[Though the cover and poem are not dated, it is likely the poem was written in 1848 because it mentions Hattie wanting to go back to the Seminary in the Anniversary year. 1848 was the Seminary's 10th anniversary. Hattie had been a member of the class of 1849, but she did not graduate, and she died in 1850.]
South Hadley is a pleasant place
From Holyoke mount to view,
It has a Church, Academy,
And Seminary too.They say 'twas there that Hattie went,
And truly she did go;
But why did she return again
Dear Mother do you know?I'm sure she was not homesick there
She loved her books too well;
Then why did she return so soon
Dear Mother can you tell?Her Section Teacher too she loved,
For she was good and kind.
A dearer one I've heard her say
She did not wish to find.A multitude of friends she had
Among the good and true,
Who when she took her leave of them
In sadness said Adieu.And now the seat that once she filled
Is vacant and alone,
And often from the passers by
The silent tear has flown."Where's Hattie gone" at once they say
"We do not see her here."
A sister answers, "Far away
To see her Mother dear."A few days since her Brother came
And said that she must go,
For sickness, pain, and suffering
Had laid that Mother low.Oh, sad it was to part with her
Yes sad to say, Farewell!
Even now the grief it causes us
The heart alone can tell.But let us cast our care on Him
Who careth still for all,
He'll ever bless his righteous one's [sic]
And listen to their call." [sic]
Now Mother dear from what you've heard
Can you not plainly see,
That Hattie left her Holyoke friends
To minister to thee.Although 'twas hard for her to leave
She gladly came away,
Because she knew that none but her
Could with her Mother stay.And now she earnestly desires
With them once more to be,
Then may she not attend this year
The Anniversary?I wonder if we ca'nt [sic] contrive
Some way to have her go,
'Twould gratify her friends so much
And please her too you know.I know 'twould cost a little sum
To go there, and return,
But if her life is spared, in time
The money she can earn.Now Mother will you not reply
To what I here have said?
I hope an answer to receive
As soon as this is read.With love to you Mama, and all,
Who love to hear from me.
I still remain your loving child
Whose name is H. A. T.