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Vassar College
Feb. 16, 1867
My dear Mother,
I hope you won't think that I have quite forsaken you, because it is so long since I have written to you. I don't believe that I am a good economist of time, because, although I have no more to do than I did before the holidays, yet I seem to have so much less time. Hattie received your letter yesterday, and I assure you that it was very welcome. It is a comfort to know that you are safely there and not waiting in Chicago still, but, my poor little Mother, what did you do with Mr. Curtis and Aunt Martha? What is the use of their staying there? They must be much in the way - I am anxious to hear a long account f it all, when you have time to write, which of course will not be till after you reach home. Poor Uncle Shepherd he must suffer terribly, how long has he been sick in that manner long? How is Auntie? she must be completely worn out. I am so glad that you are able to be there, it will be such a comfort to Aunt Phebe. I suppose that Clara is almost a young lady by this time. Do the doctors consider Uncle as altogether hopeless? or has he the prospect of living on so for some time? We had our semi annual elections in our chapter this morning. Annie Glidden was elected president. I am so thankful to be out of it. I feel as though a weight was taken off from my shoulders. Miss Glidden will make an excellent president, having energy, common sense, public spirit, plenty of time and all the other requisites of a governor. We have had very pleasant meetings lately. Last time we had a debate upon the question "Is a woman more curious than a man?" The girls grew quite animated toward the close. I dreaded it very much as we had never had one before, and I was afraid of long pauses, and all sorts of disagreable things, but they did very well indeed, and liked it so well that we are going to have another some time. Next week we have a charade the word is "Manager." I think it will be a grand success. Our lectures come on Friday night, and then of course we have no society meetings. Last night Rev. Mr. Gallaher lectured on "Ireland and the Irish." I wish you could have heard him - He is a young man, and an Irishman, as well as a devoted lover of his country. He had true Irish wit, and kept us laughing all the evening - Once he recapitulated the Irish officers who fought in our war, in one of the finest climaxes I ever listened to. The girls were so delighted that they clapped vigorously. His peroration was very fine indeed. One thing pleased me exceedingly, he said that a man loves his native country as he does his mother, but his adopted country as he does his wife. I think it is a beautiful thought. He is a Baptist minister of Brooklyn, formerly from Quincy 111. Mr. Lord lectures next upon Napoleon. I wish you could see Minnie introduce the lecturers. She does it so beautifully and gracefully, and charmingly that all the girls are proud of her, and we all love her so much. I do want to see Sarah so, just to think of her having a baby part of a month old, and my not having seen a symptom of it - Please give my love to all the cousins, particularly Lizzie and Emma because I know them, and a great deal of love and sympathy of Auntie. Love to Uncle if he is able to receive it - And oh mother dear! so very, very, much to you - I do long so to see you - When you can do write to us, but don't while you are busy and tired - I hope you won't get sick. We are all very well and are getting alone nicely - Good bye.
Your loving daughter Mattie
Feb. 16, 1867
My dear Mother,
I hope you won't think that I have quite forsaken you, because it is so long since I have written to you. I don't believe that I am a good economist of time, because, although I have no more to do than I did before the holidays, yet I seem to have so much less time. Hattie received your letter yesterday, and I assure you that it was very welcome. It is a comfort to know that you are safely there and not waiting in Chicago still, but, my poor little Mother, what did you do with Mr. Curtis and Aunt Martha? What is the use of their staying there? They must be much in the way - I am anxious to hear a long account f it all, when you have time to write, which of course will not be till after you reach home. Poor Uncle Shepherd he must suffer terribly, how long has he been sick in that manner long? How is Auntie? she must be completely worn out. I am so glad that you are able to be there, it will be such a comfort to Aunt Phebe. I suppose that Clara is almost a young lady by this time. Do the doctors consider Uncle as altogether hopeless? or has he the prospect of living on so for some time? We had our semi annual elections in our chapter this morning. Annie Glidden was elected president. I am so thankful to be out of it. I feel as though a weight was taken off from my shoulders. Miss Glidden will make an excellent president, having energy, common sense, public spirit, plenty of time and all the other requisites of a governor. We have had very pleasant meetings lately. Last time we had a debate upon the question "Is a woman more curious than a man?" The girls grew quite animated toward the close. I dreaded it very much as we had never had one before, and I was afraid of long pauses, and all sorts of disagreable things, but they did very well indeed, and liked it so well that we are going to have another some time. Next week we have a charade the word is "Manager." I think it will be a grand success. Our lectures come on Friday night, and then of course we have no society meetings. Last night Rev. Mr. Gallaher lectured on "Ireland and the Irish." I wish you could have heard him - He is a young man, and an Irishman, as well as a devoted lover of his country. He had true Irish wit, and kept us laughing all the evening - Once he recapitulated the Irish officers who fought in our war, in one of the finest climaxes I ever listened to. The girls were so delighted that they clapped vigorously. His peroration was very fine indeed. One thing pleased me exceedingly, he said that a man loves his native country as he does his mother, but his adopted country as he does his wife. I think it is a beautiful thought. He is a Baptist minister of Brooklyn, formerly from Quincy 111. Mr. Lord lectures next upon Napoleon. I wish you could see Minnie introduce the lecturers. She does it so beautifully and gracefully, and charmingly that all the girls are proud of her, and we all love her so much. I do want to see Sarah so, just to think of her having a baby part of a month old, and my not having seen a symptom of it - Please give my love to all the cousins, particularly Lizzie and Emma because I know them, and a great deal of love and sympathy of Auntie. Love to Uncle if he is able to receive it - And oh mother dear! so very, very, much to you - I do long so to see you - When you can do write to us, but don't while you are busy and tired - I hope you won't get sick. We are all very well and are getting alone nicely - Good bye.
Your loving daughter Mattie
