jhhorn
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Edited Text
May 24, 1874
My dear Mother,
If I did not know you were so busy, I should feel very cross at not hearing from you or anyone yesterday, for it is such a disappointment not to hear on Saturday, but I will forgive you this time supposing you are preparing Evie for her Washington visit. I had expected to have our trip across the river to tell you of this time, but owing to our not sending in our names in time, we were not able to go yesterday but must wait until Sat. week.
I believe I told you that there was a crazy man or supposed to be crazy who has been jumping out at the girls and teachers, from behind trees and stumps; there are two policemen stationed now on Sunset hill and in the glen to catch and we were forbidden last night to walk after 7.15. it is becoming quite exciting and if I could catch a glimpse of "the wretched man" as Miss Terry [crossed out: says] calls him I should be quite delighted.
I have been trying to get to the Reading room to read an account of Nellie Grants wedding, but have not been able to yet if Uncle Andrew sends you the "Capitol", will you send it on to me after you have read it.
The Juniors have always given the Seniors a reception in the parlors but this year they are going on a moonlight excursion down the river instead, which no doubt will be much pleasanter.
One of the Juniors, whom our now parlor mate knows, wrote a letter to Miss Alcott two or three years ^ago, which "Meg", her sister, answered, we heard Miss Butterfield speak of it, and so as we wanted to see it very much, she borrowed it for^ our benefit. I copied it and would send it to you but it is quite long and would take more stamps than I could afford, it is a very pretty letter and interesting telling about the different characters in "Little Woman." On Friday for the first time we were obliged to recite in German, that is, after translating one of Schiller's ballads, we ^ had to recite in prose, and in our own words the substance of it, and the worst of it is you are sure of being betrayed in to a sentence which you dont know words enough to finish, but it is an excellent exercise, although hard.
I have on my white dress to day, for the first time, and it feels delightfully cool. White dresses are a great comfort and I advise Evie to get one. she will need in Washington if any where.
I hope Aunt Sarah is enjoying herself at Somerville. I wish I could see her very much, and if she will come to Vassar will show her all the sights and try to convince her that this is not such a dreadful place as so many imagine, it certainly does look very beautiful ^outside, now that the trees are in blossom.
I am glad to hear that Emma Parker is better and hope it may last.
I will send you Sadie's picture in this letter, it looks like her, but is wretchedly finished.
Your loving daughter
Mary.
[Mary E. Gaston, ex-'78]
Give my love to all except Hugh & Fanny who I think deserve a whipping more they might write once In a while.
My dear Mother,
If I did not know you were so busy, I should feel very cross at not hearing from you or anyone yesterday, for it is such a disappointment not to hear on Saturday, but I will forgive you this time supposing you are preparing Evie for her Washington visit. I had expected to have our trip across the river to tell you of this time, but owing to our not sending in our names in time, we were not able to go yesterday but must wait until Sat. week.
I believe I told you that there was a crazy man or supposed to be crazy who has been jumping out at the girls and teachers, from behind trees and stumps; there are two policemen stationed now on Sunset hill and in the glen to catch and we were forbidden last night to walk after 7.15. it is becoming quite exciting and if I could catch a glimpse of "the wretched man" as Miss Terry [crossed out: says] calls him I should be quite delighted.
I have been trying to get to the Reading room to read an account of Nellie Grants wedding, but have not been able to yet if Uncle Andrew sends you the "Capitol", will you send it on to me after you have read it.
The Juniors have always given the Seniors a reception in the parlors but this year they are going on a moonlight excursion down the river instead, which no doubt will be much pleasanter.
One of the Juniors, whom our now parlor mate knows, wrote a letter to Miss Alcott two or three years ^ago, which "Meg", her sister, answered, we heard Miss Butterfield speak of it, and so as we wanted to see it very much, she borrowed it for^ our benefit. I copied it and would send it to you but it is quite long and would take more stamps than I could afford, it is a very pretty letter and interesting telling about the different characters in "Little Woman." On Friday for the first time we were obliged to recite in German, that is, after translating one of Schiller's ballads, we ^ had to recite in prose, and in our own words the substance of it, and the worst of it is you are sure of being betrayed in to a sentence which you dont know words enough to finish, but it is an excellent exercise, although hard.
I have on my white dress to day, for the first time, and it feels delightfully cool. White dresses are a great comfort and I advise Evie to get one. she will need in Washington if any where.
I hope Aunt Sarah is enjoying herself at Somerville. I wish I could see her very much, and if she will come to Vassar will show her all the sights and try to convince her that this is not such a dreadful place as so many imagine, it certainly does look very beautiful ^outside, now that the trees are in blossom.
I am glad to hear that Emma Parker is better and hope it may last.
I will send you Sadie's picture in this letter, it looks like her, but is wretchedly finished.
Your loving daughter
Mary.
[Mary E. Gaston, ex-'78]
Give my love to all except Hugh & Fanny who I think deserve a whipping more they might write once In a while.
