[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]West Haven July 9 /49.
My very dear sister Rosa,
Your precious letter, I find that I have too long neglected in answering, but as you know a little of the nature of my engagements this term, I shall offer no apologies. Never before have I had so many things to try my faith, & patience as this term, but I hope that the trial will not be wholly unprofitable to me, nor to those who have been under discipline. Miss H. has not been the only one who has been under restrictions, although we consider her by far the most guilty, & consequently her punishment was the most severe.
Two young ladies high spirited, & proud, seemed bent upon trying me, to see if I would practice what I preached, so they kept on with their play & communications, with apparently no regard for my wishes. First I spoke to the whole school, saying that if some of the young ladies did not change their course, their seats would be changed. Next I executed my threat, & finding that was not sufficient, I forbade their having any intercourse with each other, or with any of the young ladies during the hours they were under my care. Before bringing it before the school I sent for both separately, & talked with them. One (a young lady from Philadelphia) was completely subdued & begged me not to expose her, & I should never be troubled again.
The other was a piece of insolence, & looked as if she would frighten me from duty if she could. From the depths of my heart I pitied them both, but I had a duty to do, which (painful as it was) must be done for the good of the school. One I kept on probation 3 or 4 days, the other more than a week, until I saw in them that, which made me feel that I could release them consistently. They have given me no more trouble, & I do not think they will.
Next some of them comenced [sic] smoking cigars, as the Spanish ladies do. Just before school one morn. I was told that one of the young ladies was sneaking in the Sem. For a moment I hesitated, not knowing what course to take. Then I thought it best to settle that business at once, although it would infringe upon school hours. I sent out for the guilty one, & reprimanded her rather severely, cross questioning her, till I found out all I cared to, & then called in Mr Wright, who told her she might take her books & leave for he thought
her influencethat, with other things that had been developed in her charactermadeher influence over the school was very bad. She was so anxious to be tried a little longer, that we concluded to let her remain another week to try her. The week is just out & I do not know whether we shall expel her or not.When I went into school that morn, I expressed my mind about smoking, very clearly & decidedly I think, so that there will be no more trouble about that. What will come next, I cannot conceive, but I hope the remaining four weeks of the term will be spent in peace & quiet.
I have told you only the bad of my school, & now I will say that it is not all bad. It would do your heart good to hear some of my little girls 10 & 12 years old, in our little prayer meetings on Tuesday eve, praying that their teacher may be supported, may be guided aright in all her duties & trials. I can assure you I have some precious ones in my flock, who I hope will go forth to do much good in the world. My examination will be held 4 weeks from tomorrow. Will you favor me with a call? I believe I feel more anxious than I used to, when I was to be examined myself. [...] not wish [...] too troubled about it, but I some[times] fear I am. Pray for me my dear sister, that I may be enabled to cast all my care upon our Saviour.
Mr W. has been an invaluable friend to me. I know not what I should have done without his counsel, & assistance. He has been to me a brother his wife a sister. I wish you could know them for you could not help loving them. No trouble is too great for them, if by discom[...]ing themselves they can make others happier. (You see how strait I have written but it was because Julia is twisting my hair & stood in the light.)
I must tell you a little about an excursion we made the 3rd day of July. A company of 18, took a quantity of lunch, & went on board a vessel, & sailed to thimble island, a distance of about 20 miles, where we spread our table loaded with luxuries such as bread, cheese & butter, dried beef, 7 kinds of cake, 3 kinds of pies, Pea-nuts, raisins, & oranges. We had a delightful day, a delightful sail, a delightful time, & delightful company. Mr W. never trusts his family on sail excursions without some one to look after them so he goes himself, & all are rejoiced to have him go.
I like living by the seaside very much indeed, & have enjoyed very much more than I anticipated while at the Sem. I have written to Miss Whitman an application for one of my scholars to enter the Sem. next year, & have rec'd for answer that she is accepted. The Sem. is very dear although death has diminished the ranks of those dear ones. Miss Fiske I suppose you are aware is to have a Host next autumn & will be neighbor to me almost (about 7 m distant) & I think we shall see each other occasionally.
I expect Susan's journal daily & shall probably have a rich treat when it arrives. I wish you could come & enjoy it with me. Miranda Green is prevented from going to Persia's [?] daughters by the failure of the health of her intended.
How much I long to see you my own Rosa. So much could I say that I have not time to put on paper. Please excuse this for it has been written in great haste[.] I hope to enclose from Miss Haws in this. In about two weeks Beulah is to visit Lowell & Andover. Shouldn't we love to be there too? With very very very much love, I remain your ever loving
Louisa.
Mr W. says give my regards although he does know know [...] I am writing. Write me [...] soon, do & just as often as you [can.]
My Dear Rosa, It is Monday eve & though this has been recreation day I do not feel much rested. I have been washing some, ironing some, sewing some, & studying some. Now I am tired some, & can write but a little some to you for I want to study some more. I can hardly realize 4 weeks more will close this term, it has passed away so quickly & pleasantly. I should love dearly to have you spend vacation with us. Then I imagine I could study Latin & recite to you. I have to study it. Am now reading in those sentences where nouns are put in the Accusative case. Julia Hawks is in the class with me & now does very well.
I don't know whether I shall come back next term. Mr Wright says he would like to have me, & I want to, for the sake of having the same teacher in Latin - Circumstances will decide for me.
I hope we shall hear from you again soon.
Accept love very much love from friend Sarah.