A Letter written on Apr 29, 1869

South Hadley Mass.
April 29th /69

Dear Sister,

I wish I had a middler sister here, as you had last summer, and I surely wouldn't be writing this evening, for by a combination of various circumstances I am in what might be called a "mess".

In the first place I was sick Tuesday, so that I couldn't wash or do anything else. Then yesterday morning I went to Northampton, of course I wasn't obliged to go but Annie Leonard, Ellie Everett and Mattie Hathaway were going and I wanted to go with them, we did not get back until after two o'clock, from three to four I went to philosophy lecture and from four to six went to a S senior party in the parlors after supper I was about tired and head-achey enough to be fit for nothing else but to go to bed. Today besides doing all that I usually do, I have washed, done my extra-work and attended a lecture. It is bad enough to look back and see what I have done but it is still worse to look forward and write think about what I must do before Saturday evening; for tommorrow [sic] we commence Butler and Wayland and my morning recitation comes three quarters earlier than usual we shall probably have to attend preparatory lecture in the church and and philosophical lecture at home, I must hand in a composition upon Saturday noon which I haven't yet begun.

I had a very nice time in Northampton yesterday, sat for some photographs, don't know what how they will look, will send you one in the next letter. Our little sociable yesterday afternoon was quite enjoyable, the seniors teachers and the Professor made up the company, Mr. Green was invited but did not make his appearance and I did not hear anyone say that he was sorry. Mr. Young is neither young or lovely, perhaps Lizzie's report in anticipation would give you to understand that he was both, he is about forty years old, is quite good-looking and very pleasant, think his lectures will be more entertaining than Prof. Snell's were[.]

In one thing connected with the party, most of us were disappointed, that was, in reading our letters there, for Nellie Collins was the only girl in the senior class, who received a letter, there were only twenty-two for the entire school for some reason the mails from Boston and the West did not get in. My letter came tonight and was heartily welcomed but I was disappointed to find no money in it, for I spent all of my own and some borrowed money yesterday, the catalogues have at least arrived but I can not get any until I have some money, please send me some just as soon as you can.

Lizzie has just given me her letter to correct, I tell her that I shouldn't be willing to let this pass before a critic's eyes, do please be merciful. Miss Ward asked me yesterday why I didn't invite you in to spend the afternoon with us.

I still remain your very loving
sister Millie