A Letter written on Jan 27, 1847

Jan 27th 1847

Dear Mother

I have arrived, safe and sound, at my journey's end, and am once more at my favorite occupation - writing to you. I would first inform you that I have finished that everlasting apron, and to have had the pleasure of wearing it; so I feel somewhat relieved.

The first two or three days after my arrival, I felt rather dolefully, though it seemed pleasant to meet the girls again; and my sadness was not diminished, much, by the company of Libby, who as usual, was terrible homesick. She said it made her feel much worse to be with Anna, because she enjoyed herself so well, and never is homesick; so she got permission, to come into our room, where perhaps she found more sympathy. She has now nearly recovered, and is comforting herself with the the [sic] thought, that another year will find her at home. I begin also to feel quite like myself again.

I arrived at the Seminary, at 5,o'clock, [sic] in the afternoon went through with the usual ceremony of kissing all the girls, who were waiting to receive us, went to my room where I found a cheerful fire, kindled, by my kind friend Rosa Arnold [Cornelia R Arnold x1850] - spent the rest of the time till evening, in making and receiving calls, and domestic work - then set down to study. It was a gloomy time - Ellen had not yet arrived as she with a a few others got out at Willimanset; [sic] and all the conveyances were sent to Smiths ferry. Pains was [sic] taken by Whitman to have the conductor leave us all at the Ferry, but by mistake some were left at the other place. Ellen got back at about 8,o'clock. I suppose Father told you that J. Pitkin took the cars with me for He her baggage; She has returned home, and does not expect to be able to return this year. She said she and Libby meant to make you a visit as she will now have nothing but visiting to occupy her time. The East Hartford girls feel quite disappointed; th about entering the middle class, as Miss Whitman told them that their names cannot be in it. They will admit none unless they can get through with every study in the year; so you will know where to find my name. Do you want me to graduate? I feel pretty indifferent about it myself, just now, for I want to see our folks - Oh dear!

We have had real pleasant weather lately, and I hope the ground will still remain bare, unless there is some probability that you will improve good sleighing, and come up to the sem. then my blessing would rest on each falling flake of snow. Ellen had a visit from Burdett yesterday (wrong Monday); He had preached in Springfield, Sunday, so came next day, to see her. Come Mother, come, and Father too, and I shall be so happy I shant know what to do, and dont [sic] forget to bring along my flannel wrapper, which I find I have left at home. Dont think I will leave them off, and take cold Mother, for I shall not only long enough to wash it. I have not called at 8. T. Smiths yet for I have had no time, Perhaps I may get time next Wed., but I have to keep pretty busy then, with one thing and another, and must study Rhetoric, "into the bargain." But I must finish off this letter in a hurry, and say a few words to Hattie, & Julie, Good bye, Mother.

Mary

Jan 28th

Dear Sisters

I am perhaps a little selfish in writing to you so that I may have a letter in return, but I think you will excuse it. How is your lame arm Hattie? Did you attend the wedding? &c, Tell me all about the affair, for I feel considerable curosity to know of it. Oh dear! I suppose I must write to Cornelia soon, must I not? I am going to write the Smiths, as soon as I can.

Julie have you gone to studying yet? How do you progress? Dont give it up, but go ahead, and just come here to school another year. Have Sue, and Gertrude made you a visit yet? Tell all that is going on, when you write. Give my love to H. Francis. Tell her I am looking for a letter from her. Hattie I shall not need a Geology at present, as I shall take up Geometry next series, but how they do devise was to take money, I have 25 cts, to pay for newspapers, and periodicals, and 50. for chemical experiment. Pretty soon they will call for money for the missionaries. How much shall I give? Write soon. Dont you show this letter to any-body. Good bye from

Your aff
Mary -