Hol. Fem. Sem., So. Hadley, May 10, 1848.My dear Sister,
I have just received your letter, and am exceedingly pained that I should have needlessly caused you so much sorrow of heart. I don't know but I expressed myself, respecting my health, in stronger terms than I ought, but I do hope you will pardon me. The reason must have been this. For a few days, about the time I wronte, I had not felt quite as well as usual, though I was by no means sick, and I suppose my feelings were expressed in the letter more forcibly than they ought to have been. But, letting that all pass, I will tell you now seriously and candidly, what is the state of my health at the present time. It is good. I am enjoying the summer finely. I do not study hard now I have a very easy time. I do not hesitate to say that I have studied hard this year, but I can tell you truly and sincerely, that I do not now. I don't suppose there is a person anywhere, who can study as hard in the summer as in the winter, and it is not at all strange that I should not.
Another thing, I do not wish to study very much this warm weather, particularly as there is no need of it, for I can finish the course very easily next year.
I remember you used to think I as not sufficiently careful of my health, and perhaps that is one reason why you fear I am not now. But, according to the laws of the Institution, we are obliged to report every week, if we have injured our healths in any way during the week. And if so, we are obliged to go through a long process of explanation, and tell the time, place, manner and all the circumstances, and finally receive a salutary lecture on taking proper care of our healths. So, I am exceedingly careful not to expose my health in any way, by damping my feet, sitting in a current of air, or anything of the kind.
Remember I am speaking the truth, when I tell you that my health is now good, and that I do not now study hard. During those days that I did not feel as well as usual, I went to the table every meal, and attended every exercise. Let me assure you, I value my health, more than all things else on earth, and I would not stay here, another day, if I thought my health was suffering from it. But I do not. This is a very healthy place, and the family diet, is the very best in the world to preserve the health. We have such beautiful walks, too, it is so delightful! I enjoy every moment. I have just taken a splendid walk, with my friend Lucy. I have a great deal of leisure time, now I have given up one study, which I spend in reading, visiting, walking, laughing, talking, &c.
My studies are none of them hard, and Drawing, I find a very pleasant recreation.
I should be very sorry to leave school before the close of the year, as it would add so much to my duties next year, to leave all my remaining examinations till then, but Still, if my health demanded it, I should not hesitate a moment as to what was my duty to do.
Now, dear sister, do not worry about me another moment, for I will promise you know, to let you know, at once if I am sick; morover [sic] I will promise to go directly to P. just as soon as I find my health begins to fail an atom. So do not give yourself any uneasiness, whatever, about me. I am so sorry, I cannot forgive myself for writing as I did in my last. I would not have done it for the world, if I had thought how it would have seemed to you. The thought that I have caused you so much unnecessary pain grieves me exceedingly. O, if this letter could only reach you this night, but I know it cannot till Monday, although I shall send it tomorrow. I shall think of you all the time, till I know you have received this, so you will not delay writing, a moment, after receiving this. If you should put a letter in the office next Monday, as early in the afternoon, as you did this, I shall get it Tuesday night. Please not fail to do so, even if you do not write more than enough to assure me that you will not think of me, as sick or unwell again.
Sat. Morn. Dear Sis, I am up this morning as bright and early as the lark writing to you. I am so much afraid you will think I am sick, even after you have received this that I do not know what to do. But you must bear in mind that I have given up my hardest study, and shall not be obliged to study a moment when I do not feel perfectly able. I wish you could but see me now, you would not for a moment doubt me when I tell you my health is good.
Let me assure you again that I will take care of my health, let other things be as they may. I have a grand appetite, and if I do not lose it on the way will bring it to you in seven weeks from Friday. As much as I want to see you, and as strongly as you urge me to go, still as long as I have such good health, I shall feel it my duty to remain through the year.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the kind and watchful care you have shown for me. Both yourself and Theophilus. I cannot express the feelings of gratitude I entertain for you both on that account. But still I cannot help reproving myself with the greatest severity for giving you such a cause.
If I had kept Virgil, I fear I should not have been able to have stayed through these seven weeks, for I was then obliged to study beyond my strength. But since I left it, I feel as healthy and vigorous, as you please. I do not doubt, but my health is much better than yours. Again let me tell you my health is good, so good that I feel it a duty to decline you[r] kind request to go home now. But in seven weeks, I will gladly accept it. I hoep you have got your nice cake baking. Don't forget to write immediately, and promise me that you will not associate my name with sickness or ill health again till you see me. My room-mate has returned, and we have nice times. She sends love to you. I have written you sincerely and truly just what my health is at this present time. I have not been bliged to take any medicine, or see the physician since I have been here. They consider me among the healthiest in the family. I shall take care of my health, if I never study another word, so you may feel perfectly easy about me. It was a great self-denial for me to leave Virgil, but I did it because I thought it was my duty, and just so I should give up all my study and go home, if I thought my health demanded it. Write and inform of receiving this, and then write again and answer the questions about the boat when it begins to run. I think I can truly say my health is better than it was one year ago, and you remember it was perfect then. I do not think it would be necessary for Theophilus to go to B. if I was going, as I could take the cars there without any trouble. I expect we shall go up on the mountain the fourth of July, with the Amherst students, won't it be nice fun! Remember I am well, I must put this in the letter box, so good bye, sweet sister,