New Haven Jan 26^th '61

 

Dear Father:

                        It is Saturday and another week has gone. Our grades were given out last Thursday. The 1^st consists of those who have orations & all above. The second those who have 1^st Disputes & all above. The third, those who have colloquias & all above, & the fourth those who have no appointment. You will not be surprized to know that I am in the fourth—But Mr. Hutchinson says that my first term Soph. is the best of any since I have been in college—So you see I am on the gain. He also says that I can get a speaking appointment by commencement if I study. I shall try for it. He says I am just / below the threshold of the third grade & thinks I can come up without difficulty. As to the Prize Composition, the subject is not given out till three weeks before the end of the term. I explained about the Prize Declamation in my last. We have been in once, and go in again about this time next term. The average of the two marks decides the Prize. The Prize for Debate is paid in money ($10.00) at the Treasurer's office. I shall draw mine soon. Last Sunday morn. as we went to Prayers we discovered a Secession Flag floating from Alumni Hall. It created quite a laugh—and after breakfast, a tutor, a sweep & three or four seniors took it down. To day Frank Leslie's Illustrated paper has three pictures of the terrible scene. I will send you a copy. I have not heard from any of the children but Sallie for a long time. I must / answer her letter soon. I am well & hope all at home are the same. Should like to hear from any of them. Marion Wait called on me, on his way home, to day. He has a leave of absence for this term. Thank you for the Independents. Have you the beginning of "the Pearl of Orr's Island"? Chap 5^th is the first I have seen.

 

With much love to all the family

 

I remain yours with love

Charles J. Arms.

 

P.S. I heard yesterday that Mr. Atwater who keeps the Fem. Sem. at West Haven was dead—Did you know it?

 

[overleaf]

 

Charley

A. Jan 28/61.

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