Letter from Sarah Forrer, Dayton, OH to Augusta Bruen, 1862-07-06
Dayton July 6th 1862
My dear Augusta
Thy last to me was dated June 8th full, as usual of interesting sayings, and doings of the dear little ones. I would like much to look in upon you, occasionally as I used to in Dayton, and go with you strawberrying and bathing, or any other thing you might have on hand. But it cannot be. I want Mary to enjoy some, or all, these things with you and if thy answer is favorable, she will be with you. Mr Galloway of the *Summary*, a brother of Sam G. has offered Mary the drawing and painting class (the same situation that Eleanor had) We consulted Mr. Barney showed him what Mary had done and Asked his opinion. He said "She is better qualified now than nine tenths of those who go out to teach. I went to Mrs. Hillard who educates and sends (or did then) teachers to all parts of the union, and told her I wanted her best. She gave me Miss Fitch whom she said was the best she had had for three years. But she had nothing near equal to what Mary has to show," He said he would have no hesitation in saying she could fill the place well. But he thinks it would be of service to her and give her confidence to go to N.Y. and spend sometime at the Institute if possible. He thinks, though, it is not now in session, that by seeing the Directors, she would be permitted to enter the school, so far as to become acquainted with their arrangement of the room, manner of teaching, best materials, &c. And he thought some of the teachers although it is vacation would be near at hand, and willing to give her lessons privately if in no other way. (Mr B. says Eleanor did not attend any Institute or school of design, but took private lessons) Mrs. Stevens proposed it that is that Mary should take the place to me first, and has taken great interest in it.
To sum it all up, she wishes to learn the best matter of teaching, and what will be needed in the way of materials to enable her to teach properly what she knows and may learn.
Also she would like to take some lessons in sketching from nature. In drawing common objects, such as chairs, tables, the inside of a room &c. (as Eleanor used to require of you) Some lessons in crayons, She wishes. And the Galloways would like her to teach watercolor though they acknowledge they are not of much account. Still it is sometimes asked for, and it would be desirable to know how to manage them. She has till the 15h of Nov. to prepare herself. The Galloways are willing to take her as she is, but she wishes to see and learn a little more. Now we wish thee to find out if these things can be had and done, and at what cost. Also if proper boarding, convenient to the Institute can be had and at what cost. The lowest, for our means are so limited. I would write to Miss Harrison to assist us, but I do not know whether she would feel able or willing. Perhaps thee might ask her to assist thee telling her our means and that Mary's object is to teach. Miss Harrison has traveled, knows something of poverty, or has known, and has taught for her living. She could assist thee if she would. And would if she could be made to take an interest in Mary.
As to boarding it must, of course, be safe beyond question and cheap. Mrs. Stetsons would be the place, but I suppose the price would be too high. Mrs. Everit says it is there as here She had cheap boarding and good too, with respectable people, but does not think they are there now. I know this is asking much of thee particularly as Luther is busy and cannot help, but I do not know who else to ask. If thee can do it, we will be glad. Let us know the result of the enquiries, and if favorable Mary will soon be on her way. The terms are not settled yet. Mr. Barney will be consulted before any thing is settled.
We all send best love to you all. *Our repulse* at Richmond has cast a deep shadow over us. I sincerely hope we shall have no more of that sort of thing. It is so warm and I have had so much company and so much to do, and feel so unwell that I have not closed my account with Luther. I hope to do so before long.
The weather is intensely hot.
Mrs Holt says Belle will be in Brooklyn yet for sometime. I do not like to ask impertinent questions, but I have given them several opportunities to tell me what they were going to do, and they have not done it, and when I asked them if they were going to take another school in NY. they merely answered no.
As ever thy Mother
Mary Burrows is here. If Belle was going to N.Y. to keep house Mary might board with her.
# We kept 4th July in *Jerrin* woods, and missed you and the dear children sadly. Mrs Pierce and Mrs Holt, Mary Gardner and Mart were with us , and Father! And the time was as pleasant as it could be in your absence and the reverse of Richmond.# #Boston Cream Cake *Katy Vase* 1 pint water - 1/2 *lb* butter - 1/2 *lb* flour - scald the water and butter together and stir in the flour while boiling. Then take it off and break in one by one ten eggs - drop it on tins, and bake. Make a custard of 4 eggs, one pint milk, 2 oz. flour and sugar to make it very sweet, Flavor with lemon, and when the cakes are cool, cut a place in the side and put in the custard.#
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July 6, 1862
Forrer, Sarah Hastings Howard
Dayton, OH
4 pages
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Forrer, Sarah Hastings Howard -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.365
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/365
