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Bartlett, I. Chapin. Letter to uncle (December 6, 1858)

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Centre College Dec. 6th 1858 [December 6, 1858]

Dear Uncle,

Having informed you of my intention of going to college I left home the 29th of October and arrived at my destination that night, after a very disagreeable ride of 23 miles on a stage coach which runs from the place where the cars stop to Danville. As it was raining when we got in town, the place presented a very sorry appearance, but after I had become more acquainted and studied like the deuce for about a week it did not seem so dull. Myself and [illegible word] a young fellow from Covington are rooming together at the Presidents house (Dr. Green) and on the whole we have a nice time, of course not including the hard studying we have to do. I tell you they give long lessons. There is a young fellow here from Princeton who says he is compelled to study a good deal harder here then he did there in order to get along. How are all the folks? particularly the young ladies. How Miss Fannie, Miss Ann Campbell give my respects if you please, and tell us all about them.

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We have 3 Societies. The best, largest, and oldest of which is the Chamberlains. She has 51 members, and you ought to hear us expatiate. Last night as usual every Friday night we met, and it would have done you good to have heard your humble servant cut loose "je whillakers" but I astonished the natives. Oh! of course, I joined a Society yesterday evening in which something was very strikingly impressed upon my memory and as upon my "tale". I was asked to join a secret society the name of which was the Merchant of Burlinham. Well after a little coaxing for I am not very partial to such societies I consented. There were five others joined at the same time with me, that is the same evening. Well, the master of forms took me to the door of the hall, and at his command I laid down my hat outside, and then clasping my hands together before me he told me to follow him, and say what he said. He knocked at the door and some one opened and said "come in brother" the fellow whom I was following says good evening brethren to those who were standing on each side of the door in order, so that this

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new member had to pass between them. I said good evening brethren as my guide did, and stooping over you know walking in. I hadn't more then got the words out my mouth when such kicks as greeted my "fleshy protuberance" that I will not forget it soon. Well there being more out to be initiated. We all took our stands as before and the new one was admitted in the same way. When he got the same greeting that I had got just before him and soon with the rest. But the moral is the best [unclear word: part?] which is "never let your curiosity [unclear word: past?] where you'll get your asse kicked" one which I think I will remember. We expect to have a jolly time next Saturday taking new members.

There are about a hundred and fifty students attending college now, and we are getting along very well. In relation to that money due you. I wish Uncle if you do not need it you would wait until about Christmas when I expect to get money from home and will send it to you, as I do not want them to know anything about it there. I would have sent it sooner as I promised but I found that I had need of all I had.

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So don't say anything about it in your letters.

Give my love to Aunt [unclear word: Sophrene?] and tell her I will write her soon. Let me know how you are getting along with your mill.

Write Soon
Yours &c
[I. Chapin Bartlett crossed out]
Box 47
Danville
Boyle County
Kentucky

[I. Chaplin Batlett crossed out]
CC [Chaplin crossed out] John Johnson
Bridgeport
Harrison County Virginia
Danville Boyle County Ky