South Hadley. June 12. 1849.Not a word from you, Hattie all this long time! almost six weeks. I might begin to complain, but I foresee t'will be of no use as you will turn and accuse me of the same silence. I can only say as the old Judge said to the poor farmer "But that alters the case" As it is I will not stop to mention the palliating circumstances in my favor, but I should file my sheet and at the same time exhaust your patience.
It is Tuesday afternoon, and as to morrow is recreation day, I shall have no lesson to recite till Thursday. (I am so glad I thought I must tell you) and so I can spend a little time in writing. My sewing is not yet done up, though I think I shall complete it soon. I am rather at a loss how to cut the caps to my white dress, as I did not take the pattern, and hardly
wknow whether to have them puffed or plain. I believe none of the others have theirs puffed. I can scarcely realize that I shall want the dress so soon as in seven weeks. Indeed perhaps I may not. One and another of our little band, since the year commenced have been called away, some by death and others by sickness. whose prospects of graduating were as fair as any of ours. You may have heard me speak of Clara Harwood - Julia I know has, for she used often to remark that it was a beautiful name. And Clara was a very lovely girl. I loved her better the more I was acquainted with her. This was the third year in succession of her being at the Sem. and until towards the close of last term her health had been very good. At this time she seemed to be very feeble and so exhausted that often in a recitation she would lean her head upon my shoulder. For some time she was unwilling to give up her studies, but at least she was so unwell as to be confined to her room. and a few weeks before the term closed her father came to take her home. She went away quite cheerful, said she did not care for her classification as she had given that up. She spoke of having a pleasant recreation and then coming back to graduate with us. But alas! her bright anticipations as to this world were not to be realized. After reaching home she failed rapidly. And a few weeks since her brother came to the Sem for her sister Helen to hasten to her. A few days after her return and we heard that Clara was dead. Consumption had hurried her away quickly. But dying was to her but going home. She was perfectly calm and happy, entirely willing to depart and be with Jesus. I saw a sweet little note which she dictated to Miss Whitman a short time before her death, which showed that the grave had no terrors for her. Jesus was all in all.I feel very much for Helen who was most strongly attached to her. She too will not be here to graduate. The elder sister Mary who graduated the first year that I was here is also in a decline, not expected to live but a few weeks. When I knew her she looked like the very picture of health. Probably those three sisters when they were a few years since all at school here together little thought how soon death would make a breach among them. It is sweet to think they all be reunited in heaven.
I have also to speak of the death of another of our number not of my classmates, but of the Junior section. Laura Corban left school on account of her health last term, and a few weeks since the tidings of her health reached us. The disease also was quick consumption. In her case too we have great cause for thankfulness that death found her not unprepared. This year for the first time she had learned to trust in a Savior, and he was with her when she entered the dark valley of the shadow of death.
(Wednes morn) I was must rejoiced last night in receiving a letter from yourself bearing the same date with mine. I assure you it was not so devoid of interest as you seemed to imagine. And it bore reading the second time well. Lucy Johnson brought it me just as we were going to walk, so I read it to enliven the way. We walked about a mile and a half, and then entered a wood lot to gather young wintergreen. Found it in great abundance, and came away laden with the spoil, I wish I could give you some of it. We had a fine ride back with Mr Halleck who is here on a visit and had carried his daughters out to ride. Quite a circumstance for Hadley, though by the way they give us rides now very often if we will pay for them. I have taken to Granby, about 5 miles out. Their charge is very moderate but ninepence for that distance.
But here I am almost at the end of my sheet, and I must not forget to tell you that Miss Johnson wants very much to have me send for a silly letter I wrote home long ago in [...]. She writes a little paper which she sends to a sick cousin, formerly a member of the [...] And she thinks those lines would amuse her very much [...] agreed to ask you to enclose them in a letter, soon [...] for me to get them by Saturday. If you do I hope you will not fail to fill the sheet which accompanies them.
I have not seen Mary yet to deliver your message. Probably shall to day. She has spoken several times of writing you, but says she has not had time yet. I am glad to hear that John is so much better. You must have had quite a sorry time. I should think I hope Charles will not be kept in doors by his post any longer. However I am expecting another letter from him soon.
I should have liked very much to have been at home the other day when you had so much company. I took quite a fancy to Miss Chadwick when she was in Newington before, and if she looks as pretty as then should love to see her.
Tell mother I want to hear from her, and I still look for her to make me a visit. I should think Hattie that you and Julia might come. Will you not. Good morning my sweet sis.
Your aff,
Mary.