So. Hadley, March 9. 1841.Mr. Bingham,
Sir,
In answer to yours of March 4, we would say that at present we give instruction in vocal, but not in instrumental music, unless the circumstances of the case render it particularly desirable. Our early applicants are so numerous that we dare not give great encouragement to your sisters just at present & shall not be able to decide under several weeks.
Please write again and inform us whether they wish the place to be reserved provided a vacancy should occur & how long they could delay for a decisive answer so the longer they are able to delay the great will be the probability of their receiving an affirmation reply[.] If they should still wish to have their name on our list of candidates, please write particulars relative to their age, qualifications & attainments[.]
Yours [...] -
Mary Lyon
Per. S. H. Torrey[According to familysearch.org, Waldo Bingham (born May 3, 1817 in Windham Conn) had three sisters: Nancy Maria (born Oct 17, 1821 in Windham Conn), Lucy (born Nov 17, 1824 in Windham Conn), and Sarah Jane (born Dec 26, 1826 in Windham Conn). I could not find any evidence that any of these sisters attended Mount Holyoke Female Seminary.
This handwriting of this letter does not match Mary Lyon's handwriting.]