Oct. 18th, 1866
Dear brother
I was rather stir prised to hear from home so
soon, but not at all sorry. You think that the grounds of the college
have expanded. They do look rather large but I think one reason is
because the paths are laid out differently now. We room on the first
floor. The door to our parlor is opposite to the mark I have made;
the windows in front open into the corridor. There are three sleeping
rooms out of our parlor, but one of them is a single room. Our rooms
are not quite so pleasant as those above on account of having lower
walls and smaller windows. I am in the G. class in music but you had
not better tell any one, for I may be put into a lower cldss any time.
Mary is taking her class lesson now, and X am sorry for her. There
are eight pianos in the room, a young lady at each one, and a teacher to
every two while Prof. Weby stands in front of tham all counting the time.
The first young lady commences and plays until the Prof, calls out
"next", when the next one must commence where the other left off,
without stopping or breaking the time. K she makes a mistake she is
liable to be turned out of the class. I only practice forty minutes a day,
and we have very long lessons so you see my position is very uncertain.
I was sorry to hear that father did not want me to go out in the boat, for
X am just learning to row and I want to go out very much. I do not think
there can be any danger whatever, for a great many of the girls go out
Oct. 18. 1874 - 1866
every day, and there are always men there to take care of the boats.
After having finished my education at Vassar my conversation will
probably be beyond the comprehension of common people, therefore you
know it would not be kind to bore them with what they could not understand*
Mary has not had a letter from home in nearly two weeks and intends
writing this evening and giving them a good scolding. I had a present
of some splendid pears and an apple a short time ago, from a young lady
who had a large box, about three feet long, two wide and one deep, packed
full of apples and pears sent to her from her home in Mass. I think
fruit must be more plenty there than it is here. I have to go and practice
now so I must close. With a great deal of love to all. From your aff.
sister
Hannah
I believe Dr. Babcock was here today but we did not see him.