Seminary
Oct. 14, 1874My dear Mary
For to answer your letter am I set down this last half hour of Wed. evening. And, firstly, I am going to divulge a secret wish that I have entertained for several weeks past - I have pondered the subject so long - thought of the favorable side so exclusively that I am not prepared to say that I really think it best for my wish to become a reality. It occurred to me the other day, that Mt. Holyoke Sem would be a good warm place for you this winter. You have had a rest from study this fall, and perhaps you are sufficiently matured - having older sisters you know, - to enter a Seminary before you are nineteen - the age for the Clapp family to leave home. I think, in the first place, that you would be less liable to take severe colds here, for the temperature of this house is kept so even throughout the cold months by means of the steam, then I want you to come here a while, even tho' you should wish to graduate elsewhere. I am not sure but I should advise you to go to Mr. Durant's school [Wellesley College] next year, or to Smith's College, but I want you to come here, sometime for a while. I am convinced that there is no other school like this in many respects.
Then, in the second place, the school is not large this year, and quite a number will be admitted next term, and have their examinations at the commencement of the term. I think you would find no difficulty with examinations.
Write and tell me just what you think about it. I think that father would be willing for you to come if you wanted to. I will write to him if you want me to. This letter is for you alone - you need not consider the subject with any one else if you rather not. I would not, for the world influence you in the wrong direction, & be the cause of your "breaking down," or any thing of the kind -
If you should enter in the winter term you would find it easier on many accounts than entering in the fall. I should want you to take French, and keep on practising. You would have singing lessons of course -
This letter is one that will probably take you by surprise but I cannot help writing to know what you think. I have not mentioned the subject to any one, & you must not feel obliged to unless you wish.
Have been over to Amherst to-day, had a delightful time.
Your loving
Cornelia