South Hadley July 11. 1844.My dear Mother.
You wished your letter might bring an answer, and an answer you should have, as soon as I can write one. I will not be too certain however, for my ardor may cool before it is finished. If I had no other objection now, I would write, to relieve your anxiety respecting my shoes &c. I must say, this is the most laughable circumstance which has lately come under my cognizance, to think of your lying on a sick-bed, and worrying about my shoes. Well then, to help you no longer in dread suspicion, I will tell you that I purchased a pair, soon after my return to South Hadley, and have not suffered at all for want of shoes. As for my gloves I am well enough satisfied with them at present, and when I wish for a fan I have no scruples in borrowing one. Respecting the rest of my wardrobe I will tell you when I come home. It has answered very well thus far.
Another Wednesday has come, and this poor unfortunate letter is again placed on my knee before me, that a few more words may be added to this already sad, and woful [sic] looking page. [There are ink smudges and fingerprints on the page in a few places.] But I am making it look worse, and worse, every word I write. I began it immediately on receiving your last, and expected to finish it almost as soon as I began it, but some unlooked for circumstance frustrated my design, and, and a thousand things happened, so I could not possibly finish it. Oh dear! I am so tired I cannot write. First let me tell you what I have done to day, and then you may judge for yourself. I rose at four this morning and washed until six, then breakfasted, and after that Charlotte and myself, went to work at our room post-haste, you must know we are required to clean our rooms before we leave, so as to leave them in a perfectly neat state. They are visited after our departure, and marked; of course we wished to leave as favorable impression on our teacher's [sic] &c as possible. About nine I was called to do an our and a quarter domestic work which happened to be washing floors, then I returned to my room, and again commenced scouring. Oh dear! the very thought of it makes me tremble. When the warning bell rung for dinner, I was just ready to change my dress, came pretty near being tardy too. After dinner I ironed an hour and a half, just as hard as I could, then went into an examination in Ancient Geography, and now I am writing to you. Oh! how I do wish this was the last duty I should have to perform this day, but no, I have one or two lessons to learn yet, for my special gratification. Is it wrong for me to go on in this strain, but then I am so tired and fidgety.
Then Dido Lee, one [of] my best friends, has written a few words to you on the opposite page. She saw my hands go every which way, and had compassion on me. Oh! I do love her, I cannot tell you how much. Em Whitney is here now, laughing and talking as hard as she can. They are saying something about pretty writing, I hope they won't throw out any hints for me. I shall not take them if they do. They are strange sort of girls, Em is now writing in Charlotte's album. I will tell you all about them when I come home. When I come home, and that will be soon will it not? Only two weeks more. The examinations commence a week from next Tuesday and on Friday we shall be ready to start I suppose. Oh! I am so glad Pa and Aunt Statira [?] are coming, and Nelie too. This is a new name for sis is it not? It seems quite natural for me however, for we always call Cornelia Butler so. Miss Lyon said she might ask all our ministers and their wives to attend the examinations, so if you would like you can give Mr. Bird and his wife an invitation. They will be entertained at the summary, which I suppose will not be the case with the rest of our friends, as accommodations could not be furnished for all. I have no more time to write now, and Mary Brinsmade said she wishes to put in a few words so I shall leave the rest for her.
[In another hand]
Thursday morn.
My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Landon,
As Hattie has invited me to write a few lines in her letter, I very gladly accept the invitation. I received a letter from home the other day which said I was to return next year and my object in writing now is to ask you if Hattie may not come too.
[In another hand]
I fear you will deem me an intruder, and an impertinent one too. This to introduce myself to your notice. "Sans ceremonie." Be assured, however, my dear madam, that sentiment of the sincerest respect towards yourself, and affection toward your daughter are cherished in my breast. I cannot suppose that the mother of a friend so dear as Hattie can doubt me. She is so tired to-night that I do really pity her, and having penned a few lines to Lottie's mother, have taken her sheet to write to you. I hope she may find you in improved health and having had a happy visit with her friends be restored again to Holyoke and to her circle of friends.
With sincere regard, Dido C. Lee
[In Hattie's handwriting]
I shall probably write again before the term closes. Answer this as soon as you can. Tell Pa I cannot express my gratitude for the money he sent me. I have written to Mrs. M- within a few weeks and am daily expecting an answer.
From your Hattie.