absolute vacation, secondly to serve study, and third, to those refreshing & invigorating exercises with which even the term-time should be relieved and enlivened?Of this we may be sure, that wherever nature has fixed the limit we gain nothing & loose[lose] much by attempting to over-leaped it. Mind as well as matter is most healthy developed by observing the appointed seasons of growth. The latter we see expand and reaches the zenith of its perfection within the natural allotted period, so also does the former; and if we attempt to force nature out of her regular channels, by whatever means, we only impair her powers and hinder the accomplishment of her benificeant[beneficial] ends. Any overtaxating[overtaxing] mental or physical, defeats itself. What I wish mainly to enforce is a more carefull[sic] observance of these great laws and a larger amount of physical, pleasently[sic] blended with the mental exercises of the College - I have long since seen, as you have, the pernicous[pernicious] effects resulting from the neglect of these precautions, and especialy[sic] in our Seminary of learning, from stimulating the youthful brain to exhausting andprotracted exertion, through long winter evenings, in rooms artificialy[sic] heated and imperfectly ventilated and by the light of lamps or gass[sic]. It is reported of one of the most noted of the female Seminarys[sic] in New England, that incalcuable[incalculable] injury is doing to their health under the plea of thorough discipline, and by ill-ventilated apartments and over-taxation of their brains. Everry[sic] hour in twenty-four hours is methodised; there is not a moment unoccupied, and the injury done is fearful. For proof of this I refer you to the Transactions of the N.[ew] York State Medical Society Report of 1864. I may add, that winter-sessions are prefered[sic] in this and in the generality of seminaries on the ground that the season is most favorable to this high-pressure system of severe study & through discipline. Let us look on the pale faces and fragile forms of our notover-loaded, or overeducated but unwisely educated young country women, and correct the system. I close as I began, by disclaiming any purpose of urging the Board to any premature action or insisting on any particular scheme of division for the College year. It is general principles to which I attach importance, and the momentous interest of health and true womanly Education involved therein. To these Gentlemen I do earnestly solicit your attention and to a prompt and courageous action in that direction which your mature judgement shall approve. And now Gentlemen, in closing this address, allow me to recall to your minds the expression which I made on a former occasion, of my opinions and wishes concerning the character of the instruction to be given in the College, and concerning those to whom the responsibilty[sic] of imparting it should be intrusted[entrusted]My views have undergone no change. It is my wish now, as it was in the begining[sic] of our Enterprise, nay, many years before, to build an Institution for women - such in every sense, and of the highest attainments. An Institution where women might be instructed in all the branches of literature and science suited to the sphere assigned them in social, moral, and religious life, and prepared for the successfull[sic] pursuits of every vocation wherein they can be made usefull[sic] for their own maintainance[sic], or for the good of society and the race - an Institution, too, where in due time women shall be the Teachers or Educators of Women. I am pleased to observe, that, since the inauguration of our Enterprise in 1861, great changes have taken place in the public opinion regarding what may be appropriatelly[sic] regarded as the sphere of woman. From two of our Femal Medical Colleges alone,that of Bston, and that of Philadelphia between 25 and 30 ladies have received the full degree of M.D. and many evidences are recorded of the rapid diminuation of unworthy prejudice which for a while denied professional recognition to female practitioners (Beg of Mr. Hales pardon for the use of the term) however learned and skillful and threw ungenerous obstacles in the way of their success. among these evidences may be noted the fact that the venerable Medical Society of Philadelphia - that most professional proud & orthodox of cities, now permits its members to hold consultations with women physicians, a recognition which at first it sturdily refused. This is a long stride in the right direction and I mention it merely as among many interesting facts which marks the drift in the current of the public mind. It is to m, a matter of great encouragement. We have only to go steadly[sic] forward in the path we have begun to tread, and by a wise and liberal policy, to give respectability to an idea, whichhas already taken a strong hold on the concience[sic], and heart of the community, and we are certain under God of success. In dealing justly and generously by our Sisters & Daughters, we may with confidence expect the favoring smile of our common Father, and the surest possible way confer incalcuable[incalculable] benefits on the whole family of man. And now Gentlemen I have only one more thought to mention, and I shall merely name it leaving the consideration of the propriety of it to the decision of your honorable body. I refer to the change of the name of your College from “Vassar Female College” to “Vassar College” Leaving out the word “Female.[“] Your President knows my views on the subject & is intimate with the long discussion for the past 2 years in some of correspond[ence] on that matte I beg therefore for further particulars, to refer you [to] him & other Gentlemen of this Board. for matters refering[sic] to the College Finances, I refer you to the Treas[urer’s] Report & to our Sect.[Secretary] C. Swan.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 30, 1865
Text: Philadelphia, March 30th 1865 Mrs. S. J. Hale [de] “Female” My dear Mr. Vassar Enclosed is a note asking about yr[your] College. As soon as your Circular is ready, if you send me a copy, I will notice it in the “Lady’s Book” and divert enquiries to the College. Thank you for your Essay - it has valuable hints and noble sentiments, but I cannot notice it under its present title. “The Female Mind.” What female do you mean? but a female donkey. Must not your reply be “I mean a female woman?”...
Show morePhiladelphia, March 30th 1865 Mrs. S. J. Hale [de] “Female” My dear Mr. Vassar Enclosed is a note asking about yr[your] College. As soon as your Circular is ready, if you send me a copy, I will notice it in the “Lady’s Book” and divert enquiries to the College. Thank you for your Essay - it has valuable hints and noble sentiments, but I cannot notice it under its present title. “The Female Mind.” What female do you mean? but a female donkey. Must not your reply be “I mean a female woman?” Then why not say “Women’s Mind” at first, and not degrade the feminine sex to the least of animals. In consequence of this every beginning you have used this false term females for women or girl, and “female heart” (which may be sheep’s) and “female mind” which, if it can be proven that mind is connected or dependent on gender, gives to the cow as much right to mind as woman can claim. In your Essay I find this degrading term applied to women seven times, besides the Title. I may look it over.Now allow me to suggest an easy way of testing for yourself the impropriety of using male for man or female for women, excepting only as the abstract term to express the gender where members are mentioned as in a census. Take Cruden’s “Concordance of the Holy Scriptures”, look at the word Male [etc] … all the instances of the use of male are found in sixteen lines: one fourth of these refer to animals the remainider are distant terms, referring to members or the Creation, where the two genders, “male and female” are predications of all creatures. Then look at the word men: it fills ten pages (or nearly fifteen columns) comprising in its scope every attribute of humanity - but an instance occurs in the Bible in which the word male is used in connection with character, abilities or attributes of men’s soul, mind or heart. The reason is obvious. There are no moral qualities in sex, in gender. If there be, if we can, for instance, properly say “male piety”, then the horse or lion might claim piety; these animals are more truly male than men, because gender is the highest distinction of animals; it is the lowest attribute of humanity. Can we, properly speaking, say “the male mind?” Would not the elephant claim justly amen is a word of three letters, of more significance, easy to write and speak, pleasant to eye and ear, can explain itself. Male, a word of four letters is unpleasant because imperfect term for men; good taste rejects it in speaking or writing, and it cannot definitely explain its own meaning whether referring to humanity or to the inferior creatures beast and bird etc. Therefore when we use the word male for men we suffer loss. Say that your College retained its present indefinite, imperfect title, it is neither pleasant to eye or ear, yet still it must be written and read on every letter that goes from “Vassar Female College” or comes to it. Reflect on the thousands of times in one one year which this imperfect and worse than useless word “Female” would have to be used. Certainly this would be loss of time taste and propriety to have the mother in its gentlest form. But change the Title to Vassar College for Young Women; you have a noble name, definite, delicate and dignified - also brief, as only the [true fine] words, “Vassar College,” will ever be needed on letters, addresses, etc. I write this earnestly because I wish to have your College take the lead in this great improvement of our language. President Raymond will tell you that I have the approval of many clergymen and … - lawyers, physicians and ladies engaged in instruction of young ladies: that Bishop Lee has changed the name of his Seminary, in conformity to the Bible standard. Still I look to Vassar College as the true leader in this renovation. I therefore wait for the meeting of the Trustees and feel sure that if Mr. Vassar expresses his wishes for the change it will easily [be] effected. Then I shall know that you will thank me for correctingthe mistakes in your Essay, and shall be happy to notise[sic] it. Pray [me] not, my good friend, disappoint me. It is not for myself that I express any benefit. I plead for the good of Vassar College, for the honor of womanhood and for the Glory of God. Truly Yr[your] friend Sarah J Hale. Mr. M. Vassar PS I have not been able to find the letter I alluded to at the beginning. When I do find it I will forwardP.S. Dear Sir I am sorry to send such a scribble, but I have [been] ill all this month with a severe influenza, which has hindered me from replying to your last letter, and now I have time only to say a few words about the division of College Terms. It seems to me that there are some serious obligations to the plan of having a three months vacation in the winter. That season is the best time for study. In the hot summer months pupils cannot be confined to book studies. Then the plan takes out four months from the year for vacations, leaving only eight months - 32 weeks (in thereabouts) in school. I do not know any Seminary for Young Ladies that has such short sessions. Would the plow be popular? I have not had time to think much on this subject. Hastily - but truly yours S J Hale Hon. M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 7, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie June 7""1 1865 My dear Mr.s Hale You will know by reading of what follows, that I have 4-Tk yours of the 5#. Current, and in reply it is needless for me to repeat that I have it in my heart to change the title of the College by omitting or dropping the word "Femalen, which is not only useless but absolutely vulgar in the connection which it stands, I shall insist on this change at the coming meeting 27th June. I am glad you are pleased with the Presidents last...
Show morePoughkeepsie June 7""1 1865 My dear Mr.s Hale You will know by reading of what follows, that I have 4-Tk yours of the 5#. Current, and in reply it is needless for me to repeat that I have it in my heart to change the title of the College by omitting or dropping the word "Femalen, which is not only useless but absolutely vulgar in the connection which it stands, I shall insist on this change at the coming meeting 27th June. I am glad you are pleased with the Presidents last Prospectus, We are doing all we can to get ready to open the 20™1 SeptF. I thank you for the continued interest you mani- fest for my health & the great work which has so long been cherished by me. Accept my thanks for the duplicate article from the June N° of the Liady!s Book I remain dear Mrs Hale Truly yours M. Vassar 273 . 43'.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 27, 1865
Text: Gentlemen We are assembled as a Board of Trustees for last time before the completion of our preliminary arrangements of the opening of the College for the reception of those who are to enjoy its benifits[sic]. It is fitting that we pause to recognise the favoring Providence which has conducted our enterprise safely and successfully through the preparatory stage and shed the light of benignant promise upon the future. It is not given to man to force the perils and perplexities through which...
Show moreGentlemen We are assembled as a Board of Trustees for last time before the completion of our preliminary arrangements of the opening of the College for the reception of those who are to enjoy its benifits[sic]. It is fitting that we pause to recognise the favoring Providence which has conducted our enterprise safely and successfully through the preparatory stage and shed the light of benignant promise upon the future. It is not given to man to force the perils and perplexities through which his best laid plans must advance to this completion. A loving wisdom veils from our view the roughnesses and the dangers of the way, while it holds and in clear relief its glorious ends which ever invites us on. Had we anticipated four years ago, when first we set our hands to the work the stormy period of war that was before us, and the immense augmentation of our difficulties consequent thereupon, had we been able then to count the losses, the failures, the disappointments, the perilous crises, and the hair-breadth ‘scapes[escapes],on which we now look back, it may well be doubted wether[sic] we should have summoned courage to face the ordeal and embarked upon this tossing sea. But all these trying experiences are now in the past. We may fairly number them among our victory achieved; and though in some respects our anticipations may not have been fully reilised[realized], in others perhaps they have been and much surpassed, and in the whole actual result as the stand before us so full of present beauty and so fraught with prospective benifits[sic], we may surely find occasion to thank God and take courage. The last and finishing stroke will soon be put to our noble structure, the largest in the world & best appointed for the purposes to which it is consecrated, whose fair proportions and gracefull[sic] architectural lines have won universal admiration. The orders have been given out for the various fixtures and appliances both domestic & educational, required to finish its interior, and those we hope, will be in place and ready for use by the time appointed. The park hasbeen laid out and graded, seeded & planted with requisite shrubery[sic] shade-trees & evergreens. The principal drives and foot paths have been carefully studied & properly prepared. The farm grounds has[have] been fittingly arranged & put under cultivation and a vegitable[sic] Garden of some acres & orchard laid out and planted with all variety of small summer fruits under the direction of an experienced work-man and it alredy[sic] smiles with the promise of a generous supply of esculents for the College family in the first months of its existence. For myself personally, I feel especial cause of thankfulness in the fact, that contrary perhaps to reasonable expectation, my file and health have been spared, not merely to watch the progress of the work, but to participate in it constantly & actively from the begining[sic] to the end, besides conveying the hundreds of distinguished visitors to the grounds, without any expense to the College. As chairman of you Executive Committee I have taken a deep & lively interest in all the multplyed[sic] details, and have spared no pains to ensure the most favorable condition to every contractor, and have watched with daily and sedulous care the manner in which every part of the work has been performed. As no one more than myself has borne the burden of solicitude and performed the labor of daily & nightly thought incident to such a task, no one more than myself has a right to rejoice as this stage of the enterprise approaches completion. I have from the begining[sic] look’d forward to this period, as the time when I might fairly claim to be relieved from the responsibility of superintending these details. My long experience in buisness[business] life had perhaps give me some peculiar qualifications for the discharge of this duty, so long as it pertained to the collection & disposition of the materialties[materialities] of the College. But now that the questions to be considered will relate in a large degree to its interior & educational life, I feel that there is a special fitness in callingMr. M. Vassar’s Address to the Board of Trustees June 27th 1865 Read in Board of Trustees June 27, 1865 C. Swan Sec[retary]to this service gentlemen, who can add to the general buisness[business] capacity and an interest [in] the cause, a more intimate acquantance[acquaintance] with institutions of learning and experience in their management. Such gentlemen fortunately we have in our number; and a sufficent[sic]number of them, I am happy to know, stand ready to accept the trust. If I am so happy as to be sustained by your concurence[sic] in this view (which I do not doubt)I retire with perfect sattisfaction[sic] from any past and, for what remains to me of a life now surely drawing near its close, shall look with assured confidence by the Divine blessing, for the steady developement[sic] & final success of this the dearest object of my hopes. I retire Gentlemen, from my office thanking you kindly for your generous counsell[sic] & support hitherto; & wishing you all future health & happiness, I tender you my resignation of the position I have held on your Executive & Library Committee.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 28, 1865
Text: Vassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N. Y. June 28th, 1865 Martin B Anderson … My … Char Pr It is my … to be … at the Junary Meeting of the Board of Trustees on the 9th …, but for fear my health may not permit, I take this … … to ask through you of the Board as special favor to myself and kind friend Rev. … Cekrow. pastor of the first … … … of this city … of the honorary degree of D. D. I am perfectly aware that these distinguished testimonials are too frequently confused where they are the...
Show moreVassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N. Y. June 28th, 1865 Martin B Anderson … My … Char Pr It is my … to be … at the Junary Meeting of the Board of Trustees on the 9th …, but for fear my health may not permit, I take this … … to ask through you of the Board as special favor to myself and kind friend Rev. … Cekrow. pastor of the first … … … of this city … of the honorary degree of D. D. I am perfectly aware that these distinguished testimonials are too frequently confused where they are the least … and most … to one denominations favorite, but occasionallyOrig in Rush Rhees library, Univ of Rochester From the M B Anderson Collectionit may be policy to depart a little use no principle in compromised — I am certain that … as a demon nation of this city at least have word .. … many … that honor was confused upon the Rev. A. M. Manard, M. M. … is the successor of Doct Manard and … over the … & most …enticed congregation in this county, and such a apnt would be much to … the further influence of that … … portion of this community to … College intrust. It therefore no formable objection are raised at the meeting of your word it would be gratifying to one to have this confer the honor, With regard to the “Minimal Cabinet” of … I have had my mind … more … to the subject since the meeting, and especially since have seen the … left with Prof. M. P. Jewett — nothonored professing much expressed in that department of natural service … … be … to … my judgement, … is to say that I regard your … as very raw and such as cannot … command attention from the committee on … “ and I would those for advise this early … I remain dear for yours very respectfully M Vassar Orig in U. of Rochester Rush Rhees library Cop in cat set from the M B Anderson Collection
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 5, 1865
Text: Springside----- Mori July 5**1 1865 Martin B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear Sir I have been purposing if it were possible to accompany our friend Hon. W. Kelly in the 11. . University Com- mencement, as it would be most probabil the last opportunity in view of my health and advanced years, but am so much troubled with a weakness in the spine of my back that I fear I shall not be able to participate the pleasure- I have written to Doct, Millard Parker N.Y. this Morning asking him if he cannot...
Show moreSpringside----- Mori July 5**1 1865 Martin B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear Sir I have been purposing if it were possible to accompany our friend Hon. W. Kelly in the 11. . University Com- mencement, as it would be most probabil the last opportunity in view of my health and advanced years, but am so much troubled with a weakness in the spine of my back that I fear I shall not be able to participate the pleasure- I have written to Doct, Millard Parker N.Y. this Morning asking him if he cannot prescribe some relief as I can scarcely walk a rood without sitting down. We are expect- ing here at 10'O'ck this morning Miss Lyman of Montreal but shall have to put her under the care of DF. R s to visit the College as the slightest physical exertion gives me much pain- I hope our friends will be in good attendance at your Anniversary Commencement. With my best regards to you. & your Lady I remain truly & Respectfully Yours &c M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 6, 1865
Text: July 6th 1865. My dear Mrs Hale I have just received yours of the 2d Inst, with a short notice of Doctor Raymonds " Prospectus " as published in the August N° of the Lady8 Book. It is quite to the purpose and needed no apology for its briefness. I am much pleased to have your approval of the Prospectus; the subject of change of Title to the College came up for discussion at the June meet- ing and was warmly debated and closely voted. Yeas 6 & Noes 7—and 7 out of the 20 members...
Show moreJuly 6th 1865. My dear Mrs Hale I have just received yours of the 2d Inst, with a short notice of Doctor Raymonds " Prospectus " as published in the August N° of the Lady8 Book. It is quite to the purpose and needed no apology for its briefness. I am much pleased to have your approval of the Prospectus; the subject of change of Title to the College came up for discussion at the June meet- ing and was warmly debated and closely voted. Yeas 6 & Noes 7—and 7 out of the 20 members pres- ent declined to vote not having their minds made up. We shall carry our points at the next meeting of the Board. The non voters out of regard to thefeelings of the Founder would have voted in the affirmative if he specially desired them, but not otherwise, until further persuaded of the propriety of the change—of course I would consent to no such compromise and thus the affair passeth off at the meet- ing. I send you by this days mail 2 Copies of D* Ray- monds " Prospectus." We have already distributed some 2500 out of 3000 printed, a new Edition will be required in a few days. Applications for Scholarships are pouring in far and wide,—hundreds are calling at our Office for " permits " to visit the College, but the Ex Com. has suspended all indulgences of the Kind for the present, as the workmen are busy painting, cleaning, oiling the floors & getting in Furniture.In another month or two all will be completed and then I hope you will do us the honor of a visit and write me a few days before, not that I shall or may be from home, but that other engagements may not interfere. With my usual salutations of esteem. I remain.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: August 28, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie, N.Y., August 28^ 1865 My dear Mrs^ Hale Yours of the 23.. current is before me with a slip enclosed for publication in your forthcoming OctF N° of the Ladys Book --.- Please to note the foregoing alterations, beginning on the 5H1 line of yF article - say some 3000 applications has already been received and only about 300 been found admissable under the rules of the College —- Also leave out the suggestion "that those who want the "Prospectus'1 will address the...
Show morePoughkeepsie, N.Y., August 28^ 1865 My dear Mrs^ Hale Yours of the 23.. current is before me with a slip enclosed for publication in your forthcoming OctF N° of the Ladys Book --.- Please to note the foregoing alterations, beginning on the 5H1 line of yF article - say some 3000 applications has already been received and only about 300 been found admissable under the rules of the College —- Also leave out the suggestion "that those who want the "Prospectus'1 will address the President'1 as our last issue is nearly exhausted of some 4000 printed. As ray invitation to ^f^ifo you to visit our College (over)will not probabilly be complied with untill the name is changed, I must patiently wait the day for both desires to be gratified* The incipient step is first needed from the Board of Trustees which I hope to obtain soon after the opening of the College, then the Legislature Enactment to follow at thier Januay Meeting next ensuing. I enclose you two articles from different pens, who the writers are is unknown to me, the public you ]ff&]6. has taken the subject up, other writers may now appear pros and Cons - You know Miss Hale my views but I can do nothing alone, true, I might exercise the prerogative as founder of the Institution and insist upon the Change, but to do this against the judgement of the Majority on the Board would I think be arbitary if not insulting---A little patience will accomplish our purpose, and by next January you will see $ our wishes gratified. With kind regards believe me to be Cordially & Respectfully Yrs M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: September 29, 1865
Text: VASSAR FEjMALE COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept* 29^ 1865 Messs Eastmans Gentlemen I am just in receipt of your nOffice Western Institution National Business College Circular11 inviting me to attend its opening on Tuesday next and in reply allow me to say that it would afford me the most gratifying pleasure to join you and your numerous friends on that interesting occasion if my health would possibly admit, but having been quite exhausted in the late exercises of the V. F* College I do not...
Show moreVASSAR FEjMALE COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept* 29^ 1865 Messs Eastmans Gentlemen I am just in receipt of your nOffice Western Institution National Business College Circular11 inviting me to attend its opening on Tuesday next and in reply allow me to say that it would afford me the most gratifying pleasure to join you and your numerous friends on that interesting occasion if my health would possibly admit, but having been quite exhausted in the late exercises of the V. F* College I do not find my strength adequate to meet with you, I can only therefore express my desire that God will sustain you in your noble efforts in elevating your Institution for the development of the youthfull mind in that City as in this--- Miss G*--------joins me in these wishes with her sincere regards &c I remain Gentlemen Yours truly &c. M* Vassar PresJ H« G* Eastman L,L#D. ) ) Profr— E. P. Eastman, Principal.) ^?38aVASSAR FEjMALE COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 29th 1865 Messs Eastmans Gentlemen I am just in receipt of your nOffice Western Institution National Business College Circular11 inviting me to attend its opening on Tuesday next and in reply allow me to say that it would afford me the most gratifying pleasure to join you and your numerous friends on that interesting occasion if my health would possibly admit, but having been quite exhausted in the late exercises of the V. F* College I do not find my strength adequate to meet with you, I can only thereforeexpress my desire that God will sustain you in your noble efforts in elevating your Institution for the development of the youthfull mind in that City as in this--- Miss G*--------joins me in these wishes with her sincere regards &c I remain Gentlemen Yours truly &c. M* Vassar PresJ H« G* Eastman L.L.D. Profr— E. P. Eastman, Principal.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: October 28, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie OctF. 28^ 1865 My dear Mrss. Hale It was only last evening your name was alluded to in a conversation with two of your citizens at my domicil, Doct... Malcom and Doct Hans ell Baptist Clergymen who came to Pofkeepsie to see our Col- lege and its workings &c. I went out with them yesterday Dining with the Presl. Miss Lyman LadyPrincipal and some 3 to 400 young Lady pupils the exact number now in the College I thin is 380 and a more intelligent gathering of young Misses cannot...
Show morePoughkeepsie OctF. 28^ 1865 My dear Mrss. Hale It was only last evening your name was alluded to in a conversation with two of your citizens at my domicil, Doct... Malcom and Doct Hans ell Baptist Clergymen who came to Pofkeepsie to see our Col- lege and its workings &c. I went out with them yesterday Dining with the Presl. Miss Lyman LadyPrincipal and some 3 to 400 young Lady pupils the exact number now in the College I thin is 380 and a more intelligent gathering of young Misses cannot be found in any Country---- I visit the College almost daily (except Rainy days &.Sundayf) on the in 5 years latter I have never seen the grounds or buildings untill last Sabbath three weeks ago, when I attended the first Religious Services in the Chapel & a more interesting and impressive service I never attended in my life- — Mrs. Hale I do wish you had been present but I suppose I must deny myself the pleasure of seeing you in Po, until after the change of the College Title which will certainly be accomplished next Winter----- I shall be much pleased to see your forth-coming article in the JanY. No of the Lady1 Book on "Domestic Economy" — I am resolved to intriduce practically that science of Instruction in "Vassar College11 as soon as possible-- We are now erecting an extensive Building for Gym- nastic Exercises-, Riding School, &c-, costing some $40,000-----Thus far every thing goes on well, but we find our terms of Tuition & Board too low for the inflated prices of Living when the war closed we thought values of home productions would materialy decline, but in this we have been disappointed & shall be oblig to advance our terms after the first half year. Some familys are availing themselves of our Cheap Board &cwithout any special reference to the Educational charges. Since writing the foregoing I am reminded of an article which appeared in several public Journals last July written by some gentleman visitor to the College from which a few copies was struck off here, I enclose you one of them-- I will send you in a few days the particulars of the Profesships &c, I have mailed to yF address tp-day two Copies of our last "Prospectus"-----1 have found another article of later date about our College - I endbse it &c----- I remain Dear Mrs Hale Yours verry truly &c M, Vassar P.S. May I not ask you to make a reference in your forth coming JanY article to the low terms of our College for tuition & Board - particular the latter, and the contemplated advance the next College term-- MV
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 2, 1865
Text: Thursday Morning November 2d 1865 Cyrus Swan Esqr D1* Sir. I received a few days since Mess DuBois & Ferris1 Bill of Garments orderd by you on my account - viz $110 = S Is it right, if so, I will remit them----- I cannot come out to the College this Morning, am suffering with a Cold and taking Medicine for it ?How are you getting on at the College----- Do you see you way clear? To-witt "Expenses, vs. Receipts11 Have you been able to ascertain the running expenses of the former-, this...
Show moreThursday Morning November 2d 1865 Cyrus Swan Esqr D1* Sir. I received a few days since Mess DuBois & Ferris1 Bill of Garments orderd by you on my account - viz $110 = S Is it right, if so, I will remit them----- I cannot come out to the College this Morning, am suffering with a Cold and taking Medicine for it ?How are you getting on at the College----- Do you see you way clear? To-witt "Expenses, vs. Receipts11 Have you been able to ascertain the running expenses of the former-, this you must do if you would not be getting on the Breakers. I am bound to be as good as my word, To Lend the Corporation Twenty five Thousand dollars upon their B & Mortgage but that finishes up all my obligations Expressed or implied? Matters & things are now all in the Ex. Com. hands------ I hope all will come out right------ I wish I could lend you a helping hand, but I am not in good working condition, nor have I been for some months past. Yours in haste M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 3, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie—----November 3„. 1865. To the Hon. Ex. Com of the V.F. College. Gentlemen I take the liberty of addressing you altho,l I could have desired that no occasion would have justified the necessity----- I have been recently informed by your Treas,r that the available funds from the original donation made by your Founder to the College is reduced to some 3 to $4000. and that the floating Indebtedness of the Institution running and other Expences accrued to date amounts to about $35,000...
Show morePoughkeepsie—----November 3„. 1865. To the Hon. Ex. Com of the V.F. College. Gentlemen I take the liberty of addressing you altho,l I could have desired that no occasion would have justified the necessity----- I have been recently informed by your Treas,r that the available funds from the original donation made by your Founder to the College is reduced to some 3 to $4000. and that the floating Indebtedness of the Institution running and other Expences accrued to date amounts to about $35,000., That the receipts for Pupilship some $52,000 Leaving a Ballance in the Treas of some $ 17,000 to which add above Ballance from donation fund of 4.000 you have now in the Tres/ Say a Ballance of 21.000 to run your Col- lege for the residue of the term 4 mos $- I have not the facilitiy or means to know what your expenses will be for the next four mos. but if I am rightly informed the Profesships sweep off one half of the present Bal- lance in the Treasury to say $10,500. and as no Material addition will be made from pupil Receipts from the lateness of the season, and also in consideration of your inabillity for want of Room to accommodate Many more the question arises from what source can you draw to meet the difference. It is evident that you must either reduce your running daily ex- penses or raise your prices of tuition after the first six Months or as the s last alternative borrow Money to make up the deficits- As I do not 281 Nov. 3, 1865 - 2 understand that you have any devised plan for relief, I would respect- fully call your attention to the Subject------- Disconnected with the business of the College proper. You are incuring an expenditure of some $3 5,000 in Building a Gymnasium, Riding School &c and for the payment of which in part say $25,000 I purpose to Loan the College and accept yr B & Mortgage----- As you have already appointed a Com. on ^'Intrenchment ? of-Vitelaty-the College I shall wait thier Report which I understand will be made to-morrow. I think there is a wide Margin open for retrenchment in that department - a Leake in your Vessel that must be stopped ----- Your Steam expenditure is excessive, not hower by fault of your Engineer, but by waste of heat by inmates throwing open Windows &c. - I am verry desirous to see the whole thing reduced to a System and as M Smith your "Steward" has now had 6 Weeks to experement I think he ought to be ready to Report &c. It is the unanimous judgement of this Community that you have fixed the College terms of Tuition &c too low & the public are expecting an advancer it may be well therefor to consider early what that advance shall be, which of course is a Matter to be settled by the Board of Trustees at thier Next Meeting-----—-----1 have many sleepless nights about the issue of this Enterprise, and the sooner I am relieved from my anxities the happier 282 .44: Nov. 3, 1865-3 my hours will be. I remain Gentlemen Yours truly &c M. Vassar On verso: To Nathan Bishop Chairman of the Ex, Com. of V.F. College Po'keepsie 283 ,44Poughkeepsie—----November 3„. 1865. To the Hon. Ex. Com of the V.F. College. Gentlemen I take the liberty of addressing you altho, I could have desired that no occasion would have justified the necessity----- I have been recently informed by your Treas,r that the available funds from the original donation made by your Founder to the College is reduced to some 3 to $4000. and that the floating Indebtedness of the Institution running and other Expences accrued to date amounts to about $35,000., That the receipts for Pupilship some $52,000 Leaving a Ballance in the Treas of some $ 17,000 to which add above Ballance from donation fund of 4.000 you have now in the Tres/ Say a Ballance of 21.000 to run your Col- lege for the residue of the term 4 mos $- I have not the facilitiy or means to know what your expenses will be for the next four mos. but if I am rightly informed the Profesships sweep off one half of the present Bal- lance in the Treasury to say $10,500. and as no Material addition will be made from pupil Receipts from the lateness of the season, and also in consideration of your inabillity for want of Room to accommodate Many more the question arises from what source can you draw to meet the difference. It is evident that you must either reduce your running daily ex- penses or raise your prices of tuition after the first six Months or as the last alternative borrow Money to make up the deficits- As I do not understand that you have any devised plan for relief, I would respect- fully call your attention to the Subject------- Disconnected with the business of the College proper. You are incuring an expenditure of some $3 5,000 in Building a Gymnasium, Riding School &c and for the payment of which in part say $25,000 I purpose to Loan the College and accept yr B & Mortgage----- As you have already appointed a Com. on ^'Intrenchment ? of-Vitelaty-the College I shall wait their Report which I understand will be made to-morrow. I think there is a wide Margin open for retrenchment in that department - a Leake in your Vessel that must be stopped ----- Your Steam expenditure is excessive, not hower by fault of your Engineer, but by waste of heat by inmates throwing open Windows &c. - I am verry desirous to see the whole thing reduced to a System and as M Smith your "Steward" has now had 6 Weeks to experement I think he ought to be ready to Report &c. It is the unanimous judgement of this Community that you have fixed the College terms of Tuition &c too low & the public are expecting an advancer it may be well therefor to consider early what that advance shall be, which of course is a Matter to be settled by the Board of Trustees at thier Next Meeting-----—-----1 have many sleepless nights about the issue of this Enterprise, and the sooner I am relieved from my anxities the happier my hours will be. I remain Gentlemen Yours truly &c M. VassarOn verso: To Nathan Bishop Chairman of the Ex, Com. of V.F. College Po'keepsie
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 7, 1865
Text: Tuesday Morning November itt1 1865 My dear DoctF. Raymond We received your kind verbal invitation by your Daughter Nelly yesterday P.M. to attend a little social informal gathering of several of assistant3 Proffs Teachers &c in your apartments in the College this evening, I need not reply that, that is just the oppor- tunity needed by me to make a more special pleasent acquaintance with them, but I am constrained to deny myself that pleasure by reason of phy- sical indisposition. Wishing...
Show moreTuesday Morning November itt1 1865 My dear DoctF. Raymond We received your kind verbal invitation by your Daughter Nelly yesterday P.M. to attend a little social informal gathering of several of assistant3 Proffs Teachers &c in your apartments in the College this evening, I need not reply that, that is just the oppor- tunity needed by me to make a more special pleasent acquaintance with them, but I am constrained to deny myself that pleasure by reason of phy- sical indisposition. Wishing you and all of them a cordial & pleas ent evening repast I remain Dr Sir Your8 verry truly &c M.. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 4, 1865
Text: Vassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N.Y. December 4th, 1865 My dear Mrs. Hale, Yours of the 2d current was duly received enclos- ing articles for the "Editors Table" in the forthcoming January Number of the ,!Ladys Book", I have read the same with pleasure and satisfac- tion, I am happy to see such able treatises on the feminine mind and rights so outspoken by so able and dignified a man as HIohn Ruskinn of England, when such distinguished writers & Scholars wield their...
Show moreVassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N.Y. December 4th, 1865 My dear Mrs. Hale, Yours of the 2d current was duly received enclos- ing articles for the "Editors Table" in the forthcoming January Number of the ,!Ladys Book", I have read the same with pleasure and satisfac- tion, I am happy to see such able treatises on the feminine mind and rights so outspoken by so able and dignified a man as HIohn Ruskinn of England, when such distinguished writers & Scholars wield their pens in behalf of womans Mission in the world, we may hope that her interlectural meridian has come, and henceforth a brighter era awaits her future des- tiny, and I may add that already is this sentement pervadeing the minds of our Young Ladies pupils & inspiring them with more fervent industry of study in our College.I notice your suggestions in regard to increasing the charges of tuition &c - our Trustees had already anticipated the policy of defering it untill another year term, altho* it is quite evident from our past expere- ments that the present terms are too low, and must ultimately be advanced. The liberal provisions made for the physical, and interlectural comfort and culture of College life demands it,- Encouragement to future benificiarys examples demand it - and in fact duty to ourselves demand it and we must therefore advance our terms to 450 to $500 another Year. Now as we have begun a New Era for Woman, and my reputation as pioneer staked for its consummation I am desirous to avail myself of every suggestion, and thought arising in my own or other Minds to secure the hopefull end. We have daily precedents of public benificence, and millions of dollars flowing intothose channels, would it therefore be unreasonable or impolitic for the College to open an avenue whereby the flow of Womans generosity in behalf of her own sex might center? What I would suggest is that a series of articles should appear in your valuable f,Ladys Book" as prelimary, suggesting the idea of the Ladies or Women of America leaving by their Wills, Legacies for especial endowments to the College, for Profferships or otherwise, stipulating the departments of Studies to be applied, as it is now quite evident from the experience already attained that the Gallerys of Art & Sciences &c must be enlarged, number of Teachers increased, to accommodate the prospectus applications - We have now some 150 to 200 learning the Art of Drawing & painting alone, and more daily applying - You will perceive from our last ''Prospectus lf that all these Branches of Study are Extra, and therefore aid the income College revenue very materialy. But I must now close my remarks for this morning as my old head dizziness admonishes me, only adding I do hope you will redeem you promise to honor as with a visit next summer. I remain dear Mrs. Hale Your friend &c 286 m. Vas-sar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 29, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Jan^ 29* 1866 My dear Mrs Hale I have delay^ answering yf note of the 23r. current for the purpose of acknowl=ing your article referd to regarding "Vassar College" but up to this hour it has not come to hand. I proceed to remark therefore that this is about my first attempt renewing my correspondence since the slight attack I had of paralisis a month ago to-day while spending a few weeks at the College during the Winter vacation term. I am now mend- ing quite fast and...
Show morePoughkeepsie Jan^ 29* 1866 My dear Mrs Hale I have delay^ answering yf note of the 23r. current for the purpose of acknowl=ing your article referd to regarding "Vassar College" but up to this hour it has not come to hand. I proceed to remark therefore that this is about my first attempt renewing my correspondence since the slight attack I had of paralisis a month ago to-day while spending a few weeks at the College during the Winter vacation term. I am now mend- ing quite fast and am able to ride out every pleasant day, but not make calls as it is difficult changing these positions--------1 begin to be vain eneough to think that as you and many others of my good friends are often cautioning me so earnestly about my health or in other words to "take care of myself", that my life ]i^fi/\/^must be of some consequenceand therefore I am bound to do the best I can to preserve it, and with the help of Divine Providence will avail myself with every possible means to do so, altho1 at times I look upon my poor efforts for doing good as verry inefficient & of little service. I am happy to hear that your health continues good, but excuse me if I also forewarn you in overtaxing your self also, this was the primary cause of the failure of mine - We cannot spare your valuable services to the World yet, besides I must see my good friend Mrs, Hale before parting this transatory life - You have promised me a conditioned visit. I am doing my best to remove the barrier', and I not been prevented by my late illness would have apply,, to our Legislature now in session ere this - We require the written consent and application of all our Trustees, but as they cannot meet till June, must write or see each one personly - I do hope I may succeed because I know we are right in asking the change and besides which I have in my last Willand Testament devised another portion of my Estate to the "Vassar College" making it imperative on the Trustees to change the title if they wish to secure this last gift---- Through some oversight of mine I have neglected to pre-pay for the "Ladys Book", as it cease to come. Will you be so good as to hand Mr. Godey the enclosed $3, and tell him to forward it with back numbers since the year expired— Wishing you the usual complements of the season, with many spiri- tual and temporal blessings, I remain Dear Mrs Hale truly ' Your friend M. VassarMrss. Sarah. J. Hale Philadelphia
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 22, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie February 22d 1866 Cyrus Swan Esqr Sec - V.F« Colledge &c. Dear Sir Your three half sheets letter handed me the other day has been perused and I find nothing therein that does not com- mand my assent and fully meets all my interogations and suggestions in my notes of the 15 and 16th addressed to the Chairman of the Executive Commit- tee and yourself, but there was another subject which I intended to have touched and which I had some weeks since taken action upon without impli-...
Show morePoughkeepsie February 22d 1866 Cyrus Swan Esqr Sec - V.F« Colledge &c. Dear Sir Your three half sheets letter handed me the other day has been perused and I find nothing therein that does not com- mand my assent and fully meets all my interogations and suggestions in my notes of the 15 and 16th addressed to the Chairman of the Executive Commit- tee and yourself, but there was another subject which I intended to have touched and which I had some weeks since taken action upon without impli- cating the College directly or indirectly being rather personall interogatories, It was somewhat in this wise as my memmory serves at this moment: •Mons. Blout Dear Sir Having seen notices in several articles in the public journals of your success in intriducing to the citizens of New York your system of teaching the Culinary Art I am leade to confer with you on that subject thro1 this medium and at this time as our Exective Com* of V.F. College contemplates erecting the coming Spring an Edifice on the College grounds adapted to impart a knowledge of that art practicaly to such of the young Ladies pupils who desire to obtain such Instruction—---- with this view I am anxious as the Founder of the Institution to avail our- selves of the most improved Modern inventions of the Kitchen utensials &c altho! the College have already the most complete (in the modern sense of the term) the latest improvements and which I should like you to inspect when you could make it most convienant to visit Po'keepsie this Spring, and to confer with you in relation to the location for the Kitchen Buildings &c. Of course your expenses would be paid by us, and the Buildings were erected and ready for opperation we should want to make some arrangement with you to give the necessary Instruction to the College pupils on some terms that would be mutialaly satisfactory &c&cM— M.V. This is the substance I wrote to Mon Prof Blout as near as I can remember-----Now with regard to imparting such Instructions I sincerly believe that it will not only meet the sanction of the public, parents and pupils, but prove in future of pecuniary immoloment to the College & place a stake in advance in the catagory of making Domestic Science part of Womans higher Education and this once attained becomes one of her choicest & accomplished priviledges—— Not that she should choose it as a profession, but to adorn her household, and be able to instruct those whom may be in her employ who may know less of domestic art, and as "Knowledge is power1' which ever posses it most 'Mistress or Maid" there it will rule.—— Custom has every thing to do with human life. I well remember the time when familys all made & Baked their own Bread and failures by heavyness or otherwise was ascribed to some kind of witchcraft, and the shrinking of the boilt Pork in the pot was attributed to the phases of the Moon when the pig was killed, but I will not enumerate Cases of ignorance & superstition,— I merely allude to them to see how times and things has changed,— so with regard to physical exercises__the time was when "Skating byFemales was regarded mascu- line an extremely vulgar and clownish and by the more Sober, and bigoted class even wicked, placing the exercise on the same footing as Dancing and be only one of Satans fasicitating devices to take and delude the unwarry, but I never knew a Man or Woman that was caught in this Nett that was any the worst for it----- Not so with Theatricals, I have known many the young and some of the elder of my acquaintances ruined----- if not in purse in Morals— and I have looked in vain to find a single case where Man or Woman have been made better Citizens, Christians, Husbands or Wifes by attending them— I object not so much to what is seen or heard on the Stage as the sorroundings evincing a licentious inference before and behind it &c&c The Stage is not now what it was in the days of "Shakesphere" or even 40 to 50 years ago, nor are the usual attendants of the homogenious Masses, Men and Women of the higher standard of Morality the same by no means------- then the play-house was some what a "School of Moral reform" but now debauchery & prostitution &c----- I see just now at this day a New Theatre opened by the great cateriort) public taste "Barnum" a Theatre for the performance & Exhibition of Scriptural Selections—,—- Begining with the historical record of "Moses and the Isrealites'1 journey through the Holy have Land, next I suppose we shall have Christ & his Crusifixtion &c, now the Moral character of all these performances & thier influence must be to degrade and weaken the influences of Sacred writ upon the rising generations, but you will say that if the Stage as now conducted does tends to currup & degrade, in its legitimate conductment and proper uses it would not, but if so we must leave its reform to its friends and when it clearly and fully illuminates its virtues it will be time for its opponents to fall into its ranks &c------- I have now written nthree half Sheets" which is equivalent to yours in quanity but in substance of solid value I have nothing to say--------- I have some things more to say when at lea sure about physical health exercises, domestic Economy &c but must defer the rest to another oppor- tunity—_ Yours Respectfully &c&c M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 10, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie Saturday Morning March 10, 1866 My dear Miss Dickinson I am just in receipt of your kind note of yesterday morning handed me by your Treasurer M.V# Junr to attend a social gathering at the College Chapel last evening to listen to a Shakesperian Reading by your President. It is a quaint saying that you cannot loose what you do not posses, but I do not believe from what I learn this Morning but xxxxxx I have lost that which I cannot regain very soon again by my absence. Dont send...
Show morePoughkeepsie Saturday Morning March 10, 1866 My dear Miss Dickinson I am just in receipt of your kind note of yesterday morning handed me by your Treasurer M.V# Junr to attend a social gathering at the College Chapel last evening to listen to a Shakesperian Reading by your President. It is a quaint saying that you cannot loose what you do not posses, but I do not believe from what I learn this Morning but xxxxxx I have lost that which I cannot regain very soon again by my absence. Dont send your messages by old nWiddowersn theres no depen- dence on them while being surround., by so many College attraction. . Miss Germond joins in these sentiments & sincere regards &c Yours truly &c M. Vassar O Q K /<*» %j aj> 45sPoughkeepsie Saturday Morning March 10, 1866 My dear Miss Dickinson I am just in receipt of your kind note of yesterday morning handed me by your Treasurer M.V. Junr to attend a social gathering at the College Chapel last evening to listen to a Shakesperian Reading by your President. It is a quaint saying that you cannot loose what you do not posses, but I do not believe from what I learn this Morning but xxxxxx I have lost that which I cannot regain very soon again by my absence. Dont send your messages by old "Widdowers" theres no depen- dence on them while being surround., by so many College attraction. . Miss Germond joins in these sentiments & sincere regards &c Yours truly &c M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: April 26, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie April 26th 1866. Revd. E.J. Goodspeed My dear Sir I received your kind letter (with enclosure) I thank you for it. I often think of you, and would occa- sionaly write, but my efforts in that regard are somewhat impared by reason of failure in vision & by a slight attack of paralysis last January, but through the mercy of God was not suceed by a second, and am spared to see the long cherish^ object of my late years the College completed & working satisfactory &c----...
Show morePoughkeepsie April 26th 1866. Revd. E.J. Goodspeed My dear Sir I received your kind letter (with enclosure) I thank you for it. I often think of you, and would occa- sionaly write, but my efforts in that regard are somewhat impared by reason of failure in vision & by a slight attack of paralysis last January, but through the mercy of God was not suceed by a second, and am spared to see the long cherish^ object of my late years the College completed & working satisfactory &c-----On Monday ensuing I have this moment learnt (indirectly) that the Officers & Pupils are preparing to celebrate my Birthday (now going in my 75th year) by some kind of public demonstration what, or how, I do not know; which may be all verry well so far as memoralising the College, but for myself to I do not desire it, but wait a little and let time prove the work of our hands--- I ride out to the Institution almost every pleasent day-----I suppose you have learnt from the Religious Journals that the C.BCC. has call** a new Pastor - A-----M Lanson late of New Jersy - thus far he is much liked and the church blessed with increased hearers of the Word, and a number of new converts added to it. Doct. Babcock continues to officiate in the old Millstreet house, congregation & communicants continue about as usual, what has been 296 u4- Apr. 26, 1866 ~ 2 gained by new additions has been ballanced by removals & other changes----- church I hear of the Towering interest of Dr Everts in your City, it certainly was or is a great success, I pray the Lord to continue to bless it &c. My family consist j6$h/of Miss Germand (who has been with me some 5 years) and myself, 2 colored Servants, &' Color Coachman----- Speaking of Revd Mr Lanson I have not heard him yet, nor have I been to church since Januay-----my hearing is deficient - but I must close, as I am subject to dizziness after writing a few minutes----- Best regards to your dear Wife —- Miss G. unites xxx her best regards-----I remain Yours truly &c &c M. Vassar. P.S. Our young Ladies at College are continualy sending for my Auto- graph & Photograph, so I attach them thus in thier Albums----- M. Vassar 297 ' A-'Poughkeepsie April 26th 1866. Revd. E.J. Goodspeed My dear Sir I received your kind letter (with enclosure) I thank you for it. I often think of you, and would occa- sionaly write, but my efforts in that regard are somewhat impared by reason of failure in vision & by a slight attack of paralysis last January, but through the mercy of God was not suceed by a second, and am spared to see the long cherish^ object of my late years the College completed & working satisfactory &c-----On Monday ensuing I have this moment learnt (indirectly) that the Officers & Pupils are preparing to celebrate my Birthday (now going in my 75th year) by some kind of public demonstration what, or how, I do not know; which may be all verry well so far as memoralising the College, but for myself to I do not desire it, but wait a little and let time prove the work of our hands--- I ride out to the Institution almost every pleasent day-----I suppose you have learnt from the Religious Journals that the C.BCC. has call** a new Pastor - A-----M Lanson late of New Jersy - thus far he is much liked and the church blessed with increased hearers of the Word, and a number of new converts added to it. Doct. Babcock continues to officiate in the old Millstreet house, congregation & communicants continue about as usual, what has been gained by new additions has been ballanced by removals & other changes----- church I hear of the Towering interest of Dr Everts in your City, it certainly was or is a great success, I pray the Lord to continue to bless it &c. My family consist j6$h/of Miss Germand (who has been with me some 5 years) and myself, 2 colored Servants, &' Color Coachman----- Speaking of Revd Mr Lanson I have not heard him yet, nor have I been to church since Januay-----my hearing is deficient - but I must close, as I am subject to dizziness after writing a few minutes----- Best regards to your dear Wife —- Miss G. unites xxx her best regards-----I remain Yours truly &c &c M. Vassar. P.S. Our young Ladies at College are continualy sending for my Auto- graph & Photograph, so I attach them thus in thier Albums----- M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 1, 1866
Text: VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Tuesday Evening 1866 rMay 1 j To Miss Mary L. Gilbert. Cor. Sec. of the Students of V.F.C. My dear Madam Words are impotent to express my feelings at the doings at your College to honor my Birth-day yesterday - to say that I was highly pleased would be a meagre reply - In truth I now learn that the heart finds things which the power of language cannot express, and those things occured yesterday - Please to accept my thanks for your kindness - The scene of which will...
Show moreVASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Tuesday Evening 1866 rMay 1 j To Miss Mary L. Gilbert. Cor. Sec. of the Students of V.F.C. My dear Madam Words are impotent to express my feelings at the doings at your College to honor my Birth-day yesterday - to say that I was highly pleased would be a meagre reply - In truth I now learn that the heart finds things which the power of language cannot express, and those things occured yesterday - Please to accept my thanks for your kindness - The scene of which will never, no never, be obliterated from my Memory. I remain Dear Miss G. Yours truly &c. &c. Matthew Vassar 298VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Tuesday Evening 1866 rMay 1 j To Miss Mary L. Gilbert. Cor. Sec. of the Students of V.F.C. My dear Madam Words are impotent to express my feelings at the doings at your College to honor my Birth-day yesterday - to say that I was highly pleased would be a meagre reply - In truth I now learn that the heart finds things which the power of language cannot express, and those things occured yesterday - Please to accept my thanks for your kindness - The scene of which will never, no never, be obliterated from my Memory. I remain Dear Miss G. Yours truly &c. &c. Matthew Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 8, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie Tuesday May 81]} 1866 My dear Miss. Stilson I was favor fA with a Copy of your pretty little poem diliverfC* on the occasion of the "Founder5 day" or Festival in commemoration of his Birth-day April SGtt1 1866, and have perused it over and over, and cannot express ray feelings at the present moment for this little gem of your poetic genious Please to accept my best thanks till oppertunity xkk offers to do better, I am Dear Miss S. Yours truly &c M. VassarMiss Sarah...
Show morePoughkeepsie Tuesday May 81]} 1866 My dear Miss. Stilson I was favor fA with a Copy of your pretty little poem diliverfC* on the occasion of the "Founder5 day" or Festival in commemoration of his Birth-day April SGtt1 1866, and have perused it over and over, and cannot express ray feelings at the present moment for this little gem of your poetic genious Please to accept my best thanks till oppertunity xkk offers to do better, I am Dear Miss S. Yours truly &c M. VassarMiss Sarah L. Stilson Vassar College
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 18, 1866
Text: Springside Monday June 18th, 1866 My Dear Stilson The printer (Mr. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem compositions “Hill of Jekyl” was delivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you. I forward the same this morning by the “College post Boy” I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for literary fame. I remain dear Miss G....
Show moreSpringside Monday June 18th, 1866 My Dear Stilson The printer (Mr. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem compositions “Hill of Jekyl” was delivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you. I forward the same this morning by the “College post Boy” I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for literary fame. I remain dear Miss G. Your friend &c Matthew Vassar P.S. I have retained 25 copies for distribution among my friends
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 18, 1866
Text: Springside - Po - 18*/} June '66 M. B. Anderson LuL.D. My dear Sir I have yours of the llvi inst and much regret to notice an intimation that it were possible that circumstances would not allow you to attend our meeting on the 2$¥} current- It certainly would not be proper to urge or insist upon your attendance in view of your past promptness - yet I do hope you will not fail as the meeting is one of great importance- I cannot now explain particulars, suffice to say, your place cannot be...
Show moreSpringside - Po - 18*/} June '66 M. B. Anderson LuL.D. My dear Sir I have yours of the llvi inst and much regret to notice an intimation that it were possible that circumstances would not allow you to attend our meeting on the 2$¥} current- It certainly would not be proper to urge or insist upon your attendance in view of your past promptness - yet I do hope you will not fail as the meeting is one of great importance- I cannot now explain particulars, suffice to say, your place cannot be supplied----- If you will come I will meet you at the !!Depon H.R.R. by stating the Train you will come in, or if you have company will see you at the College,- We are now located at "Springs iden~ and always have a spare bed and a spare plate for you. Yrs truly &c M. Vassar Miss Germand sends her kind regards &c
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 18, 1866
Text: " Springside " June 18th 1866. My dear Miss Stillson The printer (M. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem composition " Hilltop Idyl" was dilivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you—I forward the same this morning by the " College post Boy " I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for...
Show more" Springside " June 18th 1866. My dear Miss Stillson The printer (M. Osborn) of your beautiful little gem composition " Hilltop Idyl" was dilivered me (200) copies on Saturday evening, but too late to send them to you—I forward the same this morning by the " College post Boy " I think you will be pleased with the typographical & mechanical executions. I only regret their tedious delay, I trust you will meet with ready patronage in this first effort for literaly fame. I remain dear Miss S— Your friend &c Matthew Vassar P. S. I have retained 25 copies for distribution among my friendsMiss Sarah L. Stilson Vassar College
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 26, 1866
Text: To the Gentlemen Trustees of Vassar College There is a subject to which I have already alluded, and which if not very important in your view it is quite so to mine and which I am anxious to bring before you at this meeting of the Board probably in view of my health may be the last I shall be able to attend. I refer to the title of our College. Its name “Vassar Female College” as you know was given by our first President Mr. Jewett, with I admit my full concurrence, for I had not then examined...
Show moreTo the Gentlemen Trustees of Vassar College There is a subject to which I have already alluded, and which if not very important in your view it is quite so to mine and which I am anxious to bring before you at this meeting of the Board probably in view of my health may be the last I shall be able to attend. I refer to the title of our College. Its name “Vassar Female College” as you know was given by our first President Mr. Jewett, with I admit my full concurrence, for I had not then examined the subject, non, am I convinced that he; he had been at the head of a “Female Seminary” and merely continued the title “Vassar Female College” throughout his book. In 1864 however, Mr. Jewett wrote his “Report on Organization” In that he had no running title, and he was very chary in using the term sex. V.[assar] F.[emale] College occurs but six times in the text, while “V.F.C[“] [Vassar College?] occurs thirteen times, showing that his former view is condemned out of his own mouth. You will probably remember also, that in our first meeting Feb. 1861, I stated to you that my object was to erect & endow a College for the education of “young women.” It is worthy of note that all places of learning in Mr. Jewett[’s] first books or circulars for the daughters of america; have the epithet “Female” set in their titles, but we cannot find a single “Female school or seminary” in the old world as reported by him. There is the Merchants Maiden Hospital and School for Girls. “The scottish Institution for young Ladies,” [“]The Ladies of the Assumption (a conventual Seminary)[,]” [“]City of London College for young Ladies,” [“]Queen College for Ladies” and various of the same style of names. This is important proving as it does, that our use of the term female; is erroneus[erroneous] and should be abandoned. Bear with me, while I strive to share you my reason for these views.Woman is the root of humanity, whatever degrades her, lessens her moral influence and honor for good, this degrades the race, and now I maintain, that to use the term sex which applies to all animals and living creatures that bear young, as the name and synonym for woman, because she also bears young, degrades her, and currups[corrupts] the speech we use. To call woman female except in the one case of abstract terms, as in numbering the people where the masculine and feminine of all ages are included, is to her loss, injury, and shame. It is vulgar, because it uses the lowest term, which is always imperfect, it is wrong because it inflicts on her a title which she did not choose, it is vicious because it signifies only sexual and sensuous qualitiy[sic] in woman, it violates good sense, that always selects the best terms, and good breeding that always seeks to avoid unpleasent[sic] words. This term is also the unscriptural and ungrammatical.The word female used for woman, the animal adjective of distinction for sex only, has been dragged into our anglo saxon language, and has unfortunately gained considerable currency in its use, degrades the idea of femine[feminine] humanity to the level of the brute creation. Feminine is the true adjective for woman, female does not certainly mean woman unless placed in contradistinction to man or male and never indicates a lady. Truth is always definite, errors confuses. Truth dignifies, error degrades. The real meaning of a “Female College” is not definite because it means all feminine humanity, aged women, little girls and married women are females, but these are not included in the class of young ladies (or young women) for whose benefit Vassar College was established. We have in this matter high legal authority on our side who says “The term woman is the only one that distinctly expresses the beingwho is the mother of our race, the term female does not, without the other explanation morally or intellectually express that being. It appears to e to be an affectation in the use of language, and to indicate an absence of a true conception of the dignity of the subject” This is no trifling matter. We earnestly urge upon the members of this Board, to look at the question seriously. This college is now in its infancy, it rest[s] with you to make it what you will, and honor and a glory to america, or to faster & perpetuate an error which has more in it than the mere changing or retaining a name, an error which must have a moral effect upon every girl who is educated within these walls. Is it nothing to her whether she bears the holy name of woman, the name which our blessed saviour ever accorded to her, rather we might say selected for her in his own form of address, or wether[sic] she is to be merely known as a female, and ranked amongst other femalesof every species of the animal creation? It does seem to me, that no one can look at the title of our College (and especialy[sic] Mrs. Hale) calmly and without prejudice and not feel that it contains a word too much, a word which we are constantly temp’d[tempted] to drop, and which our young pupils invariably do in every instance when they can, not that it is too long, but that there is an innate feeling, wether[sic] acknowledg’d or not[,] that it mars the meaning of the title, because it does not fully describe the class of persons for whom the college was or is intended. My friends, I wish you to look at this matter, and I beg of you to agree to change the title of the college to “Vassar” College or Lady or Woman College at this meeting so that it may be presented to the next Legislature early at their next session, and thus make “Vassar College” a name as we hope to in fact the blessed means of raising woman in her true position, physically, interlectualy[intellectually[ and morally. M.[atthew] V.[assar]M.[atthew] Vassar Founder Read at Board of Trustees June 26 1866 filed C. Swan Sec[retary]
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 27, 1866
Text: - Springside - June 27th 1866 My dear Mrs Hale I hasten to imform you that the great agony is over----- your long cherished wishes reilised-- Woman stands redeemed, at least so far as 'Vassar College is concerned from the degrading vulgarism in the associated name of r,femalen, that has long and extensively grown up in our society. Yesterday opened and closed the business of our College annual Trustee doings, after the usual reading of the last meeting minutes &c I was call on for my...
Show more- Springside - June 27th 1866 My dear Mrs Hale I hasten to imform you that the great agony is over----- your long cherished wishes reilised-- Woman stands redeemed, at least so far as 'Vassar College is concerned from the degrading vulgarism in the associated name of r,femalen, that has long and extensively grown up in our society. Yesterday opened and closed the business of our College annual Trustee doings, after the usual reading of the last meeting minutes &c I was call on for my customary address which I read, one essential portion of which was to urge the change of the\title of the college-- The questions were severly proposed-- Shall the name be changd? if so-- what or how-- "Vassar College1'-- Vassar "Womans College11-- "Vassar Girls College" or "Vassar1 Ladys College &c &c"-- and after some little discussion it was unanimously decided by vote to drop the middle letter and to read thus "Vassar College" and they then appointed a Com. to prepare the necessary papers for the opening of the next Legislature &c-- thus ends this long aggitated question with our Board-- Excuse me my d Mrs H-- My health does not permit to write more this morning Yours truly &c M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 29, 1866
Text: Springside June 29.. 1866. M.B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear friend, I rise from a sick couch to read and answer your kind note of the 25.. current and after doing so I regret that I pressed your attendence at our last College Trustee meeting so urgently . as to call for so explanatory & satisfactory answer as I well knew the lively interest you take in our educational enterprise, and nothing but almost impossibilities would hinder your accustomed punctuality, which I can truthfully say has...
Show moreSpringside June 29.. 1866. M.B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear friend, I rise from a sick couch to read and answer your kind note of the 25.. current and after doing so I regret that I pressed your attendence at our last College Trustee meeting so urgently . as to call for so explanatory & satisfactory answer as I well knew the lively interest you take in our educational enterprise, and nothing but almost impossibilities would hinder your accustomed punctuality, which I can truthfully say has not been my case as trustee in your Institution. -----But to return to the subject of our meeting - it was not merely your r valuable officials we needed, but y. social agreeable company-----Miss Germand felt the loss also as you were the only guest we had expected to entertain at our "Springside" domicil during the meeting-----Miss G. had prepared here good things she knew you liked, viz. Broiled chickens - Broiled ham, green peas, String beans collaflower &c for the first course hot-house grapes & peaches, strawberrys &c for the second course rinsed down with a little old Gooseberry, and a comfortable couch to rest your weary limbs at night. I do not state these things to aggravate y. disappoint- ment, but rather ours. But to return to the subject of your letter, I was sorry to hear of the death of Doct Culling Father - please to remember me to him in his afflictions* I cannot this morning give you further sketch of our last meeting. Will send you it in a few days - see N*Y. Times of the 27? Miss Germand joins in her best regard to you and yours. Ever & truly Y Friend M. VassarP.S. Miss G. insist that I shoud tell you my troubles on the day of Trustee Meeting, Well, after the business of the Board was finish., and the Evening exercises began in the Chapel I was taken with another slight attack of parralisis oblliging medical attendance and was bro home at nSpringsidetf am now doing well—- Yr? M.V.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: August 25, 1866
Text: Mrss. Sarah. J. Hale Philadephia JenPoughkeepsie, N.Y. "Spring Side Aug 25th 1866 My dear Mrss Hale Yours of the 22 .. current is just received this morning, I send you by return post one copy each of our College "Circular & Catalouge" last issued. I hope they will be in time for viz notice in the next number of your "Lady? Book any matters they may- contain &c. I thought our- Clerk M. Schou had sent you Copies before this,-----Students & Teachers all absent...
Show moreMrss. Sarah. J. Hale Philadephia JenPoughkeepsie, N.Y. "Spring Side Aug 25th 1866 My dear Mrss Hale Yours of the 22 .. current is just received this morning, I send you by return post one copy each of our College "Circular & Catalouge" last issued. I hope they will be in time for viz notice in the next number of your "Lady? Book any matters they may- contain &c. I thought our- Clerk M. Schou had sent you Copies before this,-----Students & Teachers all absent enjoying vacation season, Mechanics & Domestics busy repairing & cleaning ready for opening among Sep*' term-r I am spending the hot months the Evergreens & flowing water-brooks at Springside, our average temperature some 8 degrees less that our City residence, my health is fair - that is, only subject my to occasional oscillations resulting from last attack of a slight par yalys is, otherwise I would scarcely feel the ordinary infirmitives of advanced years & of which you manifest so much solicitude to prolong. I take a ride to the College every pleasant day inspecting the progress of the general work, all of which will be completed by the 15:r proximo,-- Our numerous Seminarys of learning being now passing thier vacation terms & citizens who can afford it absent at the fashionable water-retreats makes quite a vacum in our little City of Po Will not Mrss Hale honor us with a visit.after the College opens, I assure her it would be very gratifying to fifzfz me Your Very humble Serv^ & friend P#S. The necessary preliminarys for the change of title to the College are being drawn up ready to present to our next Legislature &c. M.V. 308
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: October 2, 1866
Text: 'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear Misses M* L. Dickinson, PresT and M E. F. Talbot, Sec. J Vassar College. ::\ Tempory illness has prevented an earlier acknoledgement of your kind note of the 22.. Ultmo, announceing my honary membership of your Society &c, and in reply beg to say, that if my health permit will endevour to do the honors imposed upon me Yours very Respectfully &c Matthew Vassar 309 4W*<'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear...
Show more'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear Misses M* L. Dickinson, PresT and M E. F. Talbot, Sec. J Vassar College. ::\ Tempory illness has prevented an earlier acknoledgement of your kind note of the 22.. Ultmo, announceing my honary membership of your Society &c, and in reply beg to say, that if my health permit will endevour to do the honors imposed upon me Yours very Respectfully &c Matthew Vassar 309 4W*<'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear Misses M. L. Dickinson, PresT and M E. F. Talbot, Sec. J Vassar College. ::\ Tempory illness has prevented an earlier acknoledgement of your kind note of the 22.. Ultmo, announceing my honary membership of your Society &c, and in reply beg to say, that if my health permit will endevour to do the honors imposed upon me Yours very Respectfully &c Matthew Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 29, 1866
Text: Thanksgiving Morning November 29th 1866. My dear Doct. Raymond L.L.D. I regret exceedingly that I find my health such this morning from a bad cold and feever that I shall not be able to join the friends at the College to-day, which were it otherwise I would be most happy to do, espe- cially as it being a day appointed and set apart by our National & State Magistrate8 as a Day of " Thanks- giving " for the many Mercies Confered upon this peo- ple, and We should heartly join our...
Show moreThanksgiving Morning November 29th 1866. My dear Doct. Raymond L.L.D. I regret exceedingly that I find my health such this morning from a bad cold and feever that I shall not be able to join the friends at the College to-day, which were it otherwise I would be most happy to do, espe- cially as it being a day appointed and set apart by our National & State Magistrate8 as a Day of " Thanks- giving " for the many Mercies Confered upon this peo- ple, and We should heartly join our thanks as a new Institution of Learning for our social, official and spirit- ual prosperity &c------Please to give my best regards to our dear young Ladies and Teachers, and say to them, that, I deeply regret that my health will not permit my joining them to-day, that I wanted to say to them, that, the " Vassar College " is now thiers, thiers to elevate, thiers to beautify, thiers to honor, and thiers to adorn, by its fruits, and I trust God in his Providence will bless, prosper and sustain it to the glory of his name, and to the praise and admiration of the world, and I hope therefore J:hat all voices and hearts will arise and join in one glorious anthem and Sing the DOXOLOGY, today. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, son, and Holy Ghost. With my prayers for all your health8 and happiness I remain Dear Sir Yours very truly &c M. Vassar. N.B. You are at liberty to read this note to the Young Ladies &c if you choose. M. V.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 5, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie, December 5th, 1866. Mrs. Sarah J. Hale Dear Madam: Your kind note of the 30n ultimo came only to hand, but (temporaly, I trust) ill health, to-gether with business engagements hindered an earlier reply. I am glad to receive an intimation of your intention to visit our College within another year. The Young Ladies, officers of the Institution with myself would be happy to see you. Our State Legislature meets shortly when application will be made for alteration of Title of our...
Show morePoughkeepsie, December 5th, 1866. Mrs. Sarah J. Hale Dear Madam: Your kind note of the 30n ultimo came only to hand, but (temporaly, I trust) ill health, to-gether with business engagements hindered an earlier reply. I am glad to receive an intimation of your intention to visit our College within another year. The Young Ladies, officers of the Institution with myself would be happy to see you. Our State Legislature meets shortly when application will be made for alteration of Title of our College. A higher Standard of preparation for admission of pupils has already commenced. The School is now full, several waiting admission. Yours very truly &c M. Vassar P.S. The Young Ladies semi annual Meeting of their Philalethean Society met Monday Evening last, very Instructive and interesting. M.V.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 6, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie December 6*1} 1866, My Dear Miss I strived to hear your able address on 3fr "Harmony in Discord" but only could catch now and then a word or sentence, but as you have.been so kind as to send me the manuscript I have read it this morning with much sattisf action, and think you have done the subject ample justice, &c------- Please to accept my best thanks and respects for yf kindness I am Dear Miss . Your3 truly &c &c. -# Monday Evening M. Vassar Envelope...
Show morePoughkeepsie December 6*1} 1866, My Dear Miss I strived to hear your able address on 3fr "Harmony in Discord" but only could catch now and then a word or sentence, but as you have.been so kind as to send me the manuscript I have read it this morning with much sattisf action, and think you have done the subject ample justice, &c------- Please to accept my best thanks and respects for yf kindness I am Dear Miss . Your3 truly &c &c. -# Monday Evening M. Vassar Envelope addressed: Miss Vassar College Filled in in pencil: . M. W, Whitney 312 . 4?'Poughkeepsie December 6*1} 1866, My Dear Miss I strived to hear your able address on 3fr "Harmony in Discord" but only could catch now and then a word or sentence, but as you have.been so kind as to send me the manuscript I have read it this morning with much sattisf action, and think you have done the subject ample justice, &c------- Please to accept my best thanks and respects for yf kindness I am Dear Miss . Your3 truly &c &c. -# Monday Evening M. VassarEnvelope addressed: Miss Vassar College Filled in in pencil: . M. W, Whitney 312 . 4?'
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 4, 1867
Text: Monday Morning Feb 4* 1867 Benson. J. Lossmg Esq.. My dear Sir I have collected to-gether & send you by the bearer such papers & Photograph views of the College build- ings and nSpringsiden with the latters early history Architecural Embellishments, extent of grounds, with an discriptive Map & table of references thereon that I thought of interest. The late A.J. Downing was the architect of the buildings of the latter but worked out nays elf the lines of -walks and Drives and...
Show moreMonday Morning Feb 4* 1867 Benson. J. Lossmg Esq.. My dear Sir I have collected to-gether & send you by the bearer such papers & Photograph views of the College build- ings and nSpringsiden with the latters early history Architecural Embellishments, extent of grounds, with an discriptive Map & table of references thereon that I thought of interest. The late A.J. Downing was the architect of the buildings of the latter but worked out nays elf the lines of -walks and Drives and Chritiaixr them with fancy names &c. sketch I send also a pbe-t-og-r-a-ph of the old family Farm house which stood on the mound by the Dog Spring but torne down to make room for new improvements commenced in 1840.^'<=d£? As regards my own Potrait, perhaps it would be best to have a Copy of reduced sise to suit your work from the one you saw hanging in my parlor, repre- senting the passing the College funds at the Meeting of the hoard in 1861. Written in red ink, at right angles, across the face of the above letter: The anticedents of nSpringsideM I can go no further back than 1809 I think its owner then was Geo. B. Evertson a well known Citizen of the Village of Po,keepsie—■» Afterwards by James Allen then by "James Smilley the celebrated artist or Engraver of the City of N. York Several pieces of land has been added to its present proprie- ship, bought of Henry Livingston M North--- (name undecipherable) and DuBois, & others. -^fr The sketch of the old house was taken by a pupil (young Lady) in Miss Lydia Booths SeminaryIn relation to my buisness matters, you have already some Memmorands. The sales of the company buisness throught the Eastern, N York part of the Northern & Western and all of southeran States including amounted to some $250,000 per Annum, several of the West India Islands, that bound on the sea-bord*and were the largest exporters for several years in the trade.#The … of the old … as taken by a pupil (young lady) in miss-Lydia 1300th …
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 5, 1867
Text: Poughkeepsie February 5th '67 My dear Doct. Raymond My health is such I can not come out to the College to see you, was it otherwise I could have communicated in half the time it has taken me to write this note. I am engaged in making some additional Codicils to my Last Will and Testiment, one of which is to set apart a specific sum the interest of which I purpose to applied to the encouragement of " Gifts or Talents " of the young Ladys pupils in public speaking—some- thing in...
Show morePoughkeepsie February 5th '67 My dear Doct. Raymond My health is such I can not come out to the College to see you, was it otherwise I could have communicated in half the time it has taken me to write this note. I am engaged in making some additional Codicils to my Last Will and Testiment, one of which is to set apart a specific sum the interest of which I purpose to applied to the encouragement of " Gifts or Talents " of the young Ladys pupils in public speaking—some- thing in this way—------During the Collegiate year there shall be four subjects announced for debate by the President, one every quarter of the School Session, to a class, say 10 pupils, whose names are previously en- tered & drawn by Lot from the whole number of pupils entering the Class, to be designated the " Vassar Col- ledge " Offhand Speaking Society." The President shall state the subject to be spoken an hour before the opening of the Meeting and not be- fore and shall previously appoint judges, say 3 to de- termine the respective merrits of each address accord- ing to the rules of Logic, giving to each pupil the re- ward of Merrit in regular order—beginning at N°. 1 to 10. I have not mental stamina sufficient to enlarge this morning ?What think you of the plan. Bye the Bye have you seen the " Bill" changing the name of our College. I have wrote Mrs. Hale and sent her a duplicate of the Act. Yours very Respectfully &c. &c. M. Vassar. P. S. Mrs Germand is better so says Dr Hervey who has left in this moment. M. V.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 12, 1867
Text: \ February lOP1 1867 Rev?. F.B. Wheeler Pastor o£ First Presby11 Church Poughkeepsie Dear Sir This permit will allow you & your friends to visit "Vassar College" at all times suiting your convenience. Your Obed Servant &c M.. Vassar P.S. I enclose cards to Springside and College M.V.

Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 15, 1867
Text: Vassar Female College. Poughkeepsie, N. Y. February 15 1867 Benseon J. Lossing Esq My dear Sir Since my note of yesterday morning it has occured[sic] to me that you ought to procure of E. B. Osborn Esq an account from his “Daily Press” of last April of the celebration of my last Birth-day at the College. If an Engraving could be made of that scene which thousands witnesseth’d[witnessed[, it would be a nice feature in the book. The scene was represented by some 400 young Ladies pupils & as...
Show moreVassar Female College. Poughkeepsie, N. Y. February 15 1867 Benseon J. Lossing Esq My dear Sir Since my note of yesterday morning it has occured[sic] to me that you ought to procure of E. B. Osborn Esq an account from his “Daily Press” of last April of the celebration of my last Birth-day at the College. If an Engraving could be made of that scene which thousands witnesseth’d[witnessed[, it would be a nice feature in the book. The scene was represented by some 400 young Ladies pupils & as many more visitors citizens inside of the College walls filling the windows & door openings. The whole of the former, arranged in double file, on either side of the broard[broad] Avenue entrance from the College to the Gale-Lodge, when PresidentRaymond & self passed under the Gate Archway in our private carrage[sic] with uncovered heads saluting with usual pagentry[sic] the assembled multitude with the imposing ceremonies of eclect[various ceremonies] waving of hats & Hand here … etc etc. I do not know wether[sic] you were present at this scene or not, suffice to say it was a Grand affair got up and carried through in honor of the founder’s Birth-day utterly without his Knowledge and which day (29th April) is hereafter to be annualy[sic] observed by the College as a holiday or festival by the Young Ladies pupils etc I have just received a note from Mr. Swan, saying, that he will sketch off immediately our European tour in 1845. I have several views which I purchased in Naples of various scenes in Italy, among them the Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius a few months previous to our arrival, the running mass of Lava had not cooled, and I send you a specimen which I poked at with a rough cane containing a piece of Pope Pious currency embeded[sic] while in its bloodily or fusiable[sic] state. I have also a wood cut print of the view of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 1845, the mode of travelers Acsension[sic] to the Crater in that year, the route changes occasion-[occasionally]-ly[occasionally] by each successive Eruption, at least so we were informed by our Guides, our ascent & decent[descent] in the night was I remember, throught[sic] hot cinders & ashes, but being prepared for the purpose at the “Hermatage”[sic] or half way station with suitable books & garmants[sic] we worked our way up and down as the accompanying picture will explain. I have in my Cabinet many specimen of collections obtained abroad, in England, Scotland, Ireland, & different points on the Continent, the fact is had we have kep’d[kept] a Diary or Journals of our Travels during that trip it would made as large a volume as your “Hudson from the wilderness to the Sea”, I hope your life will be spared to visit Europe, as you are so capable of telling and writing what you see & hear, while millions goes and comes, sees but little & tells less. Like the Yankie[sic] who first sail the Cataract of the Grand & Sublime “Niagra” ejackaled - by ones, what a fine place for a “Grid Mill”. You will excuse this [lengthy] note, I only intended in the beginning to say to you that whatever materials I have and you want to embody in the history of the College or its founder you are welcome too[sic] etc. Yours Ob. Sev. M. Vassar Satturday[sic] Morn. 2nd Feby[February] P.S. since writing the foregoing I pikced up in my Library a little [s]ketch written impromptu a few years since, on the occasion of the demise of a favorite Dog, the circumstances of his death & being much liked, by the children of the neighborhood was often required about by them & to sattisfy[sic] their curiosity with this brief sketch, my head go round so this merry can scarcely with - Yrs[Yours] MV Please do send me word if you will need any of the above ketchs[sic] MV
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