Augusta County: M. W. Pollard to Cousin James, May 6, 1863
Summary:
M. W. Pollard writes to her cousin James, telling him of her life at school,
her studies, her teachers, and the people she has met. Also, she relates news
of family members.
James
May 6th
Montgomery
My Dear Cousin
Some time has elapsed since I received your last letter my excuse for this
summary negligence must be that I have been very busily engaged at school. We
are preparing for another examination. What I would give if you could only be
here to attend. This term has been what my teacher calls a "picking up term".
That is we have been reviewing the lower branches, such as Grammar, Mental
arithmetic & Geography but which are in fact what I consider the foundation
of a good education. Do you not agree
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with me? Miss Kellogg my dear
good teacher has convinced me that I can be just such a lady as I wish to be and
I am aiming to become a brilliant and accomplished
young lady, although it is quite far off to anticipate [unclear: this].
Do not think me egotistical when I say that I shall be really [illeg.] at the
end of this term to think how much I have accomplished in nine months. There
are fine girls in my class in Mathematics at the end of the term we will have
finished Practical armithmetic, Mental arthimetic, Algebra & one Book on
Geometry, and be examined publicly on all of them. Miss Kellogg says she
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is very proud of us. I have [illeg.] attended a series of very
interesting lectures delivered by Rev. Dr. Leyburn on the Holy Land every one
acknowledes him as very gifted and talented. I am perfectly charmed with him he
has a kind and pleasant word for every one. Dr Petrie's health is very feeble.
Miss Essie is quite well she asks about you very
frequently. I see very little of Aunt Jennies
family I am so constantly employed at school (very frequently we are compelled
to attend school on Saturday) that there is little time left for visiting. I do
not think they realize that dear cousin Joe is dead at times they seem very
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distressed while at other times they seem to forget. It is indeed a sad
thought that we never shall see Cousin Joe on earth again, but we have the hope of seeing him in
Heaven a brighter and happier home that his world of sorrow and temptation.
Friday is my birthday. I shall be fourteen years of age, four years more to go
to school and then we shall have to make a tour of travels through Europe. It
would be so pleasant for you and "Cousin Sophia" to join our party. Father has concluded
not to sell our place he has had an offer of ninety thousand dollars, but he
declined this. Cousin James I wish to seek a favor of you
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Will you
be so kind as to get me Gen. Jacksons autograph I have commenced making an antiquarian book. A gunboat is to be launched tomorrow.
I am afraid we cannot attend as our teacher forbids unless we have finished
every lesson by noon. We have a very difficult lesson for tomorrow, so I shall
have to content my self with staying in school, I have much more to tell you but
time does not permit. Do please write me a long letter soon, and tell me all
about "Cousin Sophia" If it was not so very late
I could write a very long letter. I never felt so much in the humor of writing
Good Night Dear cousin and accept the prayers and best wishes of your devoted
cousin
M. W. Pollard
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Cousin Katie and all of our little household join me in love to
you. As it is not quite time to go to school I will write a little more. Mrs.
Gen Johnsons is now in the city attended by ten men and sixteen horses. three or
four of the General's staff are with her every one called them Mrs. Johnson's
staff. I became acquainted with two of them Lieuts Hampton and Washington. I
saw them out at a picnic. It has been quite gay here this Spring since people
have made themselves foolish about "Mrs Gen. Johnson and her staff" There are
two charming young ladies residing in Montgomery who were originally from
[illeg.] they are twin sisters it is very difficult to distinguish one from
the other. they always dress alike they are the Misses Smith. I wish you could
know
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them. Well I suppose you are weary reading this unentertaining
letter so I will close although I do so with reluctance. Again, I ask you
please write very soon and you will greatly oblige
Yours affectionately
M.W.P.
