Sumter, S. C.
Feb. 19, 1868

My dear Fuller

Many thanks for your "counterfeit presentment"

--yet it is not quite as good as I should like. I cannot say why. But then I scarcely ever do see one of any one which satisfies me. I am glad to have it you may believe.

One of my scholars wrote me a note on her slate the other day, asking for my "fotter Graf."

You say you wish your teachers would drill your schools as mine is drilled. Let me inform you of a fact few but teachers of district schools know. There are very few mixed schools numbering over twenty, in New England, where the teacher can find time for anything more than the regular routine. I never would. My school here, though numbering over fifty, is so well graded that I can secure ample time by a little wise economy and forethought.

Now--coming home in May? What for? You know not what you ask. But truly the summer is much the pleasantest time of the year here. I do not mean to work as hard this summer as I did last, but I want to keep simmering until August if possible. Another thing--my temporal dispensations--the other teachers--leave the last of May, and I should like a few weeks of comfort to remember Sumter by in case I never see it again.

Did you want me to keep school for you? I will tell you one thing, whenever I do come home I shall just be good for nothing for six weeks at least. I dread the feeling of lassitude and utter weariness which I know will follow my ceasing to work here, and want to put it off as long as possible. I'm not good for much, Fuller. All the elasticity has gone out of me like a used up india-rubber string, and I am about as worthless. Be warned in time.

You will trust me with Capt. Johnson then? Good. He is not just the friend I would choose if I had a large variety to select from,but he is very kind to me, and appreciates the loneliness and unpleasantness of my position. I scarcely feel as if I knew him yet; he is very grave and not a great talker.

I have demanded the removal of Mr. Tamblyn from this house, and I understand that he intends to leave Sumter. I hope it is true. He has succeeded in causing me the most unhappy winter I ever passed.

I enclose a letter I have this week from my little niece Caro. It is her first attempt and I think it does very well considering her left-handedness. Lily, her older sister, writes a very pretty letter indeed. They both spell well, which I am very glad of.

With love to Mrs. Fisk I remain

Truly yours

Jennie B. Smith.