Mt. Hol. Sem., So. Hadley, March, 6, /49.My dear Sister;
I believe two or three weeks have elapsed since I received your last, and I will endeavor now to answer it. I hope you have not become impatient by waiting for it. I am very glad to hear that you are so comfortable and happy. I received a letter from Theophilus a short time before yours arrived, and answered it last week. He spoke of having been home, and seen his little son. He thinks him, as undoubtedly he is, a prodigy among the babies. Little dark-eyed, fair-faced boy, how I'd like to see him. I suppose, from all accounts that he is really quite a wonder. Does he talk yet? Probably nothing but the "baby-jargon." He is of course quite a musician. All babies are, if I remember rightly, especially on the high notes.
You spoke of having a bad cold in your head. I hope it is better now. I think I have escaped wonderfully, for I have not had any cold at all this winter. I don't know that I ever passed a winter before, without having one or two, at least. Colds have been very prevalent here for a few weeks past, accompanied with a sort of influenza, which is very debilitating. The erysipelas has also been in town (which I have understood has been raging to some extent throughout New England). There have been two cases in the Seminary, both of which proved fatal. The first, a Miss Wingate, from N.H., died the week before last. The other, our dear teacher, and Principal, Miss Lyon. She was taken sick the next day afer Miss W's death, and departed this life herself, last evening at about nine o'clock. Our school exercises have been conducted to-day as usual, but it is, as you must know a very solemn time with us. The funeral services are to take place on Thursday P.M., at two o'clock. Letters were dispatched this morning to her friends in various parts of the coutry, and I expect there will be a very large concourse at the funeral. She was very extensively known, and universally beloved. She possessed a remarkably strong intellect, which she consecrated unreservedly to the service of Christ. She had been eminently useful in her day, and has, no doubt, now gone to receive the glorious reward of her labors, in that brighter and better world, which is prepared for all such as love God. We can truly say, that not this Seminary alone, but the whole world has met with a great loss in her death, for her influence was felt, through her pupils, to the ends of the earth. Our natural sympathies impel us to drop a tear over her mortal remains, and mourn her loss with inward grief, but we would not wish her back again, we would not recall her from her Saviour's bosom. She has now past all suffering and sorrow and care, we would let her rest peacefully with that God whom she so heartily loved, while we would bow our heads in humble submission, and say, "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good." The Rev. Dr. Humphrey of Pittsfield is to deliver the funeral address.
You spoke of having renewed your acquaintance with Dr. Bartlett. It is very gratifying to me to know that he recollected me. I would like right well to see him. Is he as pleasant a gentleman as he used to be?
I am glad you have found the friends so kind with whom you reside, and have become so much attached to them. How is Hannah's health now? I received a letter from Lawrence about a week ago, and I am expecting another every night, for he said in that, that he should write again in a day or two. He is a very faithful correspondent. I have to be on my guard continually, for if I am not prompt to answer his letters immediately, he has another right on hand. He has left school. He left a few weeks sooner than he expected, because their teacher left. He works with Mr Ordway now. I am very sorry that he left school a day sooner than he intended. He needs to go to school more than needs anything else. I do wish he might. He expects to work in Epping this summer, but intends to go to school again next winter. I presume he will write you soon. I told him of your little heir. I received a letter from Mrs. Dudley, a few weeks since. Miss Hunt, the school teacher is married to a Mr. Winslow, a widower.
Spring has opened upon us in all its loveliness, and beauty. I suppose you are thinking something about getting settled again. I shall be very happy to visit you at Lawrence. I have written to Mr. Greese [?] that I should go on to settle with him in April. Our vacation commences on the 19th of April. You advies me not to think of going South, but to seek a situation as teacher at the North. On this point I do not feel decided. I have thought pretty strongly of going south, but still I am not sure but I shall prefer to remain at the North. Only six weeks, and we shall have vacation. I wrote the Misses Pillsbury during vacation, but have not yet heard from them. Miss Hazen will officiate as Principal of our school for the present. Please write me very soon. Do not wait till you get moved. I shall write Miss [...] next recreation eve. Love to yourself and all, and a kiss for the baby. Train him up for heaven. May we all so live that we shall at least meet in that blest place, to "sing the praises of Moses and the Lamb forever and ever." This is my fervent prayer, can you not respond?
Your sister