Indiana, July 2" '77
Mr. Jos. Robbins
Dear, Pa.
I received your letter and the money safely friday evening, and thank you very much[.] You asked me about the examination I spoke of, it was the finale examination of the Senior class alone, shool [sic] will not close for almost four weeks yet.
There were four Gentlemen and five ladies in the Senior class, one of the gentlemen got sick and was not able to go into examination, & the faculty advised another one not to go in as they did not think he could pass, and the third failed in examination and the fourth got through all right; all five ladies passed very creditably.
The examination lasted part of two days and untill [sic] eleven oclock one night. It was a very exciting time, the Students that were being examined, were of course very much excited, and the rest of the students were all anxious to hear the result of the examination. Clara Martin that lives up near Mr McGrew's was first in Mathematics. Prof. Brooks' Lecture on Thursday was very good, his subject was "Science and the Bible".
I was very much surprised when you said you were havesting, [sic] they have not begun here yet and I don't think will for several days yet as the grain is not ready to cut, we have only had a few days of real warm weather here this summer, we have cold rains and storms nearly all the time. As to morrow is the 4th, I suppose we will have no school. There will be several hops out of town but nothing in the town, I expect to spend the day, analyzing and pressing flowers for my Herbarium &cc.
I saw your name in the McKeesport Times, among the guests at the Silver wedding at Mr & Mrs Harrisons, and also saw a notice in the paper of Lizzie Jenking's marriage.
P I wish [I] could see you to give me some points for my debate Friday evening. The question is Resolved, That The Signs of the Times Denote Prosperity." I have a good coleague [sic] so I hope to slide through. Edd sends his love &cc. either Edd or I will write and let you know the day we will be home. Much love to all,
Your affectionate Daughter
Gertrude Robbins [about 13 years old]