[added: 29th Sept [September] 1840 [added: 18]

I received your kind & affectionate on last Monday. I was shaking very hard with a Chill when I got it — I went up to the Institute on Monday & had a Chill that day about 12 oclock [o'clock]; Cousin Elen came over in the evening for me to go home with her but Mr Smith said that I had better not go untill [added: untill [until]] next morning. I had another Chill on Wednesday but have had none scince [since]. They gave me a great deal of Quinine & Toddy. I took Pills that night and Oil the next morning & Doct [Doctor] Hays Bled me. I think now that I am entirely well. I will start to School tomorrow if the weather Premits [Permits] Cousin Sam says that I must stay at his house for the first two or three nights. I am verry [very] sorry indeed to hear that Aunt Narcissa has been sick but I hope that she is well now. tell her that she must not get out of the notion of coming up Christmas. we will have only one week's vacation. Cousin Jane & Mary Eliza started to Nashville to day [today] on a trip of pleasure. I expect I shall be put in the second senior class but do not know exactly yet where I shall. I think Mr Smith is a very fine man. he is verry [very] polite Bows a great deal but he is at the same time very positive. I like Mrs Smith verry [very] much indeed. She came up in the Sick

room two or three times to see me. I think one side of her face is very much like Aunt Frances .

We have to write either a letter or a composition every week. Mr Smith makes the Girls let him read their letters: but they may put as long a Post Script as you like afterwards. Tell Bet I would have written to her sooner but I have been sick. I intend writing to her this week or next week if I have time. Mama tell Brother John that he must write to me. & Sister too. Oh Mother you have no idea how much I want to see home & every person there. It seems to me if I could see you all I would give every thing that I have got in this world. Oh you have no idea how verry [very] strict they are at the Institute the will not allow the girls to speak one word in school. They have a very large bell that they ring every half hour and evry [every] one of the girls does not run down stairs & back they are censured they have luncheon at 12 oclock [o'clock] & dinner at three. I dont [do not] know all of the rules but the girls says that they are very strict. There are 112 scholars at the Institute. I became acquainte [acquaint] with a great many of them. Ophelia Bills & Mary Prior came in & set up with me nearly all that night that I staid [stayed] there. I think they are both very fine girls. Dear Mother give my love Aunt N Aunt P & all of the relations. tell them all to write to me. Cousin Elen & Cousin Sam sends their love to you Aunt Narcissa A P and all of the relations kiss all of the children for me

tell Papa the he must be sure to come up in October.

I remain your affectionate Daughter

Mary Jane Chester

Mrs Elizabeth Chester