Ipswich, July 7, 1830.Dear Miss Brigham,
Since my pleasant ride with you last April, I have repeatedly thought of you with an interest more than ordinary for so short an acquaintance. Last week I wrote to Miss Beecher, requesting her to recommend a teacher in Calisthenics for my Seminary. In her answer, she says she thinks you would do well for me, & that I could probably obtain your assistance. She writes, "I believe she has learned the Calisthenic exercise, she has a part, I know, & the rest she could soon gain."
My wish is, to have you come, & teach this exercise to the whole, or nearly the whole school. Several of my scholars have practised so much, that by a little attention from you, they would be able to teach small classes, & render you essential aid. If it should be consistent with your duty, & congenial to your feelings to spend some time with us, I will propose, that you come on Tuesday
July 27thAugust 3 the day before our next quarter commences, & stay six weeks, expecting to be employed as many hours in the day in teaching Calisthenics, as you will find it convenient to beemployedengaged in that exercise, & if you have time for something else, perhaps teach a class in arithmetic. You may expect to find in me a friend, & I shall be gratified to do what I can to promote your happiness, & to aid you in devising plans to increase your present & future usefulness. For compensation, I will give you ten dollars for your travelling expenses, pay for your board & washing while here, & give you three dollars a week beside. You will much oblige me, by letting me hear from you very soon, within a week if possible.We have a pleasant school, & a large proportion of scholars, who possess a stability, weight & excellence of character.
That you may so live, as to show forth the praises of Him, who hath called you out of darkness into marvellous light, & be instrumental in turning many to righteousness, is the desire of your friend,
[Susan Baylies Brigham (1804-1892) was the daughter of Capt. Charles Brigham (1769-1847) and Susanna Baylies (1778-1837) of Grafton, Worcester county, Massachusetts. Susan is listed as a teacher assistant in the 1830 and 1831 catalogs for Ipswich Female Seminary, so it appears Susan accepted Zilpah Grant's employment offer. Susan became the preceptress of the Female Seminary at Uxbridge, Massachusetts, in December 1831. She remained at the head of the seminary until the spring of 1835.]