Oberlin June 15th 1862

My Dear Lottie,
		I am almost ashamed to send you
a letter after so long waiting, but to tell you
the truth I was so provoked after getting your
last letter that I vowed to wait twice as long
before writing as you had ... you see I have ful_
filled my vow. What made you wait so long 
before writing? Oh Lottie I was provoked but I
have got over it now. I expect (if nothing in
particular happens to prevent) to "graduate"
(ahem) this fall and you know you promised to
come and hear my first and last effort at
"Public Speaking" I expect it will be worth

coming hundreds of miles to hear although
I have not yet thought of a subject. Now
my Lottie dear if it is a possible thing I
say you must come. any time between now
and Commencement – will do. the sooner the
better. I am so anxious to see you. If I had
not sworn not to I should have written
long before this. My sister, whom you have
never seen is here, she intends staying till
after Commencement when I expect to return
with her to her "Prarie home" in Iowa.
     Finney is here. in fact nothing has changed
since you left. every thing goes on in the
same regular routine that it always has
gone in. Oberlin has not run down on account
of this war as a great many supposed she
would. I should like to be there to help you
"cut-up" not that I suppose you need any
help for I know you. but for the mere fun
of it. Are you studying now? But my stars!
who knows but that you are married. I never
thought of that, a year brings about a great
many changes. Do tell me who to direct my

letter [ls.?] to be on the safe side I will [post?] it
in care of your father.  It is as you know all
the fashion to be married right after graduating
but I intend to deviate from that rule and go
up west first. Every one is joking me about it
they say I am going up west to find a "man." 
Speaking of men reminds me that John
Hurlbut is here taking a course or rather he
enters College next Commencement. Newton
was here a while ago and called on me but
I was not at home. you can imagine how
sorry I was, I dont know as you know who
I am talking about. I think you will
remember when I tell you they are the "Fast
Boys." It is getting dark and I must go and
get ready for Missionary Meeting. Now Lottie
if you will pardon my not writing before
and come and see me this summer I will
be "mighty tickled." Commencement days
are the 26th & 27th of August. Now do come
wont you? at any rate write soon. as I did not!
		Your "devotedly penitent"
		     Minnie Dutton