Vassar College Dec 2nd 1865 My dear father I did not mean to let your letter go so long without an answer when I received it; on the contrary I had quite an idea of answering it at once in spite of my lessons which claimed my attention at the time. I was so glad and thankful that you wrote that note for me for it accomplished the desired object and Friday morning found me on the way to New York with Clara Spaulding. I arrived just before the streets became crowded with the New York regiments who were on parade, it being "evacuation day" I saw the 7th in their new uniforms. They were were quite surprised to see me for I had just written that I did not think I could get away.

On Saturday I went to a matinee at the Opera. I went at half past eleven and staid till after four. I enjoyed it very much. It did not seem to be more than an hour in length. I heard all the prominent New York singers - It was fortunate I went then for it was the close of the season till after New Years.

I got dreadfully tired in New York, we have so far to walk if we go anywhere. On Sunday I went to church once. But I was so surprised to see Henry in New York. He came to the college the same day I left. Seeing him made me wish to come home very much, we have two weeks holidays. I came back to Poughkeepsie on Tuesday not because I wanted to but I knew Miss Lyman would be very much provoked if I staid longer. I am very glad the house is getting along so nicely. You say you are lonesome and I suppose Mother is too. How would you like to have me come home for the holidays I should like it much better than going anywhere else. They want me to come to New York but I got so very tired and worn out the last time I was there I did not think it did me much good. Besides they make a good many presents Christmas and would expect the same from me and I have no time to make anything and no money to buy anything and on the whole I think it would be pleasanter for me and cheaper for you. I shall be very glad to come. I am so much obliged for the drink of cider you say you took on my account. We have to eat by gaslight here now and enjoy our breakfast better than any other meal for we have very nice breakfasts. They are going to have a very fine dinner Thanksgiving and tell James they are going to have tableaux by the celebrated Madame Castrina! the heroine of the "pure gold thread!" I must confess I am rather astonished. Dr Anderson of Rochester was here yesterday. They are putting up the Organ in the Chapel and the Gymnasium will be finished soon if the weather remains pleasant. Really Father you are getting to be my principal correspondent and you must not say

you do not write uninteresting letters any more. I am afraid there is no hopes of reformation in Henry in respect to letterwriting. Do write soon to
Your affectionate
daughter Helen -
P.S. Love to all.