Oct. 29. 1866.
My dear Brother,
Don't think it was forgetfulness that caused me to pass over last Wednesday without writing to you. The truth is that my eyes were sore and I couldn't. I think I took a little cold in them or something, but I let them rest a day or two, and they quietly subsided, and are now restored to their former place in my esteem. I am full of news for you, and don't know where to begin, unless with myself, of course the most important thing. We are organized William! That is to say the Junior class are. For some days we have been reviling the importance of our following that most delightful of all College classes, a class organization. So Louise Blatchley and I deputed by the class, took our lives in our hands and went to see the President last Saturday night. He was as gracious and mild as a lamb, and said yes immediately, after which he made us a little speech and we departed. That same evening we called the class together and elected the following officers. Glover C. E. Pres. M. P. Rhoades Vice Pres. A. M. Ely Sec. C.P. Leland Treas. S. Starr Historian, S. L. Blatchley Poet, M. W. Whitney Prophetess, A. L. Baker, I Carter, M. S. Warner Executive Committee. I think it will make our class pleasanter than ever. We have already determined to be distinguished women. Not "women's rights" you know, but famous in some way. We have obtained our object and are to have a course of lectures, the best that can be obtained. I think we shall have about six - Minnie has written to Mr. Pierson. I hope he will come. I wish we could get Dr. McLeod to lecture on Highland poetry - Tom McGraw's eldest brother was married on last Teusday, and Saturday we received a box from Tom, containing a large amount of wedding cake. I never saw so much together before. We didn't treat it slightingly in the least I assure you. Yesterday I devoted myself principally to hickory nuts and wedding cake. He sent it in a beautiful box which Minnie says I am to have. How I wish some one would be married every week, and treat us as well, although perhaps continued treatment of that kind might not be beneficial. Of course I didn't mean that it was more than I had seen at weddings, but only sent away. Mr. & Mrs. McGraw are coming here before long. We finish our Williams today, for which I am devoutly thankful. Williams is our book of French phrases translated into English and has no comparison for stupidity. He bid us an affecting adieu, and says that we shall see each other no more - I suppose that he does not make any calculation for reviews. Did I ever tell you that our riding teacher is a Baron. He was compelled to leave Poland several years ago on account of political sentiments, and like most of the foreign exiles, supports himself by teaching his accomplishments. His wife, who is a Philadelphian lady assists him. She always calls him "Baron" which would seem to me a miserable affectation if it were not than he owns a jawbreaking name, which no civilized American would ever dream of pronouncing - Our hickory nuts are last disappearing under the hammer - I am afraid that they will never see the Holidays. Mr. Ballard's sermon must have been very good - How much I would give to see and hear him. Dr. Raymond is by no means interesting as a preacher. Give a great deal of love to all the girls you see. Has Mr. Pease been at our house since we left? How does he progress at the Hawleys? I would be delighted if he would carry off Lucy. Have you seen Mr. & Mrs. James? I think you had better be married. I see no objection on the score of age - I am going to write to Mother too, so I'll bid you farewell - I'll try not to skip another Wednesday - Good bye dear.
Your loving sister Mattie S. Warner