Saturday Eve'g. Jan. 4. 1851.My Dear Parents,
I received a letter from home mailed the 24" Dec. enclosing the money safely. I was not aware that it was so long since, till the receipt of yours this evening, and I hasten to tell you how sorry I am for my negligence. I remember you always told me to acknowledge the receipt of money instantly, but I carelessly omitted it, having nothing of interest to write, & thinking I was so soon to come home.
I entired recovered from that little illness I had, in a few days - indeed I am better now than I was before - the oil I took seemed to be just the thing. My head has not ached since I took it, now three weeks since. Since I recovered, Kate and Lizzie have both been ill slightly. Kate staid from several recitations. But Kate took precisely the same remedies I did, and her head too is much better for the medicine she took. Two weeks from yesterday, vacation commences, & I hope to be with you, a week from next Friday evening.
Miss Hazen has been here, and taken her farewell of the Seminary. She spent a few days with us, and one evening, the girls who wanted to, went down to the parlor to see her. She seemed very happy and calm in view of her departure, and hoped she would never be obliged to return to America, again. Sabbath evening, she led our evening devotions, and Monday morning she bade those good-bye who wished to see her. The man who went away with her, in attempting to cross the river on the ice, covered with snow, was unable to proceed, & while in the middle of the river, the cars went by, and he was obliged to return with her, but Miss Hazen did not show herself to the girls as the farewells were all taken.
The girls tried to have a little fun, her Christmas and New Year's evening, hanging up their stockings &c. for which today they received a little talk from Miss Chapin, who spoke of it so contemptuously, as child's play that I was glad I had nothing to do with it. She could not imagine why frivolity was allowable on either of the days.
I received a letter from Mr. Houghton last evening, & one from Rebecca Valentine the evening before. For several weeks I have scarcely received a letter, and this week they have all come together.
I thank Mother very much for the few lines from her hand. Nathaniel, I shall remember next time I write home. We did not go to Holyoke Christmas day, as it was very cold, and Kate was not very well.
I take a fine cold bath every day, and would on no account omit it. We have been excused from walking many times the lst fortnight, on account of snow storms. The snow is very deep, the sleighing excellent I think, though I have tried it but once and then with some half-sick girls and we were so doleful. I don't think it did much good.
A happy New Year for all at home. I shall love to hear from you again before I come home.
Forgive my neglect in not writing before, and excuse haste, for silent-study-hours have commenced.
Good-night, all.
Your affec. daughter
Sophronia.The girls have all recovered, I think that were sick with slow fevers when I write, and I know of no one now, who is ill. Love to Nathl.