Winchester N. H. Dec 11 1862

M. Vassar

Dear Sir

I have just been reading of the Female College at Poughkeepsie founded and endowed by your (…)

I thank God that he has put it in your heart to do so noble a thing. You will be happy through all eternity for it.

But just now I want to ask a few questions concerning

it. Will it be open to young ladies out of New York? What age may they enter? How far must they go in their studies to fit for it?

My husband is a clergyman with small salary. We have three children, all daughters. Our eldest is in her fourteenth year, a good scholar for her age, and intends to teach as a profession when qualified, and old enough.

We would like to give her the advantages of just such a school, where the accomplishments

could go hand in hand, with sterner studies.

Would she come within the rules? If so please enter her name, Mary Frances Perkins, as a pupil, when the right time comes.

If she is shut out, I shall still think of you with gratitude and thank you in behalf of the sex.

New York is my native state, and when I remember my own meagre upper twenties, I shall rejoice that a better time is coming.

Yours respectfully

(Mrs) Sarah M. Perkins

P.S.

Will you please reply soon.

S.M.P.