Yale, June 27^th 1862

 

                        Cousin Frank,

                                                Your bundle of letters reached me in perfect safety, none the less welcome, for being written I should judge by half the whole Normal School & I know not how many others besides. If I am to carry on a correspondence with your whole school, I shall indeed have to write more letters than I am in the habit of, as you seemed to give a mysterious hint that I already do, though why you should take it for granted that I write more letters than I used to, merely because I write to you twice before receiving an answer, I am at a loss to under-/stand. That, ha ha, would seem to imply that you thought it very laughable, if it were so. But you know your own thoughts I suppose, & I will not attempt to fathom them.

 

Do not think that I find fault with the idea of others sending letters to me, besides yourself. Not in the least; it is a pretty good thing. You see I have enclosed a reply to Miss Steele, & if you think there is no impropriety, you can deliver it to her, otherwise you may destroy it & say nothing about it. I trust the matter to you & expect to have fair dealing. Read it if you wish to.

 

The Wooden Spoon, & other exercises of the week, passed off with their usual gaiety. The Freshman Pow Wow was a little dampened by the rain, but it did not injure it much. I am sorry you could not have been here, you would have enjoyed it/tip top. Many thanks for your kind offer of a housekeeper, but the fact is, I am rather pleased with my situation as a widower. I have everything according to my own notion, invite in what friends I choose, & sit up & carouse as late as I please. Not a very uncomfortable state of things, is it?

 

Now I suppose you will think I am a hard boy but I tell you what it is, honestly & candidly, I have grown sober this term. That is, I have been trying to be regular, & perform my various duties in their proper time & way. With all my vagaries & carryings on I believe I have got a little of Aunt Lib in me, that will come out in course of time I expect.

 

But, “This world is not so bad a world as some would like to make it” &c. I was quite surprised to learn of/your Uncle Henry’s ordination & appointment. I had not heard anything of it till Wm Goodrich told me, the very day I received your letter. Well, I think it is just the place where he is needed, & if so you ought not to be unwilling to have him go. I should think it would be rather tough though, to start off for New Orleans just at this season of the year.

 

Tis about twelve o clock & I must close this letter & go to bed. I hope you will answer this shortly & let me know how my reply to Miss S was received. So Good night.

 

                                                                                    Your Cousin

                                                                                                Kirt.

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