Albany, New York, Term 3, March 1873
My Dear Father,
I had quite a serious time getting to the depot that morning as I had to change cars several times. I do not know what was the matter with the street cars; they would go a little ways and then stop and go back and would have to change cars. There was a gentleman and lady on the cars going to the same depot and by following them, I managed to get along very well.
When I arrived at Albany, I found the streets so blocked with snow as to prevent the cars from moving further than State Street which was however far enough for me. I got to Mrs. Wrighter about four in the afternoon. The next day I went up to school and after school went in to see Dr. Alden.
At first he seemed to think that I would be unable to make up what I had lost in staying and he was very kind however and said he was perfectly willing that I should try.
As to my voice he said it would not prevent me from graduating, though I had to ask him several times before he answered me. He thought I had better board though and I have concluded to, for a few weeks at least.
I will write again soon. Ever your aff. Emma
Albany, New York, March 14, 1873
My Dear Mother,
I arrived here in safety that afternoon about 4 o’clock. When I got here, I found the streets literally blocked with snow. The street cars were only running as far as State Street. This however was just far enough for me. I came at once to Mrs. Wright’s where I succeeded in getting board.
I did not go up to see Dr. Alden that evening, but went up to school the next morning. He came to me and wanted to know why I had not come back sooner, if you had received his letter before I came away, etc. etc.
I answered his questions to the best of my ability but evidently not to his satisfaction. He said that I could of course do as I pleased about staying, but that he did not think I could make up what I had lost and that I might better have remained at home this term. He said that you kept me at home simply because you chose to do so and that I must suffer the consequences.
After school I went in to ask him about my voice as I promised to and also to see if he was willing that I should try to make it up, for I thought if he was not, I would not stay. He said that he was perfectly willing for me to try, and very kindly expressed a wish that I might succeed. He even talked as if he would be willing to assist me outside of school some, if he had the time and opportunity to do so.
I would not accept such assistance if I could have it. If I cannot pass out by my own study, I will not pass at all. He tried to avoid giving me any direct answers in regard to my voice, but finally said that it could not make any difference about my graduating.
He was very angry with your letter and I was sorry that you wrote it. I am glad that you did not answer his. He said that I must not care anything about it that he wrote in that way to you because he had not liked what you wrote to him and that he thought I would understand it. He did not say exactly this, but something very near it. I do not care anyway. It all goes ok. The lessons are quite hard and I shall have to study some make up if I could only.
Please write soon and tell me everything. I am ever your aff. Emma
