There is this in John Perry’s “Lady of Arlington” describing the family’s move in the summer of 1841 where it is told that Mary organized her household in Brooklyn and started teaching the oldest two children their lessons at home. Eldest daughter Mary (Mee), it is said that she had trouble at first for she missed their Arlington home. So it appears that mother Mary had an ability to teach her children. Mrs. REL had a gift for languages, as she could read French, Greek and Latin. Arithmetic - had no interest to her
(page 51).
Now in regards to Annie & Agnes: In 1850 - Mrs. Lee hired a governess, Susan Poor to live at Arlington and teach Annie & Agnes.
“The girls all came to like her very much, and she returned their affections. Colonel Lee expected Miss Poor to teach the girls ‘to write a good hand & to be regular, orderly and energetic in the performance of their duties - to sing - to sew and knit and take regular exercise’.” (page 164)
In her journal, Agnes would write on July 13, 1852 -
"Miss Sue has gone, I wonder when I shall see her again. O I felt so sad when we parted! - there is only one gain, it may be of benefit to my hournal; it is so impossible to write unrestrainedly when you feel some one is going to look over what you have just written.” (page 16 “Growing up in the 1850’s” - The Journal of Agnes Lee).
This is her last entry in her journal regarding Susan Poor, but she may not have left the girls totally as there is this - - -
In 1852 - Lee was assigned to West Point and Annie and Agnes stayed at Arlington to study under Miss Poor. The author also goes on to say the Milly and Rob enrolled in the school for officers’ children on the post and Rooney was in boarding school and Mary attended Pelham Priory a school for girls in New York
(page 170). Annie & Agnes did not even go to West Point for Christmas but stayed with their grandparents at Arlington.
Sometime in 1853 - the family is reunited at West Point. When the family leaves in 1855 it was said - - -
“Annie and Agnes had once cried for the sight of their grandmother’s garden; the day they boarded the open boat on the Hudson to be back there, they cried for the Academy as they took one last look at it through the pouring rain.” (Page 181)
At this point it was decided to send both girls to the Virginia Female Institute in Stauton. Just for the fun of it - here are some numbers -
Tuition - $240; Piano Lessons - $60.00; Harp & Use of Instrument - $80.00; Art and Foreign Language - $20.00 for each (choices include - Latin, Greek, French, Spanish and Italian); $2.50 annual pew rent at Trinity Episcopal Church. (page 184 and page 74 Agnes Lee’s Journal)
Their studies also included: algebra, chemistry, political economy. 6 hours of classes, 2 hours of individual study, Bible study before breakfast and chapel afterward every day. (Pages 184-186)
In today’s view of higher education - when a graduate left the V.F.I. it would be the equivalent education of 2 years of college.
But just to show that young ladies could have some “cheeky” fun; there was this poem that was in Agnes’s handwriting in a “common place book” (a scrapbook kept by the Annie & Agnes titled to members of the “Mind Your Own Business Society” - - -
“If a person feels a person treading on his toes
Need a person ask a person how a person knows?
Is it anybody’s business if a gentleman should choose
To wait upon a lady if the lady don’t refuse?
Or to speak a little plainer, that the meaning all may know
Is it anybody’s business if a lady has a beau?
Is it anybody’s business when the gentleman does call
Or when he leaves the lady Or if he leaves at all?
Or is it necessary that the curtain should be drawn
To save from further trouble the outside lookers on?
Is it anybody’s business but the lady’s, if her beau
rides out with other ladies and does not let her know?
Is it anybody’s business but the gentleman’s if she
should accept another escort - where he does not chance to be?
the substance of our query simply stated would be this
‘Is is anybody’s business - what another’s business is?’
If it is or if it isn’t we would really like to know
for we’re certain if it isn’t - there are some who make it so.”**
**Agnes Lee’s Journal (page 105)