Mt Holyoke Sem Sept 15st 69Dear Cousin.
I will now try and fulfill my promise made the day in which we visited "Old Appleton" if you remember the time as I presume you do. I started from home a week ago today (Wednesday) father carried me to Hartford there at th[e] depot I found other girls who were going to the same place so father did not go any farther with me, but left me to go with them. We went from H. to Springfield, from there to Smiths Ferry our stepping place. then we crossed a field to a river which we crossed in a boat; teams were waiting on the other side to carry us to the Sem. and after a ride of a mile and a half found ourselves at that place.
The first thing to be done was to give to each new scholar an older one for a roommate and they took us down to dinner: my roommate's name is Jennie Hoover she is a very nice girl; I room on the third story. So you see I have some stairs to go up.
I suppose you know we all have to work some I am on the Sewing circle now, my work is hemming dishcloths. we have to take a walk every day which I like very much. Sunday I went to church it is only a few steps from the institution. The ministers name is Mr Green. We have a great many rules so many I cannot hardly keep track of them.
The day you was up to our house I took your knife and said I was going to keep it but did not intend to I forgot to give it to you, but I suppose you have got it if Aunt J. has been to our house for mother said she would give it to her I am very sorry I forgot it[.] We have had some beautiful weather since I came here but had to come in the rain.
I must now close and attend to other duties, be sure and answer soon as possible. Give my love to all and accept these few lines from
Cousin Clara.
Direct
Mt Holyoke Sem.
South Hadley.
Mass.