Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-02-24 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.21Context
[Newark, Columbus, and Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Bartlett, OH, “Wash. Co.,” stationery has Y.M.C.A. logo at top.]
Newark, O., Feb. 24, 1895
My Dear Bertha,
Please accept these few lines as a substitute for a long letter.
I am in the Y.M.C.A. room surrounded by dozens of fellows, some reading, some talking, some writing etc.
Came here Thursday via Col. The largest convention ever held in the State. Inspiration, inspiration all the time everywhere, have been busy all the time.
Am staying just one mile from the convention rooms. A model family, old fashioned, and just make you feel right at home. Services will commence in a few moments. Would that I had time to tell you of all that is going on. Col. Feb. 25, 9 A.M. have 50 min. till train time. Am sitting in the Depot. I look wistfully to the south, and a feeling of sadness comes o'er me to think, that I must go just the opposite direction. Your sweet message came to hand in due season and with it a sentiment of peace and love inexpressible. This was the grandest Convention ever held in the State as you will notice from the paper sent you which I presume you received, if not will you please speak of it. Well here comes one of the boys so I must leave this.
Ada, Monday evening. Well here I am at my room once more, and as so much devolves on me tomorrow may I ask you to pardon this soiled sheet.
I can say simply that this marks an epoch in my life. Higher grounds are occupied than ever before. Clearer conceptions of what it means to be a Christian. Ira was not at the convention. I met many of the old Ada boys. I did not stop at Col. for contest the rest of the boys did. Denison U. stood first, Wooster second, and O.U. at Athens third.
I hope you did not have to exercise on the washboard last Sat. while I was enjoying such a grand treat. How many times I thought of you in your loneliness.
Now I should love to write much more but there awaits me 12 hrs of Greek 7 hrs of Latin about the same of Logic, besides writing convention reports and getting Bible lessons and making up committees. And while I know you hold first place in my heart, yet may I not bring this to a close and I assure you that you shall have more time next wk.
If I feel witty enough next wk. I may try to answer that anonymous letter. Did you teach those children how to send a — on paper? Accept a [kiss] from your True lover,
J. H. Harris
