No. 2. Mt. Holyoke Seminary -
Sabbath eve. March 14, 1841 -
My dear, dear Ine.
It did really seem good to see so long a letter written with your own hand as that which Pa brought us. When he was here we were too prudent of him to spend much time in writing - all other reasons left out of the question, but it is in our hearts to write, write, write.
Perhaps you would like a history of Charlotte's ailments. It is three weeks at least since she has been "her own natural self" - a bad cold - severe headache - and some cough - troubled her. She began to look very graven to sit and at the spectator at table - and finally after struggling to avoid "absent marks" as long as possible she relinquished going into school, etc on Tuesday, two weeks since. Wednesday the Dr came and left an emetic for me to administer - saying I had "got my hand in" because I was with him while he gave one to Miss Pendleton the evening before. But it did not do its office - and she "kept sick" Friday he came again and took blood from her arm - to relieve both the headache and the stricture upon her breast. Another asked [?] a better medicine came Friday - as unexpectedly something from the [...] - you know which Saturday better - Sabbath day at meeting - Monday and Tuesday getting about - Wednesday down to the long, long, tiresome "family meeting" - and all this time no sort of appetite nor very quiet [...] looking out & the young lady is convalescing [...] sick - just about.
Well - you have one long story - now take another - the other day I was very busy in the basement when an "envoy extraordinary" came from Miss Lyon with the request that I appear in her presence - So I presented before her - she was just lying down on the sofa. "Will you cover me up" - was the first request - So I spread over her the old cloak - and send [?] down into a chair - "Miss Hyde - how much relief would it be to be excused from hearing your Algebra classes at examination"
March 19 - The conclusion of the whole matter is Charlotte had best go home - Miss Lyon thinks so - Miss Whitman thinks so. I and she think so - so here comes a letter inviting - you to meet her at the cars on Monday if it be comfortable weather - or on the 1st pleasant day - Do not be alarmed - she is convalessent [sic] but not strong - & change of scene seems the best remedy.
I must finish this in season for the mail - or I would not be so taciturn.
Good bye - Julia.
The bell ring & Julia left me to direct it my hand trembles wretchedly. Good bye Charlotte.