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(Anne King) Middlebury College Oct 8th 1860
Dear Sister
Agreeably to your wish I will answer your very good and kind letter thus early, and I am glad to be able to write under auspices so favorable, since my health is very good, and I am getting along so nicely. I have just been in to recite in the Greek Testament, and had a good lesson to and that congenial to ones nature! It is to mine I can assure you, for I so seldom have a good lesson that when I do get one
to the Tutor (I suppose the reason of my getting so good a one this morning was because it was in the bible and I had an English version of it). But enough of this foolery for I shall rob you of your time and patience. How do affairs go on up to my good old town! Who fills Mr Robinsons place now the good old man has gone! How different it must seem there and how solemn it must be to those whom he has left (who were once members of his church) to go in where for many years
(text across) they have been accustomd to listen to the useful words that he uttered, and now not be able to hear or see this kind old man but harder it must be for the widow and the fatherless children. It does seem to me if I was in Mrs Robinson's place, that I could not endure to attend church there now. But so it is death comes like an untimely frost and cuts down the most useful vines in the whole vineyard and all are liable to feel its chilling blast.
Then Ann it is necessary and profitable for us to live such lives as will insure to us the promise given in the Book of books namely; if we re the people of God we shall enjoy the rest that remains for such, and this is not the only grand promise that ere have for the promises of the Lord are immeasurable and I hope we shall both live such lives as to en sure to us the enjoyment of these promises after we are through with our career in this hostile world. I for one Ann have resolved to live a more religious life than here tofore, although it has always been my aim to do what was
(downwards text) Speakers there now! Who are the best ones? Does Hollis take any part in the exercises? I hope he does it will be so useful to him. And he would if he should get once initiated. I can see quite clearly that I missed in not taknig a more active part than I did. Is Blanchard severe as ever this term? Does she lecture as 'much' as common? Is Nettie there this term? if she is give her my respects. Have you heard from Miss Fuller of late? You say you shall always respect her, let others say what they would this is right. I say the same for I think she is a fine woman and a true friend. Do you know whether she and [Gleed] correspond now or not? I hope they do for I had quite an interest in that courtship the only one that I ever cared about. One more question I want to ask about Hollis. Does he make a good appearance at the table and in general? He never has been among strangers to board before and being naturely bashful I did not know but he would be awkward. Have you heard from Ollie lately? If so tell me what if anything good. I am glad to hear that [Dolg] has got back. Do you know where he is to [spring] now?
[Test across] right and I hope these few lines will find you endeavoring to fulfill the same resolution. I enjoy myself remarkably well down here but kind friend not as I did in Morrisville (when occasionaly we would visit the falls or go up on to the hill) neither do I expect to again and I as I look back to those times I feel sad but shall ever reckon it as the pleasantest part of my career. During the sad years of life I shall of times look back to the hours spent in Morrisville as short blissful , and bright, never to be forgoten, an they will shine through the gloomy time as it passes like the fair glistening rays of the sun. I am sorry to hear that Hill is becoming so self sufficient as you say for if anything is despicable in ones character it is that arogant way it is especially so to me, the last time I saw Charley Persons I thought he was exceedingly disagreeable and I was sorry to see it for he and I used to be great friends. And how do things go on up there? how do the Lyceums prosper! Are there any good
[sideways text] Geroge is having the teeth ache to night and feels somewhat down I asked him what I should send to you and he says a kiss. But I must close for our Society meet to night and it is time to go now so excuse all mistakes and except this with much love from your kind affectionate brother A. O. Gates
P.S. write soon as soon as I have if this is worth answering and it is possible for you. One thing was most for goten that is a piece you spoke of for your paper I would do the best that is possible for me if I had any time but so far it has all been taken up in writing letters and in writing what I am obliged to write for College exercises and with my studies but if I can get time I will do the best possible for me to do. AOG
[Cross text] Speakers there now! Who are the best ones? Does Hollis take any part in the exercises? I hope he does it will be so useful to him, And he would like it if he should get once initiated. I can see quite clearly that I missed in not taking a more ative part than I did. Is Blanchard serene [?] as in this term? Does he lecture as much as common? Is Nettie thee this term? if she is give yer my respects. Have you heard from Miss Fuller of late? You say you shall always respect her let others say what they would. This is right I say the same for I think she is a fine woman and a true friend. De you hnow whether she and Gleed correspond now or not? I hope they do for I had quite an interest in that courtship the only one that I ever cared about One more question I want to ask about Hollis. Does he make a good appearance at the table and in general? He never had been among strangers to board before and being naturely bashful, I did not know but he would be awkward. Have you heard from Ollie lately? if so tell me what if anything good. I am glad to hear that Doly has got back Do you know where he is stoping now?
[sideways text] they have been accustomed to listen to the useful words that he uttered, and [?] not be able to hear or see that kind old man but harder must it be for the widow and the fatherless children. It does sesem to me if I was in in Mrs. Robinson's place that I could not endure to attend church there now. But so it is death comes like an untimely frost and cuts down the most useful vines in the whole vinyard and all are liable to feel its chilling blasts. Then Ami it is necessary and profitable for us to live such lives as will insure to us the promise given in the Book of books namely; if we are the people of God we shall enjoy the rest that remains for such, and this is not the only grand promise that we have for the promises of the Lord are innumerable and I hope we shall both live such lives as will in sure to us the enjoyment of these promises after we are through with our career in this hostile world. I for one Ami have resolved to live a more religious life than here tofore although it ha always been my aim to do what was
