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Vassar College Po'keepsle
Feb. 7th 1866.
My Dear Parents.
I have only a short time before it will be necessary for me to retire in which to write to you but I will try and scribble a little trusting you will take this as an excuse if you have any trouble in reading this. Last evening we had quite a grand affair for Vassar students. In the Chapel yesterday morning the Pres. said that he supposed every one had a desire once in his life at least to know how many friends he had and who they were & to shake each one by the hand. At least he said he had such a desire and would therefore "be at home" that evening to see all his friends. Of course after that no one wished to refuse. All went from our room. Some dressed quite a good deal. I only wore my black silk and the pink rose & buds in my hair. We had quite a time when we were about half dressed for one of the girls came in and said Miss Lyman had said that all the young ladies would be
expected to wear "kids" - Of course you know I had none, neither had Em I said at first I should not go but found a number of the girls were going without so decided to go. There were full half I should think that did not have gloves on so I did not feel so very out of place but I suppose next time (for they say we are to have them every month) we will all be
expected to be provided so if you please you may send me a pair of no.6
— or tell me if you wish and I will buy them in Po'keepsle. when I think we will have another. What do you think of 1'white kid glove" assemblies at school? We had a very pleasant time considering, all the Professors & their wives were there and Dr & Mrs Raymond & daughter are very pleasant. Hattie Raymond & I are quite good friends through the bonds of Sig. - you know, a good deal. Last evening when I went up to bid her good night she said she wanted to speak to me a moment and took me off one side - I could not imagine what was coming - Then she said she expected a young gentleman friend here this week to visit her that he is a Sig— and to sum the matter up she was very
anxous for us to meet but did not exactly know how to bring it about as
she could not of course bring him to my room. So she wished me to come & call on her & to insure their being at home at home she said she would manage in some way to let me know if I would come. Is'ent that quite a compliment when you consider that it is the young gent, to whom she is engaged. We have spoken of him several times, together, as he was a class-mate of Will Bostwick1* at College - I received a letter from Kate to-day and she told me about the basket of apples Mother gave her - She evidently appreciated them. Vassar College Po'keepsie I am very sorry I have not I time to write more for this seems very unsatisfactory to me I thought of so much I wished to say but "time waits for no man" and so I must close. I shall expect a letter from you tomorrow or next day. I am looking for Julie & her Father every day. They are not here yet. Love to all
From your affectionate daughter
Ellen
Feb. 7th 1866.
My Dear Parents.
I have only a short time before it will be necessary for me to retire in which to write to you but I will try and scribble a little trusting you will take this as an excuse if you have any trouble in reading this. Last evening we had quite a grand affair for Vassar students. In the Chapel yesterday morning the Pres. said that he supposed every one had a desire once in his life at least to know how many friends he had and who they were & to shake each one by the hand. At least he said he had such a desire and would therefore "be at home" that evening to see all his friends. Of course after that no one wished to refuse. All went from our room. Some dressed quite a good deal. I only wore my black silk and the pink rose & buds in my hair. We had quite a time when we were about half dressed for one of the girls came in and said Miss Lyman had said that all the young ladies would be
expected to wear "kids" - Of course you know I had none, neither had Em I said at first I should not go but found a number of the girls were going without so decided to go. There were full half I should think that did not have gloves on so I did not feel so very out of place but I suppose next time (for they say we are to have them every month) we will all be
expected to be provided so if you please you may send me a pair of no.6
— or tell me if you wish and I will buy them in Po'keepsle. when I think we will have another. What do you think of 1'white kid glove" assemblies at school? We had a very pleasant time considering, all the Professors & their wives were there and Dr & Mrs Raymond & daughter are very pleasant. Hattie Raymond & I are quite good friends through the bonds of Sig. - you know, a good deal. Last evening when I went up to bid her good night she said she wanted to speak to me a moment and took me off one side - I could not imagine what was coming - Then she said she expected a young gentleman friend here this week to visit her that he is a Sig— and to sum the matter up she was very
anxous for us to meet but did not exactly know how to bring it about as
she could not of course bring him to my room. So she wished me to come & call on her & to insure their being at home at home she said she would manage in some way to let me know if I would come. Is'ent that quite a compliment when you consider that it is the young gent, to whom she is engaged. We have spoken of him several times, together, as he was a class-mate of Will Bostwick1* at College - I received a letter from Kate to-day and she told me about the basket of apples Mother gave her - She evidently appreciated them. Vassar College Po'keepsie I am very sorry I have not I time to write more for this seems very unsatisfactory to me I thought of so much I wished to say but "time waits for no man" and so I must close. I shall expect a letter from you tomorrow or next day. I am looking for Julie & her Father every day. They are not here yet. Love to all
From your affectionate daughter
Ellen
