Vassar College Digital Library

Houts, Annie | to John Houts, Oct. 1865:

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Date
October 17, 1865
Abstract
VC 1869
Transcript file(s)
Details
Identifier
vassar:24408,,Box 70,VCL_Letters_Houts_Annie_1869_001
Extent
1 item
Type
Rights
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: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869001001
Vassar College, Thurs. Oct. 17, 1865

My dear Brother,

I came in yesterday, from my class, at the time the letters are distributed, and looked anxiously around for one. Not seeing any, I was just about to "resign my-self to my fate," when I heard my room-mate say "You hateful girl, you, to get three letters." I was quite astonished myself, especially, when I found one was from you. It was quite refreshing to hear from you, and I hope you will favor me often in that way, for it will be a great favor to me. You speak of being very anxious to know
what year I will enter. That will probably not be known until the catalogue is made out. But I think, if I take the regular course, I am in for three years any-way and maybe four. In Latin, I am reading "Cicero," in Mathematics I am in the highest class in the college. But don't imagine from that that it is very high, for we are studying Geometry. They will have no juniors nor seniors this year. There goes the dinner bell and I must leave you.

 


: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869001002
French of course I am beginning, and my other study is English Grammar, not having passed the examination in that. But we have the chance to be examined every Sat. morning and when we get nine, on a scale of ten, we can be excused from the class. I have been to Poughkeepsie but once, since I've been here, and then I had a dress fit and got a few things, managed to spend all my money, any-way, though I didn't get much. But my books have cost quite a little sum. I should say ten or twelve dollars, and I still owe a dollar seventy-five for my French grammar. I'll have to get me a hood for winter, a pair of shoes, and I want to get some delaine and have a warm dressing-gown made to wear evenings, also we want to get an easy chair, lounge, drop-light, and a few other things to make our room look more homelike, and be more comfortable, so the conclusion of this long rigmarole is, that I would like you to send me some money, if you please. We have very good
eating here, everything is well-cooked and there is plenty of it. My room-mate is Helen Thomas of Utica. She is a very pleasant girl, and is just as

 


: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869001003
witty as she can be. She makes fun for all of us; some evenings here, we have some real gay times. She is talking of leaving the room, but I will try and tease her to stay, but if she does go I am going to ask Miss Lyman to let me keep my room alone, but I don't expect she will, for it is a double room. The professors have parts of the building set apart for themselves, and they are as much to them-selves, as if they were in a private house. Miss Mitchell has charge of the Observatory and teaches Astronomy. The advantages here are so good for that study I think I shall pursue it, though not at present. They have a laboratory and complete apparatus for Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, a fine cabinet for Geology, and a great many stuffed and other specimens for Natural History. Are you staying at Mr. Bell's now? I thought you spoke as though you were. I was very glad to hear he had arrived safely
at home. Well, I don't think I can spare any more time from my studies, so I guess I will say good-evening to you. Give my love ever so much to Mary, and keep a good share for your-self. Now do write soon to me. Your aff. sister - Annie

 


: VCLLettersHoutsAnnie1869001004
Friday morning.

Dear John,

I've nothing more particular to say, but I had a little spare time to write, and so thought I would finish out this page. They have a very good library here, but I don't expect to have much time to read. I will have time vacation [sic]. By the way, they are going to charge seven dollars
and a half a week for those who stay here vacation. I have been surprised at myself, how little home-sick I have been, but I guess the secret of it is, I don't have time. I have not seen a paper since here I've been. Johnson and all his cabinet might be assassinated and Washington burned, and I don't believe we would hear of it. A [Cincinnati] or [Portsmouth] paper, would be very acceptable, if you would send them. The time for rising is six, but we almost always arise at six, so as to have an hour to study before breakfast. That meal is now ready, so I will again say good-bye.

Your loving sister,
Annie M. Glidden