Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to Henry Smith Leiper, American Board Mission, Tientsin, September 9, 1920
Dublin Core
Title
Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to Henry Smith Leiper, American Board Mission, Tientsin, September 9, 1920
Subject
Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to Henry Smith Leiper, American Board Mission, Tientsin, September 9, 1920
Transcription
My dear Mr. Leiper:
Yours is, I believe, the fifth letter that I have dictated this morning to either parents or friends of the group of Chinese students who are expected to arrive in Andover in a couple of weeks. The party to which you refer in your letter has evidently grown a bit since you wrote; though I am still not quite sure whether five or seven will be the final number.
I feel confident that I understand fully just what the parents desire for their children; and you may rest assured that I shall not betray the trust and confidence which they have so generously placed in me. I have been more than touched by it all, and tremble a bit as I realize the responsibility which the trust involves. Of one thing these parents may rest assured, and that is that their children will have as constant and thoughtful care from me as would my own.
At present I am hoping to be able to provide accommodations for several of the group in my own home. It will probably be necessary to allow the boys to board at the school dining hall or outside the house, in order that the strain on the kitchen may not become too great. The young girl, however, I think I think I can include as a regular member of my family circle; that, at least, is my present intention. On this basis she would be able to go as a day scholar to Abbot Academy, or perhaps even better, for a year at least, attend our local high school where my daughter is at present enrolled, and where I believe, with such help as she would undoubtedly secure from my housekeeper, who has devoted her life to the teaching of children, she would gain as much in the way of American education as could reasonably be expected at the present time.
From an experience of fifteen or twenty years with Chinese students, I have come to appreciate pretty fully what those parents and youngsters desire; and I know the depth of that desire through the knowledge of the immense sacrifice involved in sending those dear ones to the far corners of the world to secure those things which are believed to be necessary for this high accomplishment. They shall have the best I can give them in interest and affection; more than this I cannot well promise to do.
With deep appreciation of your thoughtfulness in sending me such full information in regard to those travelers, and with warm personal regards and sincere good wishes, believe me always
Faithfully yours,
Yours is, I believe, the fifth letter that I have dictated this morning to either parents or friends of the group of Chinese students who are expected to arrive in Andover in a couple of weeks. The party to which you refer in your letter has evidently grown a bit since you wrote; though I am still not quite sure whether five or seven will be the final number.
I feel confident that I understand fully just what the parents desire for their children; and you may rest assured that I shall not betray the trust and confidence which they have so generously placed in me. I have been more than touched by it all, and tremble a bit as I realize the responsibility which the trust involves. Of one thing these parents may rest assured, and that is that their children will have as constant and thoughtful care from me as would my own.
At present I am hoping to be able to provide accommodations for several of the group in my own home. It will probably be necessary to allow the boys to board at the school dining hall or outside the house, in order that the strain on the kitchen may not become too great. The young girl, however, I think I think I can include as a regular member of my family circle; that, at least, is my present intention. On this basis she would be able to go as a day scholar to Abbot Academy, or perhaps even better, for a year at least, attend our local high school where my daughter is at present enrolled, and where I believe, with such help as she would undoubtedly secure from my housekeeper, who has devoted her life to the teaching of children, she would gain as much in the way of American education as could reasonably be expected at the present time.
From an experience of fifteen or twenty years with Chinese students, I have come to appreciate pretty fully what those parents and youngsters desire; and I know the depth of that desire through the knowledge of the immense sacrifice involved in sending those dear ones to the far corners of the world to secure those things which are believed to be necessary for this high accomplishment. They shall have the best I can give them in interest and affection; more than this I cannot well promise to do.
With deep appreciation of your thoughtfulness in sending me such full information in regard to those travelers, and with warm personal regards and sincere good wishes, believe me always
Faithfully yours,
Creator
Alfred E. Stearns
Publisher
Phillips Academy
Date
September 9, 1920
Rights
All Rights Reserved by Phillips Academy
Language
English
Type
Correspondence