2005.053.004

Letter

Michigan Military Academy

One letter, dated February 10, 1890, from McKinstry Burt of the Michigan Military Academy to his parents. The letter is handwritten in black ink on both sides of a sheet of slightly yellowed letterhead stationery from the Michigan Military Academy in Orchard Lake, Michigan. The text is transcribed as follows:

"Dear Papa and Mama,
Yours of the 5th inst. [instant] and Mama's of the 7th inst. rec'd all right. That is a pretty good horse price to pay for a work horse is it not, and he is pretty young to let old Kells have anything to do with him. Mama wanted to know why I was not examined in all of my studies. I only took three last term and only had to be examined in two of them. I am glad to hear that Miss Poe has found a man that will take care of her, and give her silk stockings.
Edgar went to Detroit Saturday and will be back tonight. We had an entertainment in the new academic hall Saturday night. After the entertainment was over and we had marched out, one of the chandeliers fell down and scattered the lamps all over the floor. They made quite a fire but with our over-coats and anything they could get their hands on, they extinguished it.
The building is worth about $30,000. It would [have] been quite a loss if it had burned up. There is 2 sure cases of scarlet fever here now, and likely to be more in a few days. I am not afraid of catching it, but if any more break out, I am afraid they will have to dismiss school for awhile. There is 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground, but not enough for sleighing. I think I can come home next Friday night.
From your affectionate son,
McKinstry Burt.

Do not be alarmed about the scarlet fever on my account because I do not think that I will catch it.
M.B."

Date

1890

Collection

Military

Extent of Description

8.5" x 11"

Search Terms

Michigan Military Academy

People

Burt, McKinstry

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