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The important crisis is past - the great occasion over - the object of so much & so justifiable anticipation has been attained ... About half past 10 o'clock E. & I walked up to the church ... it was arranged that Eliz. & I should sit down at the entrance of the left aisle and join the procession as it came up ... We found the church - galleries and all, crowded with ladies, they only having been as yet admitted & of course when we came in there was a general stir & murmur & everybody turned to look at us. By the time the procession came up- all the pews except those reserved for them were filled ... After a short discourse by Dr. Hale the President - the diplomas were conferred - 4 being called at a time - and ascending the steps to the platform the President addressed them in a latin formula - taking off his hat, but remaining seated - & so handed them their diplomas, which they received with a bow & retired. Eliz. was left to the last & called up alone - the President taking off his hat, rose & addressing her in the same formula - substituting Domina for Domine, presented her the diploma - whereupon our Sis. who had walked up & stood before him with much dignity bowed & half turned to retire but suddenly turning back replied Sir I thank you - by the help of the Most High, it shall be the effort of my life to shed honour upon your diploma - whereupon she bowed & the President bowed - the audience gave manifestations of applause - little Dr. Webster rubbed his hands - the learned curators & faculty nodded grave approbation at each other upon the platform & our Sis. descending the steps took her seat with her fellow-physicians in front ....
Yours ever, HBB
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