South Hadley
27. Dec. 1886.
Dear Miss Melvin,
I thank you from all my heart for your kind Christmas greeting and all the friendship which you bestowed on me since the first day we became aquainted. [sic]
May the new year bring you many many blessings, you dear kind heart!
I rejoice already now your coming back and hope you will return in the best health!
Your room will be nice and clean when you come, the women have swept and I shall do my best to dust it; it is now locked up, as Miss B. gave me finally Miss Sherman's room so that all my wishes were fulfilled.
We had a very beautiful Christmas. Think only how good everyone is here to me: the girls living in the Seminary and those at Mrs. Snow's had adorned and lighted a Christmas tree, when all was ready they came and took me down and sung my favourite hymn and Miss B. was so lovely and kind that I felt quite happy, being near her the whole evening. You, Miss Clapp, Miss Bradford and all the other dear friends had left and sent so many sweet gifts and beautiful cards that I did not know where to begin to admire all.
You were quite right when you said the time would pass quickly: to-morrow week all the seminary will be full again as it was a week ago.
On Wednesday I have to go to Springfield which I fear very much.
Till now no letters for you have come, they would have been forwarded without your little note which I discovered only to-day; as Miss Bowers knew your adress. [sic]
Excuse this untidy and un-English letter, I feel not quite well and to write English letters is also not easy for me.
I hope when you have read it you will feel what I wanted to say by it, namely that I think of you every day with a most thankful heart.
Will you promise me to destroy it?
Your
affectionate friend
Anna Elizabeth Engelhardt.