Burritt College March 27, 1854

Mr. Hill,

As my labors for the day are over I will reply to your last letter. There are so many here that I cannot find an opportunity to write to you until all have retired. We have nine girls boarding with us, and such a thing as having an hour alone till after 9 o'clock is a thing not to be thought of by us. Six of the girls are new students - all nearly grown young ladies - handsome and interesting. They have produced quite a sensation among the boys. We have so far a remarkably pleasant school, and from the signs I have no doubt it will continue so. Mr. Cheatham of whom you inquired came, took out a ticket, but left the next morning. I scarcely know why - he was not pleased I believe. I never saw him to know him. Campbell and Amanda are both teaching this session. I have not so many classes but am doing more in Music than I have heretofore, because it is probable this is the last session I will have such advantages as I receive from Mr. Hacker's instruction in that branch. My classes are all the Arithmetic, two Latin and Geography one & Grammer and the little folks in reading.

One month of the five is gone and the time is drawing near when I shall leave those with whom I have ever lived. I am sure you will not think it any disparagement to you or that I love you the less, when I say I have a feeling of sadness when I think of it. What heart could feel otherwise on leaving a home such as I have been blessed with - such parents, brothers and sisters as have been my guides and companions.

My parents have borne with my waywardness and fully and like guardian angels have called me back from my wanderings and pointed me ever to a high and noble destiny. Here with them have I witnessed many scenes of happiness - many things to awaken our sympathies and unite our hearts; but I have promised, willingly, to leave my home for years - to break asunder the ties of love that bind me to my father's fireside. I ask no basis but the affection of your noble heart - this I am assured I now have. It is growing late, the fire is out and I must quit soon but my letter is longer than yours ever are. Why don't you write more!

Please don't address me "Miss M.M. Carnes" any more - it seems so formal and you do not expect to call me this in future. Don't wait as long to write as I have as I shall want hear sooner. It is not a disposition of neglect or want of time on my part that I have been so long in answering yours. I did not get it for some time after it was written and I have not had an opportunity till now. Write soon long and often to 

Your affectionate

Mary


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
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