[The letter is dated 1899, but according to the postmark it was really written in 1900. A classic New Year's mistake of writing the wrong year!]
Stoughton, Mass.
Jan. 3, 1899. [sic]My dear Susie,
The beautiful little pen you sent was much appreciated and admired. I thank you especially for it, and for your letter which came Monday. Is it too late to wish for you a year full of blessing and happiness?
You are probably deep in those reports to-night. I ought to be in the same work, but must go to an Executive Committee meeting of the Y.P.S.C.E. for a short time. The old story, isn't it? My examination papers are done. Wasn't it horrid to spend two of my four days at Concord on them? My Astronomy class have bade farewell to Dr. Young, and are beginning Chemistry. This means much more work, in the way of laboratory arrangement, sending for supplies etc.
My Geometry class I have all alone by itself this term and it is perfectly fine. Out of the eleven, I had two perfect papers, and four others very near it, on a good hard test. They are only just beginning circles, tho, so I don't feel proud of their progress.
I had a delightful vacation. Louise was here several days before school closed. The last day of school there was a "banquet" in the evening, given by the present members to the classes of the past three years who were home from college and normal school for the holidays. It was a very pleasant occasion, held in the main school room which was quite transformed. Supper and toasts took the whole evening.
Christmas day was spent here in the morning going out to sing carols to some sick & old people with my S.S. class. In the eve there was the tree at the church. My class gave me a beautiful copy of the prophets which I prize highly.
There, it is time to go, & I must let one sheet do for this time. Let it carry very much love,
Louise went back this A.M. I think the photos. were $2.00