Vassar College
Dec. 25th 1865.
My dear Mother
I wish you a very "happy new year". I have caught
you on that If you did catch me on Merry Christmas.
Mother, we are ever! and ever! fit ever.'.'.' so much obliged to
you for the box we no more expected one than we did to see you or
Aunty come Into the house. We never knew a thing about it till last
evening and then we found It on the Christmas tree. We had a splendid
tree and all the children on the place came. Miss Avery, Miss Dickinson,
Alice, Mr* Wheeler fit myself trimmed it every thing went off splendidly.
Dr. Raymond and Prof. Farrar read the names fit inscriptions while
Miss Avery, Miss Dickinson and Alice handed them the things. When
almost all the things had been taken from the tree Dr. Raymond took the
cover of the box and held it up In the air fit read the names on it as Misses
Alice Hubbard fit Elisa Holt fit passed the cover to Alice, she took it, k
began looking around to see where it came from fit found the box and
because she looked so surprised the president called out soled.1
Mother I am so tired and hot that my hand is all in a tremble and
I have not yet learned how to manage my new pen so you must excuse the
looks of this letter. I am very much obliged to all for my nice things, tell
George I was looking at a paper cutter last time I was down town just like
the one he sent me but thought I would not buy one that time. I thank
Dec. 25, 1865 - 2
Charlie for the book very much fc you for the pen and Uncle for the
knife fc Auntie for the picture. I gave Miss Avery the picture you
sent she was very much pleased with it and said she had been looking
for one of that style but could not find one half as handsome in New
York. Give my love to Julia fc thank her for the cake for me please.
As the desk or the apron had no mark on them 1 took possession of
them but do not know who to thank for them.
Give my love fc a Merry Christmas fc Happy New Year to
Grandma fc Father fc all my friends, kiss the children for me, fc with
love to yourself let me say goodby perhaps for this year,
from your loving daughter
Eliaa Holt.
P, S. I bought a splendid pair of skates the last time I was in Po'keepsle
with ankle supporters on them for five dollars and I spent four
more on presents fc seven seventy five in paying for books,
paper, and extra washing fc other things so I shall have hardly
enough to pay my board with.
Goodby again from your daughter.