Walsh, Julie Ann to her parents 1829 April 13

Litchfield April 13th 1829
Dear Father

I presume you have discovered before this time my mistake in writing to brother William and directing the letter to yourself. it was written very badly and in a great hurry I have been expecting a good scolding this long time from home for my bad writing for I have well deserved it___
We have had a cold winter and much snow but it has been very pleasant
and I have enjoyed myself very well --- I hope I have improved
my time to the best advantage in obtaining useful knowledge
which if I have time will show ---and although I might now think
I have, I know of many moments that might have been better spent
Miss Nestell received Mr D’s letter on Saturday evening. School closes on
next Monday evening the 20th when we can return home as the stage does
not leave here until Wedensday we will not start until the morning
of that day___ and it will also be better for ourselves as we are
always very much fatigued after the exhibition so that we can
have one day to rest. I hope the steam boat will not break down
this time if it does we shall be badly off as I ^do not know of any company
that we could have. I had hoped to have seen you here. I know
you would be very much pleased with the exhibition but I
know I shall feel much less embaressed when none of my friends are
present. It is a long and fatiguing ride from Poughkeepsie here and back again and ^I would not wish you to injure your health by coming in the
stage. as we can get along very well as far as Poughkeepsie with Miss
Pierce, but we shall expect some person there for us. as to my coming in the
Stage. I think it would be the best way and can come that way as well
as any other. Do you wish me to bring my bills home with me? and as Miss P
is coming home with us perhaps it would be as well and then you
could pay her without any further trouble ________________
I have passed the examination so far as well as I expected and shall be
rejoiced when it is over. I intend writing the rest of this letter to Mother
And conclude this is about half and so will not write any more.
From your affectionate daughter _____

To Mr. H. Walsh

Dear Mother

Although I came here to learn I suspect I shall have to learn the most useful part of my education at home, (that of housekeeping)
I rather think I have not improved much in that respect this Winter__
What gives me the most trouble just now is my dissertation for the last night of school. which is to be read aloud. My subject is (Our duty towards
the Indians in endeavoring to christianize and colonize them and our
cruelty towards them in taking away their lands and the reasons which should influence us to the above conduct) I think it a very copious subject
but don’t know what I shall make out of it. I expect Miss Pierce, Miss
Thompson, and Miss Nestell, will stay at our house the first night, Miss Pierce
intends spending all the vacation among her scholars in Orange County
and will return with Mr. D and Miss Nestell. She will be at our house
part of the time. She is not very prepossessing in her appearance but
has an excellent and cultivated mind, neither is she handsome
but rather homely, but very polite &c &c. She has been very kind
to me this Winter says I don’t eat half enough when I eat so much
that I am ashamed. ________________

I have lately received a letter from Janette Van Kleeck which I
wish you would tell her as I do not intend writing again as I shall
so soon see her. Next Friday is fast day appointed by the Governor
which although wrong we I dare say will employ ourselves on that day
In packing our trunks &c. Janette‘s letter tells me that Doct. Walsh is
very sick it seems then that his tour did not mend his health.
I am rejoiced to think that Mr^McCarrol has come off couqueror [torn]
dancing. I want very much to read the pieces on both sid[torn]
This week is entirely occupied by Geography examinations. [torn] very
tiresome—I wanted to fill this sheet but am prevented for want
of matter knowing that a letter is not the more interesting
for being long and filled with ^as good as nothing. My love to all relations
and friends and hoping soon to see you all I subscribe
myself your affectionate Daughter

Julia Ann Walsh To Mrs Mehetable Walsh