South Hadley, Dec. 23rd.
My Dear Sister,
I did not know till recently that you had removed from Aunt Adeline's, or perhaps I should have written to you before this. My time has been so much occupied I have found but little leisure for writing letters; for this reason I think you will excuse me.
I am very glad to hear that you have such a nice and quiet home, and hope you are perfectly contented: you certainly ought to be, for there is no noise, nor anything to disturb you. Taking all things into consideration I am sure you can find no better place. I was happy to hear that Aunt Tappy thinks of remaining with you. How much she and Cousin Betsey will enjoy each others society. I am in excellent health and perfectly contented. The school is good the village is pleasant, and the surrounding country is charmingly beautiful.
The Seminary is rather pleasantly situated in about the centre of the place facing the mountains, Tom and Holyoke. The latter is two miles and a half distant and the higher of the two. The former is on the other side of Connecticut river, but is as distinctly seen from the seminary as its more lofty companion, (Holyoke.) The girls often visit this mountain in large parties in warm weather and enjoy themselves finely. The view from the top is represented as being very beautiful.
If nothing happen[s] to prevent I shall certainly make one of a company, next summer, and go, and see for myself.
The grounds about the seminary are sufficiently extensive, but they are not ornamented as I should think they would be for such an institution. Perhaps they will show to better advantage in the spring.
Miss Lyon's grave is on a rising spot of ground back of the building, and is directly opposite my windows. There is a small and very plain monument created over it, and surrounded by an iron railing.
I often gaze upon this spot where rests the remains of one of the most energetic and useful of her sex; and think of the unbounded influence which is being spread through her exertions, not only in our own country, but also in foreign lands. Many devoted missionaries have gone, and are still going from this place to India, and other lands where they have not the light of the Gospel. One who was formerly a teacher here left yesterday for the purpose of going on a mission to the Nestorrans. [?]
Some of Miss Lyon's pupils have been with these people for three or four years, and have been very successful in promoting Christianity. The principal topic of conversation at present at Holyoke Seminary is Texas.
There is a lady visiting here, who has for the last fifteen years been teaching in that place.
On account of the great destitution of teachers in Texas she was induced to come here and try if possible to interest the young ladies of this institution in behalf of this portion of our generally, enlightened country. About 50 have given their names to go there as teachers when they shall have finished their education.
Dec. 26th. Yesterday being Christmas I went to Springfield in company with nine of the young ladies and attended church. After church we went to the Exchange Hotel and took dinner.
We enjoyed a delightful sleigh ride of 24 miles and reached home at 7 1/2 in the evening. Sister, you must excuse this letter for there is such a chattering about me I hardly know what I am writing. You may show it to Aunt Tappy and cousin Betsey; but recollect, I wish you to let the other persons see it, for I am perfectly ashamed both of the writing, and composition. Now I would like very much to hear from you and hope I shall receive an answer to this very soon.
Tell Aunt Tappy and Cousin Betsey I shall be very happy to hear from them also and think all three of you together might write me a long letter, and I shall certainly expect it. I will send an envelope with the direction. Now Sister, Aunt Tappy, and Cousin Betsey, do not disappoint me.
Dec. 30th. A long time has elapsed since the above, during which I have had no leisure, even to think of my friends.
Now I will begin again by wishing you a "happy new year" although the commencement is yet one day distant. Being generally some what tired of study on Tuesday night, I anticipate a great deal of pleasure on Wednesday and usually enjoy myself pretty well.
I have a pleasant room and very amiable room-mates, one of whom was so unfortunate as to sprain her foot last night. But I rather think she is getting better by the way she is jumping around. There is snow on the ground and it is very cold. Now Sister let me tell you you must not expect me to write very often for I cannot find time for anything but study except on Wednesdays, and by that time you may know how many stockings there are to darn, rents to mend &c. &c. We have a pleasant church near the Seminary and a most excellent minister, I have been three times every Sunday since I have been here. With much love I remain your affectionate Sister, Hannah.