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Kingham, Ms. Jan. 23, 1864.
Dear Sir:
Will you permit me, though we have never met, to address you?
I know you to be the earnest, warm-hearted friend of all young women who have chosen Wisdom’s Way for their Life Path: - and, as such an one I would come to you.
You have done, for my sex, that which calls forth our deepest, sincerest gratitude, - and which shall perpetuate in our hearts- and not only ours, - but in those of generations to come your revered memory.
What a source of unalloyed pleasure it must be to you, to feel that, from this time onward there shall be many, many hearts
throbbing with the vitality which your munificence has given them the power to awaken and sustain.
How many women of these United States, shall, in the days to come, take your name upon their lips- tearfully- and thankfully.
And who shall estimate the eternal difference which your generosity shall make, - not only to these), but to those who, in God’s Providence shall be entrusted to their keeping.
Oh, Sir, you have done an ole work! May your life long be spared that you may see somewhat of its glorious results.
It is because I know that I shall have your welcome sympathy that I presume to write you.
I know that you will not think lightly nor unappreciatingly of what I, in all earnestness of soul, wish to ask you, - nor write me a neg-
-ative reply without the best of reasons.
And so, Sir, if you will overlook the fact that we are, in reality, entire strangers, - and consider me, on behalf of my sex, a grateful friend, as I regard you a kind benefactor, - I shall feel that I am permitted to tell you what shall follow, - and, as briefly as I can, that I may not presume on your time - nor weary you.
I am twenty-three years of age. - Ten years ago my Father died, and left my Mother and myself without any income.
My Mother kept me at school two years, - for two years I performed manual labor, - and for the last six, I have taught in the public schools of this place, without intermission, - forty-four weeks, each year. - In these years I have
desired, more than I can tell you to be acquiring the education of which my early misfortunes deprived me. - I have studied by myself to some extent, but find it unsatisfactory in many respects, and excessively wearing to my nervous system, after the labors of the day. - I have tried to lay aside enough time to pursue my studies in some school- but I have been able to lay aside but fifty-five dollars, - for I have never had a larger salary than two-hundred and fifty dollars- and, for more than a year after the war commenced, but two-hundred and twelve: and this to cover every expense. I presume that you will not wonder that I have not accumulated more.
Indeed, I have needed what I have laid aside, many times.
And now, Sir, I have come to the conclusion that it is useless, longer to expect, myself, to be able, ever to be so circumstanced that I can leave my daily labor and obtain that for which my soul is incessantly longs. But I cannot relinquish these strong desires, because they seem to have become a part of my very life.
I wrote something of my heart, a few days since, (Jan. 4th) is a gentleman in New York City- a celebrated inventor, but whom I had never seen, - and, since then, at his appointment have have an interview with him in Boston, - and he promised me that he would pay half the expense of a Normal Course, if some other person would defray the other half.
[PAGE 6]
much gratified, could I have done so.
So I have decided that, if it is possible, I will enter the Westfield Normal School at the commencement of the next term, in March. I am impatient to begin - for my days are “going on.”
I am somewhat indisposed, the result of continuous application, - and am hoping to take a few weeks rest, during next month, by putting a substitute in my place at school. - I expect to spend a few days with friend at New York, - and if you would rather see me before you decide (what I believe I have, after all, only intimated, but which you will understand) I will meet you, at your appointment.
I have written at much greater length than I had intended. I trust you will excuse
1864
Ellen M. Davis
26 January
answered 26 Jan.
me.
Dear Sir, may I expect an early reply? I cannot tell you how grateful I will be. I await with solicitude.
May God guide and bless you, Sir,
Yours Truly
Ellen M. Davis
Dear Sir:
Will you permit me, though we have never met, to address you?
I know you to be the earnest, warm-hearted friend of all young women who have chosen Wisdom’s Way for their Life Path: - and, as such an one I would come to you.
You have done, for my sex, that which calls forth our deepest, sincerest gratitude, - and which shall perpetuate in our hearts- and not only ours, - but in those of generations to come your revered memory.
What a source of unalloyed pleasure it must be to you, to feel that, from this time onward there shall be many, many hearts
throbbing with the vitality which your munificence has given them the power to awaken and sustain.
How many women of these United States, shall, in the days to come, take your name upon their lips- tearfully- and thankfully.
And who shall estimate the eternal difference which your generosity shall make, - not only to these), but to those who, in God’s Providence shall be entrusted to their keeping.
Oh, Sir, you have done an ole work! May your life long be spared that you may see somewhat of its glorious results.
It is because I know that I shall have your welcome sympathy that I presume to write you.
I know that you will not think lightly nor unappreciatingly of what I, in all earnestness of soul, wish to ask you, - nor write me a neg-
-ative reply without the best of reasons.
And so, Sir, if you will overlook the fact that we are, in reality, entire strangers, - and consider me, on behalf of my sex, a grateful friend, as I regard you a kind benefactor, - I shall feel that I am permitted to tell you what shall follow, - and, as briefly as I can, that I may not presume on your time - nor weary you.
I am twenty-three years of age. - Ten years ago my Father died, and left my Mother and myself without any income.
My Mother kept me at school two years, - for two years I performed manual labor, - and for the last six, I have taught in the public schools of this place, without intermission, - forty-four weeks, each year. - In these years I have
desired, more than I can tell you to be acquiring the education of which my early misfortunes deprived me. - I have studied by myself to some extent, but find it unsatisfactory in many respects, and excessively wearing to my nervous system, after the labors of the day. - I have tried to lay aside enough time to pursue my studies in some school- but I have been able to lay aside but fifty-five dollars, - for I have never had a larger salary than two-hundred and fifty dollars- and, for more than a year after the war commenced, but two-hundred and twelve: and this to cover every expense. I presume that you will not wonder that I have not accumulated more.
Indeed, I have needed what I have laid aside, many times.
And now, Sir, I have come to the conclusion that it is useless, longer to expect, myself, to be able, ever to be so circumstanced that I can leave my daily labor and obtain that for which my soul is incessantly longs. But I cannot relinquish these strong desires, because they seem to have become a part of my very life.
I wrote something of my heart, a few days since, (Jan. 4th) is a gentleman in New York City- a celebrated inventor, but whom I had never seen, - and, since then, at his appointment have have an interview with him in Boston, - and he promised me that he would pay half the expense of a Normal Course, if some other person would defray the other half.
[PAGE 6]
much gratified, could I have done so.
So I have decided that, if it is possible, I will enter the Westfield Normal School at the commencement of the next term, in March. I am impatient to begin - for my days are “going on.”
I am somewhat indisposed, the result of continuous application, - and am hoping to take a few weeks rest, during next month, by putting a substitute in my place at school. - I expect to spend a few days with friend at New York, - and if you would rather see me before you decide (what I believe I have, after all, only intimated, but which you will understand) I will meet you, at your appointment.
I have written at much greater length than I had intended. I trust you will excuse
1864
Ellen M. Davis
26 January
answered 26 Jan.
me.
Dear Sir, may I expect an early reply? I cannot tell you how grateful I will be. I await with solicitude.
May God guide and bless you, Sir,
Yours Truly
Ellen M. Davis
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