A South Hadley, Mass.
Seminary, Jan. 26. '72.Dear Cousin Edmund.
If I remember rightly you owe me a letter. For I wrote to you sometime ago but have had no answer yet. Now perhaps you dont want to hear from this worthless creature but please forgive me this time for I want to write to you very much for several reasons.
The last I heard, you was in Unionville and think you may be there now but suppose you either go or hear from home once in a while and so will get this in time. Have you had a pleasant winter? It is the same old story here. Not much if any different from other years that have past. There has been very little snow here as I suppose it has been in Conn.
As I have not written before this term perhaps it will do no harm to tell you what my studies are. Now they are Virgil and Philosophy. About six weeks ago I finished Chemistry.
I do not take drawing lessons as the teacher is away - but I have finished the picture I commenced last fall. When I get home you must come and see me and then you can see it. "Tis the largest I've ever drawn.
O, it is perfectly delightful that I'm to be home all next summer I am almost wild with joy when I think of it though I know I shall have to work hard. But it will help mother so much it will be nothing but a pleasure to do it.
We have only six weeks more in this term which will probably pass more quickly than the first have as that has been the way in days gone by. Only a few days remain of Jan. the threshold of the new year. Already some of the resolutions I made at its beginning have been broken. Is it so with you? I am convinced more and more of my own weakness and need of stronger help than mortals can give to mortals.
Yesterday was a day set apart in seminaries and colleges as a day for prayer for all schools. It is called by us "fast day". I enjoyed it very much. We do not study on such days but give up our time to that purpose. Some here are already beginning to find the Saviour and we believe many more will. I never said anything to you upon this subject and do not know whether you desire it or not but hope you will not be offended at anything I shall say for remember I am your cousin and feel an interest in you. Perhaps you have a hope in Christ and feel that Jesus is dear to you if so I should feel happy with you but if it is otherwise let me ask you if you dont feel that you want to be at peace with God. And if you have the least desire for it, I ask you to cherish it and try to find your Saviour for he will be found of those who seek him.
The retiring bell has rung so I must draw to a close. Edmund if you would answer this and tell me just how you feel about what I have written it would be so much joy to me I should never forget it. Please do answer and tell me freely what your feelings are upon this subject. Forgive if I have said anything amiss. I shall pray for you.
However my sheet is nearly full so guess I must stop.
Good night from Clara.