Autograph letter signed “Conle Bager,” dated Hanover, New Hampshire, August 25, 1857, written by a college student—almost certainly at Dartmouth College—to a correspondent (“Joe”). A highly descriptive and engaging account of mid-19th century student life. This letter is notable for its exceptionally detailed breakdown of a student’s daily academic regimen, offering a rare firsthand perspective on collegiate discipline and curriculum in antebellum America. The writer outlines: A rigorous schedule from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., including lectures, private Greek instruction, and extensive evening study Specific reference to Greek language classes and Professor Phelps, reflecting the classical curriculum dominant at the time Commentary on boarding arrangements (½ mile from lodgings) and the physical demands of daily routine A candid, vivid tone (“as tired as damnation”) that adds personality and authenticity Mentions of recommendation letters and correspondence networks, shedding light on professional advancement practices The letter provides an unusually granular view of academic structure, time management, and student experience in the 1850s, making it particularly appealing for collectors of educational history and early American manuscripts. Condition: Good to very good; typical fold lines, light toning, and minor ink smudging, with strong legibility throughout. Small docketing note on final page. An excellent example of 19th-century collegiate correspondence, rich in content and illustrative of the demanding intellectual culture at Dartmouth and similar institutions in the period.
| Transcription: |
My Dear Joe, Your letter of the 20th was received this morning & tho I have only a moment to spare from lectures, will drop you a line just to keep up your courage & let you know that I am alive & well. I shall not pretend to answer your letter, but leave it until tomorrow afternoon when, Glory be to God, one of our Profs will be absent. So that you may see how little time I have to myself I will give you a brief synopsis of my daily labors. Be it understood I board ½ mile from my lodgings. I rise at 6, then get down to the table in time for breakfast & eat, come directly back into lectures at 8, sit till 12 – dinner at 12.30 – meet a private Greek class at one – stay until 3 – meet in Prof. Phelps’ Greek class for one hour & at 4 take another lecture & out at five when I am ready to look at papers till 6 – then tea – then exercise – I mean walking until 7.30. Then home & read up on the lectures & copy off notes from 8 to 11, when I am as tired as damnation & can’t think of writing letters, so turn in. This is & has been & will be my daily routine for some 12 weeks longer. I enclose the letter as you requested, such recommendation must be very gratifying. I have written to Bean & will send the letter by this mail – I have no doubt he will give you a letter of rec & also obtain others. I have requested him to send them to North as I see all your letters are postmarked that way & the P.M. informs me there is no P.O. at B. I have sent you several papers, did you receive them. I will write again as soon as possible – write soon to me & Mother & believe me Yrs Affly, Conle Bager [Docketing / postscript fragment] I have concluded to direct to B. S. & tell Bean to do likewise – answers immediately in this respect. Con.
