Vassar College
Jan. 13, 1867

My darling Mother,
Such beautiful long letters as you have written to us, and such shabby letters as I have written you. I am ashamed of myself, but stand just where I did before, for I have no materials wherewith to make them better. Wasn't Mrs. Raymond's silver wedding beautiful? I am so glad you went. I suppose that Frank and Gertrude are still dear friends, from the fact that Mrs. Lawrence made Mrs. Raymond a present. Weren't your C. L Walker name and motto absurd? It must have been beautiful fun. Doubtless my Father will be deeply shocked, and exceedingly jeal-
when hears of your conduct. Poor Mrs. Ballard! I am so sorry that she was unable to be there. I suppose that her husband went without her. How pretty those little books are! I was particularly delighted with "Lift a Little" - If Mrs. Ballard hadn't had children of her own, I don't believe that she could have written it. I am so glad that you like her so much. I can't tell you how thankful I am whenever I hear of your having a good time, or having nice people with you. Only a little while now, and we'll be home before you know it — and, our trunks with us. I felt exceedingly virtuous when I read your request that we should write to the Ballards to feel that I had dispatched a letter to them the day before. Its is too bad that we didn't write before, but you know when one is busy how hard it is
had never seen a pair of stairs - The reason why I didn't go out more in Burlington was owing to a perverse young chilblain, which even now is making itself felt - Besides you know that I am very domestic and prefer the house to strangers any day - I am very glad that you liked your hood. I think that they are pretty. Give a great deal of love to Willie - I suppose that bear's grease is owing to him. Love to all the girls - and a great deal of love to yourself from Mattie -