My Dear Susan--I sent you a post-card on the 13th and a native
newspaper yesterday; I really have had no time to write. I sent you
the newspaper partly because it contained a report--extremely
incorrect--of some remarks I made at the meeting of the Association
of the Teachers of New England; partly because it is so curious that
I thought it would interest you and the children. I cut out some
portions which I didn't think it would be well for the children to
see; the parts remaining contain the most striking features. Please
point out to the children the peculiar orthography, which probably
will be adopted in England by the time they are grown up; the
amusing oddities of expression, etc. Some of them are intentional;
you will have heard of the celebrated American humour, etc. (remind
me, by the way, on my return to Thistleton, to give you a few
examples of it); others are unconscious, and are perhaps on that
account the more diverting. Point out to the children the
difference (in so far as you are sure that you yourself perceive
it). You must excuse me if these lines are not very legible; I am
writing them by the light of a railway lamp, which rattles above my
left ear; it being only at odd moments that I can find time to look
into everything that I wish to. You will say that this is a very
odd moment, indeed, when I tell you that I am in bed in a sleeping-
car. I occupy the upper berth (I will explain to you the
arrangement when I return), while the lower forms the couch--the
jolts are fearful--of an unknown female. You will be very anxious
for my explanation; but I assure you that it is the custom of the
country. I myself am assured that a lady may travel in this manner
all over the Union (the Union of States) without a loss of
consideration. In case of her occupying the upper berth I presume
it would be different; but I must make inquiries on this point.