A.1 May Alcott, “A Trip to St. Bernard,” Boston Daily Evening Transcript, August 18, 1870, 2; no byline. Partial transcription in Ticknor, May Alcott, 81–87.

Dear — — : I am almost afraid to begin a description of our trip to the Pass of St. Bernard, but as Louisa did not go, and so cannot tell the tale, I must do my best to put before you our adventures by flood, and field, and fire; for really a more exciting time I never had, as we were in danger many times, and even the guide thought us very courageous and plucky.

Well, to begin, I must tell you that last Thursday Lena and I determined on doing the great excursion by ourselves if nobody turned up to join us, and as that did not happen, we decided to go immediately while we had fine weather and moonlight. So we telegraphed to Martigny (an hour's ride in the ears from here) to have a carriage and the guide, Maurice, ready for us at four o’ clock next morning; and taking our bundles of waterproof and thick saques, we bade our sisters an affectionate farewell, as they evidently thought we never should return, and that it was the height of rashness to attempt a three days’ trip alone. However, we felt sure after studying Murray carefully, and finding out all particulars from a Polish gentleman here, who had just returned from the Pass, that we could do it. So we turned our backs on our friends, and went at nine o’ clock, P. M., to Martigny, and finding our room ready at the hotel, we tumbled directly into bed for a four-hours sleep, as we were to be called so early.