Feb. 27. '75-
Dear Sister,
As I have made this a day of pleasure to myself, by doing
just what I wanted and leaving essay and lessons to take care of them-
selves, I think I will finish it as suits myself, by writing to you. Have
done nothing but practice and draw all day, but this has been recreation
for me. Of study itself you know I am not over fond. So far our labor has
not been very great. Dr. Webster ,Helen Worthing Webster, has been too
busy to meet her Physiology class, and our half studies have not begun in
earnest yet.
The reception on Washington's Birthday is over, though opinions
are divided as to its success. At any rate most of the "big bugs" failed
to come, sending word at the last moment that they could not fulfil their
engagement - Peter Cooper, James Freeman Clark, Chancellor Pruyn were
among the distinguished men present, Miss Alcott, Mrs. Blackwell, Mrs.
Packer among the women- Some speeches were made after supper but
they were prosy, and bore little upon the subject of higher education or
anything else. The Seniors and Juniors were invited, and fM/Wnsome
of us who were ushers had the pleasure of speaking with the fine people -
The guest with whom I was much of the evening was Dr. Crane, a
Baptist clergyman from Hartford. He is married but young having been a
classmate of Prof. Backus ,Truman J. Backus ,, very lively and entertaining.
The week has been a decidedly broken one, Monday and Thursday
being both holidays, the latter the day of Prayer for Colleges- Our sermon
then was preached by Dr. Cuyler of Brooklyn, a most enthusiastic speaker.
He puts his whole soul into his sermon, and if somewhat peculiar in man-
ner and gesture, yet earnest enough to have these idiosyncrasies overlooked.
Mrs. iWooltson? j lectured here one morning during her visit, on
dress reform - Most of her ideas we all agreed to, and many hastened
to purchase patterns which she brought of undergarments. Unfortunately
X was too late to become a purchaser, but next summer I hope to be, and
you too I think will be likewise -
I fear you will need your trimmings before I can get them for you.
Had made my plans to go today, but all day the snow has been falling heavily,
thus putting an end to my hopes- Old |Probs.? , should have some regard to
our feelings on Saturday- The invitation inclosed by Mamma was received.
1 would have enjoyed going, provided - I was not a wall flower - said plant
X anticipate being all the time upon my return-
Julia M. Pease, '75