New Haven June 10^th 1861

 

Dear Folks—

                        Arrived safely Wed. eve—nothing of interest having occurred during my passage hither. Delivered a message to Joe & John Lanman from their Aunt, to the effect that their Grandmother would probably not survive the night—Have since learnt that the old lady died at 9 P.M. The boys left Friday morn. at half past 10. A heavy rain-storm set in soon after my arrival & lasted for twenty-four hours, after which it cleared off, and we are now enjoying beautiful / summer weather. Got in town just in time to make an "acceptance speech" in Limonia—that honored fraternity having elected me to the office of Junior Orator. The vote was unanimous, as my opponent withdrew during my absence. The speech is to be made the second week of next term, & must be prepared in vacation. My province is the history of the Society. Our Pres. says he is satisfied with the result of my Norwich visit, as the dear little Fresh would probably have been pledged to the Bros. before now, if something had not been said to them by this side of the house. The gay cake Sallie "put up" went down the several gullets of a few / Sophomores with a good relish. Perhaps it will be too late to send some snaps by the Lanmans. As the caterer for the "Skeletons" denies us the luxury of cake for supper, a little something extra in that line is always acceptable. Did anybody remember that yesterday was the 9^th of June, and that consequently somebody was 20!!! years old? That little fact occurred to me, and the anniversary was in many respects different from any of its predecessors. It was my intention, when a youth (ahem—) to write a "few poetry" on the occasion just passed but not being equal to the task the poet has postponed his efforts till the next time when the minor will become a major, & when / there will be an opportunity to perpetrate a poem about passing to Seniority. And now family—Adieu—Accept much love if you wish it, for I have plenty for you & believe me &c—

 

            Dear Father—

                                    Next Friday night the Sophomores are taken into Junior Societies. I have told you that I had been honored (for it is acknowledged to be an honor) with an election to Psi Upsilon. I have given the Juniors reason to expect that I shl'd go—Through their influence, with the help of the Psi Upsilon men in my class, I got the Jun. Oratorship, and it would hardly be honorable to back out now. The expense will be $10.00—which need not, in my case, be paid now, but in installments as convenient. I trust you will give your consent, as it will be a great disappointment as well as a great loss, if I have to be a neutral—which in Jun. year is a bad / fix to be in. Please let me hear from you very soon. If you can spare a little money it will be very acceptable, as I need it. I meant to see more of you when I was home, but the nature of my errand, and the shortness of my stay prevented. With much love I am your aff son Cha^s.

 

[margin]

 

Cha^s June '61

SOURCES