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bernard_b1f10_007
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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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University of Miss Oxford Miss April 23, 1871 My dear dear Ma To say I was surprised on perusing the weekly letter of April 15; would but feebly express my emotions; but to say I was grieved would certainly be the most forcible word by which I am able to make known the sorrow, the general tenor of your last letter gave me. All of which I suppose resulting from some letter I wrote you concerning the one you sent Dr. Waddell: now my dearest Ma, far very far was it from me to injure your feeling in the slightest manner; but from the tone of your letter, it is evident I have. The letter you wrote to Dr. Waddell I was not displeased with but on the contrary, I saw many things in its contents that added materially to my interest: on reading it I thought you had probably failed to get my letters and felt anxious in regard to my health and came to the conclusion that you would drop a few lines to the above named Prof. If my letters have contained the least symptom of my displeasure in regard to anything you have done I earnestly ask your pardon, and believe me I have said nothing, intentionally to hurt your feeling. And likewise believe me when I say the bulworks of love and affection are too strong and stupendous to allow anything than the kindest feelings and best wishes to pass the portals of my heart. for you as were as, my dear father. Now dear Ma in regard to one other thing I remarked in your letter- the securing of boarding here- I was of the opinion, as you could not get board at Mrs. Dobbins, where I am myself staying and taking into consideration the fact you being among entire strangers, isolated from all you acquaintances, and myself being in College all day, I came to the conclusion you would spend a very unpleasant time here. So you see Ma it was you I thought of if I had consulted my own pleasures you would have certainly been with me in "Oxford." Let me close these explanations with the hope that the balm of my love, which has never been wanting for you, will heal the wounds that have apparently been made. You ask if I need any summer clothes at present well yes, tho I thought I would wait until about the 5, of next month before I should write to you for them. I have only one suit of every day clothes and they are rather small and holy: my Sundays also is declining in health, socks are in bad condition but I thought it would be convenient for Pa if I should defer the purchase of my summer apparel until later in the season. I am on eve of making a contest for an honor- a gold medal- it is whispered I am to carry off the Prize I tell you more about it if I am successful: two weeks from yesterday is the day appointed for the contest. I go to church every Sunday night, I shall go to hear Dr. Wheat tonight. I will certainly write to West Chester as soon as I find time. Love for Pa yourself and all. Your devoted son. Fred