Historical Wyoming County May 1952 - Old Fulton History

May 1952 Page 100
BELLES-LETTRES FROM MIDDLEBURY, l8i|lj.-l81^ (cont.)
question," and such ladylike topics), this most interesting letter
was deferred, till time and chance, which happen to all,might afford
opportunity for its completion.
Yesterday I attended church, and was invited to dine out--and
also to a visit in the evening, ^nd this evening I am exceedingly
dull, yet, fearing no other time may be own for some time,I essay
to "write these few lines" and mayhap to send them, in default of
something better. By the way, that same Mr. Brooks has brought me
the xtforks of 'Charles Lamb, after the persual of which epistelary
style, I hope,will be somewhat improved. There is a portrait of him,,
in one volume which represents him, as Hiram Curtiss.says, "all run
up to the head," on a most diminutive body...I also visited Mount
Hope--(Ed: Caroline was enroute from the East to assume this new
position.) and a sweeter spot was never invited to the quiet of the
long sleep. But one is wanting--mountains in the distance--to render
it perfect.
Weill here I am in Wyoming,"Principal of the Ladies Department"
of this venerable institution---for "be it known to all whom it concerns"
that this is the veritable."Middlebury Academy" which was
incorporated about the year 1816. I find, (since I came of course,,
for such items were left in the background when I was invited to
accept the situation), that for sundry reasons the school is rather
low just now and I hardly know how I shall be pleased--however I am
secure of my salary, ($50.00 per term and board), and on the whole
think it better for me to have less cares and anxiety than in an independent
school.
There is this strong objection against this Academy--it is too
much under sectarian influence--too much directed by the proverbial
narrow-mindedneas and bigotry of the.......church--I don r t know,,
Hascall, but I shall come to regard the very name, (.....„), with
perfect hatred--it is the greatest trial I have here that I must
seem to be one. Indeed, the bounds of any single church are too
narrow--it. may do for the soul in it r s childhood to wear the livery
of sect, but that same soul in it's maturity will cast it aside as a
garment it has outgrown. These views may startle you coming from
me, but be not alarmed--never did religion and virtue and holiness
seem to me more lovely than now--but it is the substance and not the
semblance I would seek.
The village is pleasantly situated-the view,(in the stereotyped
description), agreeably diversified with hill and dale"-the Academy
standing on a little eminence and fronted by a fine lawn interspersed
with trees. The people, 'bating the bigotry I spoke of,seem
very kind,good people arid on the whole I am determined to be content
here so long as I remain--how long thut will be of course I cannot
tell. You would be amused to hear me "lecturing" to some of my
cH_£lSS6S» o o o o o o o
As ever,
Your sister, Caroline,
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