Vassar College, Thurs. Oct. 17, 1865.
My dear Brother,
I came in yesterday, from my class, at the time
the letters are distributed, and looked anxiously around for one. Not see-
ing any, X was just about to "resign my-self to my fate," when I heard my
room-mate say "You hateful girl, you, to get three letters." I was quite
astonished, myself, especially, when 1 found one was from you. It was quite
refreshing to hear from you, and I hope you will favor me often in that way,
for it will be a great favor to me. You speak of being very anxious to know
what year I will enter. That will probably not be known until the catalogue
is made out. But I think, if I take the regular course, I am in for three
years anyway and maybe four. In Latin, I am reading "Cicero," in Mathe-
matics I am in the highest class in the college But don't imagine from that
that it is very high, for we are studying Geometry. They will have no juniors
nor seniors this year. There goes the dinnerbell and I must leave you.
French of course I am beginning, and my other study is English Grammar,
not having passed the examination in that. But we have the chance to be
examined every Sat. morning and when we get nine, on a scale of ten, we can
be excused from the class. X have been to Poughkeepsie but once, since I've
been here, and then I had a dress fit and got a few things, managed to spend
all my money, any-way, though I didn't get much. But my books have cost
quite a little sum. I should say ten or twelve dollars, and I still owe a dollar
seventy-five for my French grammar. I'll have to get me a hood for winter,
Oct. 11. 1868 - 568
a pair of shoes, and X want to get some delaine and have a warm dressing-
gown made to wear evenings, also we want to get an easy chair, lounge,
drop-light, and a few other things to make our room look more homelike,
and be more comfortable, so the conclusion of this long rigmarole is, that
I would like you to send me some money, if you please. We have very good
eating here, everything is well-cooked and there is plenty of it. My room-
mate is Helen Thomas of Utica. She is a very pleasant girl, and is just as
witty as she can be. She makes fun for all of us; some evenings here, we have
some real gay times. She is talking of leaving the room, but I will try and
tease her to stay, but if she does go I am going to ask Miss Lyman to let
me keep my room alone, but I dont expect she will, for it is a double room.
The professors have parts of the building set apart fro themselves, and they are
as much to them-selves, as if they were in a private house. Miss Mitchell
has charge of the Observatory and teaches Astronomy. The advantages here
are so good for that study I think I shall pursue it, though not at present.
They have a laboratory and complete apparatus for Chemistry and Natural
Philosophy, a fine cabinet for Geology, and a great many stuffed and other
specimens for Natural History. Are you staying at Mr. Bell's now? I thought
you spoke as though you were. I was very glad to hear he had arrived safely
at home. W ell, I don't think 1 can spare any more time from my studies, so
I guess I will say good-evening to you. Give my love ever so much to Mary,
and keep a good share for your-self. Now do write soon to me. Your aff
Nov. 15, 1874 - 569
sister - Annie
Friday morning.
Dear John,
I've nothing more particular to say, but I had a
little spare time to write, and so thought I would finish out this page. They
have a very good library here, but I dont expect to have much time to read.
I will have time vacation. By the way, they are going to char £ ,e seven dollars
and a half a week for those who stay here vacation. I have been surprised at
myself, how little home-sick I have been, but I guess the secret of it is, I
dont have time. I have not seen a paper since here I've been. Johnson and
all his cabinet might be assassinated and Washington burned, and I dont believe
we would hear of it. A Cin. or Ports, paper, would be very acceptable, if you
would send them. The time for rising is six, but we almost always arise at
six, so as to have an hour to study before breakfast. That meal is now ready,
so I will again say good-bye.
Your loving sister,
Annie M. Glidden
(Annie (Glidden) Houts, '69,