So. Hadley Jan 26th 1869
My dear "little Mary" (no longer little)
Thirteen today! Can it be possible? I have been reconing [sic] and reasoning within myself to be sure that I have not made a mistake in the age.
Just think - Mary entering the "teens" - Well, I guess it must be so. You can now adopt the language of that wonderful young lady that Mother tells of, who wrote on her birthday, "When I was a child I spake as a child" &c. &c. I do, indeed, feel as though you all at home are growing or going out of my knowledge entirely.
My last letter from home was received nearly two weeks ago and, though I will not complain, it seems as though I had lost track of you all. I dont [sic] believe you any of you realize just how it seems to be away from home and know nothing of events except through letters, so many items that seem unimportant to you, & that you have forgotten.
Thursday night 28th I have expected to have a chance to send this in answer to some letter that I might receive, but to-night I give up in despair, and will finish this and send it along. Mary received a letter last night saying Father had gone, as as [sic] they did not write that you had all gone with him I conclude that the family still remain, you were all there two weeks ago, I concluded from the last letter which I then received[.]
Perhaps there is some good reason why I have not heard, at least I will think so, for I am not quite prepared to believe that you have been able to forget me entirely, and you know that is against my principles to imagine any thing wrong has taken place for I know that you would write me if that were the case.
We have commenced on our last series for this term to day. I have been so lucky as to escape the dreaded writing class. (you know I take pains to make my composition book some better than my letters, - fortunately for me) Mary is in it, and if it would do any good I would wish I were there but it would not so long as I lack self control.
How strange it must seem to have father gone. I hope I may have a little intercourse with my friends again.
A girl has just come in with an invitation to go down to practice gymnastics, and I must get some time to study so I must say good night
yours aff.ly,
Cornelia[on a scrap of paper tucked inside the letter:]
I must tell you the great sensation now in the Sem. Mr Byron Smith has put up notices all over the plains that "all persons are forbid &c picking climbing ferns.["] Think of the effect of this upon we, us & co. who have been counting on getting such an amount this year -