Potter Hall,
Andalusia, Pa.
Jan. 24th, 1872.My dear Mary:-
So my youngest sister is "sweet sixteen"! or have I made another wrong guess? I would fair believe that I had, for, - just think of it - before we are aware we shall be a family of grown up brothers and sisters, scattered to the four winds, perhaps.
That is not a pleasant thought. What is the reason that time flies so fast? But then, I want it to fly faster than it now does, when I think
that it willof the happy reunion again at the "Home on the Hill."This term will be out in just one week more, - and the school year will be half gone. I want to see you at Easter vacation, but cannot tell now whether it will be best for me to go or not.
I am writing down stairs in my class room, this morning, as I happened to have a vacant half hour to myself. I have been disciplining at a great rate - sent one boy from class with the prospect of being sent to bed as his punishment - and gave several others their warning if they did not improve in their behavior very rapidly. I find that the best way to deal with boys is to "cut their heads off" - as the expression is here - as soon as they show signs of insubordination.
How goes life with you? Let me see, I think it is several weeks since you have condescended to give me a word, and as for Hattie, - I almost despair of keeping up a correspondence.
I stopped writing just now to hear my 1st class in Latin. They are translating sentences is Andrew's First Lessons, so you perceive the Latin is not very difficult, but I have some studying to do in order to teach Caesar, as one becomes rusty on any study that they have long neglected.
Annie is doing finely with her studies, and I enjoy her recitations very much indeed. Since her Father died I think she has been more studious than ever. She seems to think that she must do every thing
thather Father wished her to, and he was very anxious that she should have a good education. She is not brilliant but faithful in the highest degree. I think she is a lovely girl.I envy you, when I think of the Lectures that you enjoy this winter. I have not been out for so long for anything of the kind - not even to church - that I shall prize the opportunity if it ever comes. Tell me all about your school and affairs generally and dont [sic] confine your self, to three pages of one sheet, but let me have a regular letter from Molly -
Am delighted to learn that Charles is improving in reading - Do tell me how old he is, for I certainly dont [sic] know whether I am right or not. And I am not good at remembering dates so that I really cannot tell.
Ask Charlie if he ever received a letter from me with a photograph in it, and ask him to write and tell me if he did.
Received another long letter from Clara H. this morn. which I have not yet read through.
Father wrote that you had just enough snow for good sleighing. We have no snow of any consequence. I have seen sleighs out just one day this winter. Wouldn't I enjoy a sleigh ride!
Is Topsey put to any use yet. I thought perhaps she would be broken and used this winter. There is the bell for the next recitation and I must stop. It is a class of "six year olds" in spelling.
Ever your loving sister
CorneliaNow write to me.