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bernard_b1f9_001
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Some of the images and language that appear in the digital collections depict prejudices that are not condoned by the University of Mississippi. This content is being presented as historical documentation to aid in the understanding of both American history and the history of the University of Mississippi. The University Creed speaks to our current deeply held values, and the availability of this content should not be taken as an endorsement of previous attitudes or behavior.
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Dr. Frederick Robert Bernard Collection (MUM01719). Archives & Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries.
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West Chester Wyers Scientific & Classical Institute May 8th 1870 My dear Mother Your appreciated favor 25th ultimo is at hand having come through in [ten] days. I think I may consider My Mother hereafter quite an eloquent character, the manner in which she described the countenance and [posture] of her son when time will permit him to sit once more around the family circle and narrate his adventures met in a two years absence from home, it is beautiful in the extreme and I must say a very vivid description of what I play ere long may be a reality. I am afraid. Pa will err if he calls me the little boy, assure him for me that I am considerably larger than the "Pigmies" spoken of "Gullivers Travels" who were represented as being so small that the one who fell into their generous hands had to lie down in order than he might hear them talk. I was very amused to hear of a little incident which happened to our domestic arrangements the other day. My worthy Hostesss (Mrs. Wyers) went down some where about the kitchen department and chanced to meet some of those models of beauty and paragons of servants (the biddies as we technically call them) who giving vent to some angry thoughts and I may add unlucky, for hardly had the adjectives reached the eras of Mrs. W. when the poor unfortunate biddy found herself right in our Hostesses clutches, who had a firm hold on the ear of the distracted girl. Mrs. Wyers soon found it necessary to adjourn to the "Study" of our beloved Principal where in a brief time she laid her grievances before Dominus who sent three or four of the young ladies down the board walk in a hurry and much to the delight of some of the boys they raised the most insulting songs and passed some very objectionable epithets upon the Wyers family, substance, of which my room has ingeniously rendered in verse as follows, viz., "We" Wride Billy Wyers on a big sharp rail, And bid good bye to his blasted old fail!" Canto II "I have talked with and heard talk, A great many liars, But I never saw or heard of one To equal Billy Wyars!" You may be sure I will provide myself with suitable clothes. I want to look right decent when I come before your criticizing gaze. I think I will be able to leave this place about the 6th of July and think very likely that I will have the company of a fellow student all the way home. he lives in Texas and expects to go near the same time that I do. Good bye with love to all. I remain your Affect. Son Frederick Robert