Vassar Female College
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
December 4th, 1865
My dear Mrs. Hale,
Yours of the 2d current was duly received enclos-
ing articles for the "Editors Table" in the forthcoming January Number
of the ,!Ladys Book", I have read the same with pleasure and satisfac-
tion, I am happy to see such able treatises on the feminine mind and
rights so outspoken by so able and dignified a man as HIohn Ruskinn of
England, when such distinguished writers & Scholars wield their pens in
behalf of womans Mission in the world, we may hope that her interlectural
meridian has come, and henceforth a brighter era awaits her future des-
tiny, and I may add that already is this sentement pervadeing the minds
of our Young Ladies pupils & inspiring them with more fervent industry
of study in our College.
I notice your suggestions in regard to increasing the charges of
tuition &c - our Trustees had already anticipated the policy of defering
it untill another year term, altho* it is quite evident from our past expere-
ments that the present terms are too low, and must ultimately be advanced.
The liberal provisions made for the physical, and interlectural
comfort and culture of College life demands it,- Encouragement to future
benificiarys examples demand it - and in fact duty to ourselves demand
it and we must therefore advance our terms to 450 to $500 another Year.
285
4*
Dec. 4, 1865 - 2
Now as we have begun a New Era for Woman, and my reputation
as pioneer staked for its consummation I am desirous to avail myself
of every suggestion, and thought arising in my own or other Minds to
secure the hopefull end. We have daily precedents of public benificence,
and millions of dollars flowing into those channels, would it therefore be
unreasonable or impolitic for the College to open an avenue whereby the
flow of Womans generosity in behalf of her own sex might center? What
I would suggest is that a series of articles should appear in your valuable
f,Ladys Book" as prelimary, suggesting the idea of the Ladies or Women
of America leaving by their Wills, Legacies for especial endowments to
the College, for Profferships or otherwise, stipulating the departments of
Studies to be applied, as it is now quite evident from the experience
already attained that the Gallerys of Art & Sciences &c must be enlarged,
number of Teachers increased, to accommodate the prospectus applications -
We have now some 150 to 200 learning the Art of Drawing & painting alone,
and more daily applying - You will perceive from our last ''Prospectus lf
that all these Branches of Study are Extra, and therefore aid the income
College revenue very materialy.
But I must now close my remarks for this morning as my old head
dizziness admonishes me, only adding I do hope you will redeem you
promise to honor as with a visit next summer.
I remain dear Mrs. Hale
Your friend &c
286 m. Vas-sar
.44'