Bartlett, I. Chapin. Letter to mother (November 18, 1858)

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Science Hill Thursday
Nov 18th 1858 [November 18, 1858]

Dear Mother

As you have desired us to write on different days in order that you may hear from us twice a week, I commence to day [today], and Garniss will write Sunday. Having caught cold in some way it has settled in my face, thereby disfiguring. Some little that conspicuous part yet, to prevent my catching cold in it. Mrs. Green who has tended me as well as you could have done, so kind and attentive has she been, would not consent to my going out and so putting some linament on it, and [wrapping] tieing [tying] a handkerchief over it. She ordered me to stay in my room until further command from her imperial self, consequently I obeyed her and stayed in my room yesterday, and this morning the result is I now find my self well and one days lessons ahead of my [lesson] class. Mrs. Green has given me to understand that I am now one of the family, and henceforth to consider myself such. She would not permit me even to come down to the table but insisted on sending my meals

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to my room, and begs me to eat heartily which I promise her to do. I received Pa's letter of the 16th yesterday evening, in which among many other things he said he would urge you all to write soon, which I hope you will try and do. Garniss got the Observer at the same time as my letter. The number of new students I think from report is larger than they had last session and the different classes are tolerable full.

We have, the Doctor says about ten days holiday Christmas. Our clothes are sent out by Mrs. Green to be washed, and we are charged a dollar and quarter ($1.25) a month. In relation to our studies, I can not say we are sorely pressed yet. We are compelled to study extravagant to get them they give such awful long lessons. I [suppose] sometimes think that the Covington High School is a perfect "Utopia" compared with Centre College.

Pa thinks that I ought to have had sufficient amount of money left to deposit some as board. But when I had paid my tuition, Society fee and Library fees, the latter two which I am

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under solemn oath never to disclose the remainder [would] is not so much as he supposed. I have not yet had time to look around in the produce market for those Articles he wanted but will do so soon. I would like very much to see him, and the rest of you up here very much. As he inquires if he could procure [unclear word: the?] produce in this part of country he might be tempted to come up.

Garniss is well with the exception of a set of chapped lips, which is a very natural consequence to person that is ever exposed to the cold winds which play around this quiet village. The Doctor told me he was going to write a letter to you but did [didn't] say what he would report concerning us, am glad to hear it was favorable. [Illegible word] if we should happen to come home Christmas, don't forget as Garniss writes his mother to forward some "good things"

I made a mistake Garniss has also a severe cold, which occasions some

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to his nasal propensities under which his handkerchiefs also suffer. As we have but two candles at night, and sometimes but one, we would like you and Mr Hunter to send us a lamp or two. It is not probable that those who are used to the conveniences of gass [gas] could see sufficiently with two candles. Ma if you could make it convenient I would like to have some more drawers as two pair will not be sufficient. I can not tell yet how my socks will [turn] hold out.

I will not write perhaps before next Wednesday, but expect several from you all in the mean time.

Yours affectionately
[Chapin scratched out]