306 West Grand St.
Elizabeth, N.J.
Oct. 22 - 1881Dear Mother -
Jennie's letter came yesterday morning. It was nice to have such a full account of all you have been doing. I wish I could help you clean house I think it much more fun than sewing. It is such a pleasure to see every thing wear a clean new dress. I wonder whether Jennie will carry the day and a new carpet for the dining room will be the result. I hope so.
Elisha wrote me a short letter thanking me for my share in the basket. He seemed very much pleased indeed, said the basket was without a rival. The school is getting along nicely. Mrs Muldaur has the promise of two or three more pupils which we expect in a week or two. I have enjoyed teaching much better than I thought I should. Things have not taken their permanent order so I cannot give you an exact skedule. [sic] I have three Arithmetic class[es], one Algebra (I & M) two Latin (all beginners) one Reading one History or Grammar (alternately) and the little children in gymnastics. This takes all my time from nine to one. Then comes lunch and after that we girls go for a walk, from half an hour to three quarters. We have dinner at six. After dinner for an hour we talk and then come I's, M's & G's study hour. I & M. practise and study most of the afternoon. I am reading Caesar with George as I have never read it and he is just beginning[.] My French comes twice a week, lessons of a half hour each. M'lle thinks I have a pretty good foundation. I would like to have you send the book as soon as you find it, as I want it by next Thursday.
Mrs Muldaur has had quite an attack of diarrhoea, but is considerably better. The doctor thinks she got run down working so hard over her school the first of the year. Mrs M's sister Mrs Mather from N.Y. was over yesterday for a little while with her two little ones. The boy was here Friday and Saturday of last week. He went with George and the girls to the foot ball match.
Miss Murphey left us Friday noon for a short sojourn in Philadelphia. She is going to try her voice in a church there & if she succeeds in filling it, will make a regular engagement to sing. I don't know whether she means to try to teach here and sing there both or not. I don't see how she can very well.
Yesterday morning early I had another attack of Cholera, morbus. I ate some "cold slaw," the night before, and we all think it must have been that, for a while I was quite sick but the pain did not last very long though left me weak. Don't worry for I don't mean to eat any more soon. Will write again to-morrow so as to reassure you that I am all right. Mrs Moore took beautiful care of me. I told her I was glad she was there as Auntie had her hand's-full with Mrs Muldaur. The Dr. thinks Mrs M- will be able to sit up later in the day and get up to attend to her school in the morning. I forgot to tell you that I did not faint.
Ida & Minnie have on their black flannels this afternoon, they are very stylish and becoming. It is a beautiful day - bright and sunshiny, a little cooler than yesterday.
Mrs Moore speaks of going over to N.Y. sometime this week. I guess I shall go with her as I will want a new hat and shoes soon, so guess I had better use the chance.
Will write to Dudie this week. Hope she will get her pay. The teacher did right to strike so to speak. Don't be worried for I am well cared for.
All send love.
With lots from
Your Aff. daughter
Alice.