RK-112

Southeast Window. Back parlor. Sept. 23/55.

My Dear Not Bad.

How am I to receive such loads of thanks? They will certainly overwhelm me. Please do not send any more. Talk of work. Men are always telling how much they have to do, and think @ woman's cares, ends with @ few hours, work in the kitchen, or perhaps merely looking in to see how the preparations for dinner prosper; or the woman has not yet attained to the dignity of @ schousekeeper; and is @ mere school marm. She has but to stay her six hours in the school-room and her work is done. They think not of the thousand and one things to be seen too about house, or or the petty cares of hours out of school. From eight in the morning till five is the six hours work of the teacher, and then tired and dispirited, she has little heart to go about the performance of the duties which devolve from her.

[page turned, written on left side of page] So Miss Ada C - has captivated you too. Look out I shall claim that ring watch I was going to say ring but I have that already. though I need it not to keep your memory bright. If I were in danger of forgetting you though. I would take @ look at that picture which looks like; shall I tell you what someone said? "A Brigand." Just think of it; but you know Brigands are always handsome. Maria.

But I do not consider that you are one to look lightly upon the labors of the weaker sex, nor do I think that any one could breathe the charge of laziness to you who are always indus= trious. Doubtless you have much to do now@-days, and I hold that I have too, and I'm not going to let you off from an occasional reminder of your existence, in the shape of @ sheet of paper covered with pen scratches, of ⁱⁿ your not to be imitated, happy style. If you do get $3.00 @ day, I get $3.00 in less than three days, so you need not "brag", and there it is again, men think that because they get three times as much for the same amount as of work as women that they do @ great deal more. Notw I dont want you to think me one of the strong-minded; for though I believe in woman's having every right which to her properly belongs; yet I do not go in for the assumption of the breeches and with them the re loss of that modesty which is women's charm, and without ^possessing which, her influence is ^so @ happy @ one. The reins of government I would not wish to hold. I fear I should not draw them tight-enough, and would rather leave them to those to whom they properly belong.

I am getting along very well in my school and begin to feel quite at home. I went for @ few days this week up into Mr. Sackett's room and liked it very much, but Miss Pierce could not get along without another teacher, and did not wish to take another new one so I have gone back again. I cannot but think how foolish I was to give way to my lonely feelings, but I am feeling right merry now.

I went to see Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams since I last wrote. He is perfect as an Irishman; and she as the [illegible] girl. She personated six characters in one piece. It is impossible for me to describe ^them to you, as they are. I can only say go and see them, and if you do not laugh some, I am mistaken. Mr. & Mrs. Ritchings are here now. I saw them when they were here before. I went this week to hear the Hutchinson's who are now on their way to Chicago. It is @ pleasant sight to see three brothers travelling together, all engaged in the same pursuit and seemingly united by the strongest ties of brotherly affection. They sing with @ great deal of pathos and it every word goes home to ones heart. Such songs as "The Good Old Plough"

[page turned, written on left side of page] I saw Molly Martin at the institute yesterday. she sends all sorts of love to you. She looked as blooming as ever, and lives on expectation and anticipation of the joys to come I suppose.

[stamped, upside down] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

"Where shall the weary soul find rest" and "Let me not die in Spring time". He said his ^{nine brothers and} old father and followed the plough. The latter for "three-score years and ten." They had too, some comical pieces "Jordan" "That awful Nebraskolity" &c. One piece called "Man the Life Boat! or @ [illegible (smudged)] at sea" I thought very beauti= ful. One of the brothers sang it alone. He imitated the on his instrument the sound of the thunder, and of the waves dashing against the ship. If they are in town while you are there it will be well worth your while to hear them. Have you seen anything of Fred Colson? I expect he is in Chicago now. I would like right well to hear your Father's speech. Tell him he must send me @ copy. The Erie Country Fair ^{(or rather the people)} was addressed by Horace Greely. I would have been glad to attend but had no opportunity,

I was very much distressed to hear of Ransom's running away, though not surprised as I know he thought of going. It must be @ severe trial to his poor mother & Grandma. I do not pity his father much for I believe that had he pursued the right course with Ransom it would not have happened. Ransom would make @ smart man if he could have proper training; There Have you any idea where he has gone? Poor boy I fear he will not better himself by the change.