To Mrs. Ole Bull

541 Dearborn Avenue,

Chicago
3rd January, 1895
Dear Mrs. Bull,

I lectured at Brooklyn last Sunday. Mrs. Higgins gave a little reception the evening I arrived, and some of the prominent members of the Ethical Society including Dr. Jain [Janes] were there. Some of them thought that such Oriental religious subjects will not interest the Brooklyn public.

But the lecture, through the blessings of the Lord, proved a tremendous success. About 800 of the elite of Brooklyn were present, and the very gentlemen who thought it would not prove a success are trying for organising a series in Brooklyn. The New York course for me is nearly ready, but I do not wish to fix the dates until Miss Thursby comes to New York. As such Miss Phillips who is a friend of Miss Thursby's and who is arranging the New York course for me will act with Miss Thursby in case she wants to get up something in New York.
I owe much to the Hale family and I thought to give them a little surprise by dropping in on New Year's day. I am trying to get a new gown here. The old gown is here, but it is so shrunken by constant washings that it is unfit to wear in public. I am almost confident of finding the exact thing in Chicago.
I hope your father is all right by this time.
With my love to Miss Farmer, Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons, and the rest of the holy family, I am ever yours,
Affectionately,
Vivekananda
PS. I saw Miss Couring at Brooklyn. She was as kind as ever. Give her my love if you write her soon.

To Mrs. Ole Bull

*3rd Jan, 1895 *

Dear Mrs. Bull,

Herewith I introduce to you a cousin of Mrs. Leggett 's Miss MacLeod of Cambridge . She is a very bright young lady. I want her to know you as she may get many a high inspiration of strength. She is a very pure & good girl.

Yours, Vivekananda

*This letter written on small, ivory linen notepaper, twice-folded, with the matching envelope addressed to Mrs. Sara Bull, 168 Brattle Street , Cambridge , Mass is dated 3rd Jan 1895. The date is most likely a mistake. The contents make it clear that it was likely to have been written in 1896.

*This letter was not published in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda' (published by 'Vedanta Kesari' March 2004, in an article by Linda Prugh)