From the Journal of Margarett Crane Fuller

July 24, 1815

…Today marks the fifth day in a row that little Margaret has woken up with great dark circles beneath her eyes. Ever since Eugene’s birth in May, Timothy has been drilling M. in her studies like a sergeant would a soldier. Added to the usual load of grammar, history, & mathematics the poor creature has been studying since age three, T. is now instructing her in Latin & Greek. I know for a fact that he kept her up well past nine o’ clock last night. She shows every sign of enjoying her studies, nonetheless: the appearance of weariness apparently does not reflect her state of mind. At the breakfast-table this morning, she began spouting Latin – she is now translating some passages from Virgil – & shouting in obvious merriment, “Mama, Mama! I know its meaning, but you do not!” Of course she was reprimanded for such insolence.

I fear that she is becoming quite boyish. I am not sure that such a rigorous education is good for a little girl – or a girl of any age, for that matter. Then again, I went to the window this afternoon, on hearing a strange sound, & saw little M. out in my garden, where she often goes when ill with a headache; kneeling amidst the flowers, & singing to herself. I watched her pluck a few violets & pinks, and hold them to her cheek, and kiss them. Later when she came inside, she ran to embrace me, her impish little face stained with the pigment of flowers. She is such an eager, restless little soul, and she DOES have a girl’s heart. Perhaps I should not worry so very much about her mind becoming overdeveloped. She does love her studies so.