Washington Jan. 24, 1850
Dear Nealie,
I cannot thank you for so well keeping your promise of writing, so soon after you returned home; Tuesday came, and all day I looked forward to the time for the mail to come, expecting a long letter from you, and my step I can assure you, was more than usually light, as I went for the mail, but as I returned I looked over and over again my little package, thinking it could not be possible, you had not written, but it proved too true, no letter came, and the next day, the same, but at last a letter for four on one little sheet was received, but, Nealie, I will thank you for the small portion that belongs to me and as you see I am going to give you a gentle hint to write longer, by taking a large sheet my self.
The description of your ride home was very amusing. I am glad you enjoyed yourselves so much. I wish you could have remained longer with us, we have had some "delightful times" since you left; Our paper, the Chickadeede [sic[ was read last Tuesday evening after the debate at the Lyceum, and is going to be here after, instead of Wednesday afternoon, and the other work we are to have an address; Mr. Holliston is to deliver the next, I think they will be much more interesting, Mr. Gunn's boys declaim too, and to night Mr. Edward Hayes requested his name to be written in that mysterious book, and I expect we shall hear something very bright from him.
Nealie did you hear Mr. Gunns address? he delivered the same in Litchfield, with some additions, and we all escorted him. (Mr. Woodruff our driver) took tea at the "Mansion house", and returned home about twelve, after the Lyceum. I wish you could have been with us, you would have enjoyed it. I know much, Mr. Gunn repeated poetry to us all the way coming home.
Sunday afternoon.
I intended to have sent this Saturday, but did not find time to finish, and must break the Sabbath (if so you consider it) by writing, or I cannot mail it on tuesday [sic], Mr. Hayes much to our joy, was absent to day, and Uncle Brinsmade read two beautiful sermons, we should not feel badly if Mr. Hayes absented himself more often.
Mary left us last friday [sic] night, to visit at Mr. Whittlebys, in New Preston, and returns to morrow, we are, as you can imagine, very lonely without her. I shall decidedly object to her going again. Julia has gone home and taken Helen with her also, marking us number only nine, a small family, for, as you know the absence of three, each good girls, would mark a great difference. Nealie, how would you like the idea of Mary and I spending one week of our spring vacation with you? I do not doubt you are delighted with the thought; we have spoken of it, do not be too delighted, for you may be dissappointed. [sic]
Monday evening
Nealie I do not know as I ever shall make an end of writing, I have so little time, that what I do write, is in haste; I am now in our good "old study" where you, with us, have passed so many pleasant hours. Our study hour is over, but Julia, Jennie Virginia and Eliza are still here and all send much love to you. The snow is falling fast, and it seems quite like winter again. What beautiful moon-light nights we have now, last evening it was impossible to remain in doors, the girls all took a walk, despite the slippery walking.
Mr. Gunn's school, with ours flourishes finely. Charles Vails brother Theodore, came a few days ago to attend Mr. Gunns school, he is very smart, I believe a fine scholar. Tell Hattie to hope on, the seventy scholars will soon be here, I think, but Nealie I must inquire after Mr. Pratt [?] and Mr. Harrisson [sic], and then bid you good night, that Julia may have room to say a word. I have written in such haste that I doubt not you will not be able to read this, but you will make all allowances I know. Rmemeber your promise, not to expose my letters to any one. Give my love to your mother, sister and Johnnie, write soon that I may have an opportunity of returning my character by writing better,
Your Jennie.
[handwriting change]
Dear Nealie,
I have after a desperate effort lifted my pen, but as yet am quite undecided what use to put it o. As I have nothing to say. I suppose it would be quite as wise in me to say nothing. But you know I do not travel in "wisdoms ways" and so will not commence a change in my course in my old age. Oh Nealie what may your worship be employing herself about this what can neither be called a bad or pleasant evening. I wonder if Henry, George W. Jared, or any of those fine ---, are with you tonight. Now if they are I trust you will play "Bird Waltz" sing the "Indian's Prayer" (as good as you did one night for your beloved Charley) to them. Oh! can almost see the admiration starting from their eyes. Look out Nealie, you are a bird worth catching and if you do not keep pretty closely in your rest you will get caught in the snare set by some of those. But I do not feel as though I could give any more advise [sic], tonight as I am worse than lazy and as you are aware that I never write but for that purpose I shall be obliged to bring my epistle to a speedy termination. Good night and write soon, and tell me as much news as I have told you. Give my love to the slighted ones which if I forget not are your father and George, together with the rest. Give my respects to Miss Bartlet, when you see her. You know she was one which I admired the most of the three.
Julia.
[According to the Gunn Historical Museum website, Mary Brinsmade began tutoring students at her family home, and succeeded in establishing the Judea Female Seminary in 1846 in what became the White Inn. The course of study for her girls was modeled upon that of Mount Holyoke. She welcomed students from all over the United States and offered a curriculum of French, English, Latin, and German languages, penmanship, drawing, and painting. On Wednesdays, the girls did needlework while different people read important literature. She hired Elinor B. Church to teach vocal music, piano, and guitar. The girls practiced calisthenics and studied composition on Fridays.
In 1848, her brother Frank with the architect, Richard S. Barnes, outfitted the abandoned Methodist church on the Green, Wesley House, as a schoolhouse. Five years after founding, the school had an enrollment 70-80 students, many of whom boarded with local families, from as far away as Ohio and Alabama. F.W. Gunn had established The Gunnery in 1850 and the schools had dueling school newspapers the Judea Whip-Poor-Will (boys) and the Judea Chick-a-dee-dee (girls).
Parson Hayes at the Congregational Church attacked Brinsmade and her school in 1851 because of the calisthenics, dancing and an exhibition of tableaux. Brinsmade went to teach in Baltimore, leaving the school in the hands of former students Elizabeth Bissell and Helen Mitchell. She returned in 1854 to teach for two more years before leaving to teach at the Packer Institute in Brooklyn. Judea Female Seminary closed for good in 1856.
The museum holds a copy of the Chick-a-dee-dee newspaper that is mentioned in this letter. Judea Female Seminary pupil Julia M. Peters was associated with the Chick-a-dee-dee, but I don't have any immediate clue as to who Jennie is. Nealie Landon was listed as a student at Judea Female Seminary in the April 1850 circular of students.]