APR. 1865 LETTER - ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSASSINATION - Good Content Teacher in Mich.

Description

Lengthy, 6 pg. letter, approx. 5" x 8-1/8", dated at
Keeler, April 28th, 1865
, from "Beulah", to her friend Mary, a former school mate of hers at Dowagiac, Michigan. No State indicated in the letter's dateline, but I believe it is Michigan.
A well-written letter from this young Lady teaching a small school, writing much on school life, her teaching and vacation activities, and of special interest is her discussion of the recent
assassination of President Lincoln
, which occurred two weeks earlier.
Her comments on Lincoln's death read:
"Is not the death of our President a terrible affair. Had it happened in Europe it would not have been considered strange, but here in America it is the most terrible scene to be chronicled on the pages of American history"
The letter also includes:
"My dear friend Mary,
Having been busy at work all day, I seat myself this eve by the way of relaxation to have a nice chat with you through the medium of pen & ink....I hardly know as you have returned, still I venture to send this missive on its journey, hoping it will find you in full realization of perfect health & all other pleasures that a kind & bountiful Providence could provide, hoping also it will cheer you in your lonely hours, in which all school-girls experience when away from home & its blessings & remind you of the past made dear by association, knowing indeed the daily routine of a school-girl's duty...
I am sorry your health would not permit your continuing the English branches, and as you said, 'twas somewhat discouraging. Still 'tis different with you than with me. Your education is to fit you for the duties of society & its requirements; mine for the active duties of life & all its pains and pleasures. Our paths in life are indeed different, yet, I hope each of us will pursue such a course that when the river of Time shall have borne us onto the dark shores of eternity, it may be said of us 'Well done thou good & faithful servant, enter & enjoy the rewards of the just made perfect through death'...
My school commenced the 1st of Dec., had 25 pupils, six young ladies, one gent., the rest were small. Had a class in Geography, Arithmetic, Sill's Grammar, reading, writing, spelling, and all branches taught in ordinary schools. Succeeded beyond all anticipations. Also enjoyed very many sleigh rides, attended many parties and all the festivities of the season. In fact, spent one of the happiest winters of my experience. At the close of school, returned home, spent six delightful weeks, then returned to Keeler, where I am to teach again for the sum of .50 & board per week. School will be small. I anticipate a pleasant time nevertheless...
Have not seen any of my Dowagiac friends since I left there last fall. My thoughts often roam back to those pleasant hours spent in the pleasant school room at D. Sometimes I wish I was there once more, but I presume I shall not enjoy the privilege of being a pupil of any school again, though perhaps I may. I am very anxious to attend school at Notre Dame, though I hardly think I shall this year. Mary, I sometimes think the happiest moments of my life have been spent in the school room attempting to climb the Hill of Science. Then, when I consider how little I've accomplished on that great work, I am almost discouraged. Still, I am not willing that the roots of ignorance should supplant those of knowledge & I still continue to pursue my studies, though little at a time. Mary, since the mind is the grand basis on which we are to rear our monuments of true greatness, how essential it is that we should rightly improve the golden moments of youth, storing it with such knowledge as will [prepare] us for the active duties of life, a life of usefulness to ourselves, our fellow beings...
Is not the death of our President a terrible affair. Had it happened in Europe it would not have been considered strange, but here in America it is the most terrible scene to be chronicled on the pages of American history.
Before me on the table lies the history of the rise & fall of the Roman Empire, a work in which I am deeply interested. Also Mary Queen of Scots, & Lady Josephine. and as I pass to other scenes, I must drop a tear to the memory of those self-sacrificing women whom the world must ever look upon with admiration....
There are a few small pieces of paper tape at the edges of 2 pgs, which had once been used to attach the final sheet to the first 4 pgs of the letter. Fine condition.
COMBINED SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS.
[125]
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