1864-01-13, Letter from Rachel Eltinge to her father Roelif Eltinge

              Po'keepsie Jan 13th
My Dear Father,
		I intended to
have written to you before this,
but opportunity has not offered
its self until now.  You wrote, in
your letter, you would expect a letter
soon, and hoped to hear  I was
not homesick, and that the long
vacation, had not spoiled my
relish for study.  You was disappoin
ted in regard to homesickness, but
as for study, I dont [sic] see, but that
I get along, as well as I did before.
If you remember, when I started
here, I thought I would not com-
mence any new studies, but finish
those, I had just commenced.
I did not suppose then, that
I would finish them in half 
a year, but so it is.  I have fin-

		[Page 4]
besides, the advantage of practice.
Ruly will finish up his course in two
or three weeks, he will stay home
for two weeks, and then he returns
here, to go in the crockery business.
This term, ends three weeks, from
to day.  Then if I go home, I will
make up my mind to practice.
Sarah, has not been over yet.  I
am looking for her all the time
now.  I am also looking for a
letter from home.  I suppose Mother
has received my letter, long before
this.  I wrote to her on saturday.
We are going to have a lecture here
in the schoolroom, tonight, by the
Rev. Mr. Corning.  The presbeterian [sic]
minister,  None but the schollars [sic]
are expected to attend.  Father I
write this, to you only to let you
know how things stand, and then you can
easily decide, and when you let Mr. Wright
know your decision [sic], please let me know
too.  I hope you will excuse this jumbled
up writing- for it was written, in very great
					haste.
(On the top of page 1)
From your ever true
and loving daughter
		Rachel

(On the top of page 3)
With this I send the bill.
Envelope to: Roelif Eltinge Esq
		New Paltz
		New York
Postmarked Jan 13, 1864 Poughkeepsie