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https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/173632e75e7b9a4da083e2961df41178.pdf
bc5085f6c689bfb919b316d5a39af7b9
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Title
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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
Subject
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
Description
An account of the resource
Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
These letters are the property of the University Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives. This is an ongoing project and additional letters will be added over time.
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Contact UMass SCUA for permission to publish or reproduce these materials.
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A project of the Amherst College American Studies course "Global Valley" in collaboration with the Porter Phelps Huntington Foundation and University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives.
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A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
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The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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1825.07.05 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Jul. 5th, 1825
Creator
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Type
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Correspondence
Date
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1825-07-05
Description
An account of the resource
This letter is largely an update of life at home. Elizabeth tells John about how his brother Edward has just left for Northampton, and then he will continue on to Troy. The previous day was the fourth of July. Elizabeth speaks of the celebrations, but they are muddled due to many indecipherable words.
Elizabeth resumes her letter the next morning. She talks about how the boys often go fishing and about the abundance of fruit they’ve experienced at their home.
She then gives her son some advice. She wants him to spend his Saturday nights and Sabbath days in his room with his Bible, much like many mothers today advise their children in college not to go out on weekend nights. .
Elizabeth runs out of paper and realizes that she has perhaps not answered all his questions. But she promises that if John returns home, he will have all his questions answered. Elizabeth clearly misses having her son around and longs to see him.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
<p> Dear John,
</p><p><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a> has just left us. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theophilushuntington">Theophilus</a> has gone to carry him to Northampton, to take the stage at two o’clock tomorrow morning. And he will probably reach Troy about sunset. he worked much to write you a few lines, but you know how it is here, in haying time and [showing] beside—for the purpose of giving all the assistance possible, he defered writing till this afternoon, and then began, and [indecipherable] this letter. but your Pa said it was time to go; so he left it and I took it.
</p><p> We shall all miss him very much; little <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/fredericdanhuntington">Frederic</a> sobbed aloud. and when I attempted to comfort him, he could only say— “he always did every thing good to me.”
</p><p> Yesterday was the fourth of July—a great day—and distinguished by great efforts. In the morning Edward carried <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/charleshuntington">Charles</a> to Northampton. stayed and heard the Oration delivered by Mr. Baker of Amherst, student of Law in Northampton —very good—he then returned having Charles to attend the Law fairly at Northampton. [not] back just time to eat a bit of dinner and wait on <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/bethiah">Bethia</a> to the Academy. Francis and Marianne also attended -- with a multitude of young folk, that I cannot have time to name if I know them. Well what do you suppose they did when they all were assembled in the Academy Hall. why in the first place Mr. Woodbridge made a prayer then his divinity student Mr. Brunston gave an oration rather a queer thing too I suspect—from what I can [hear]. then they drank wine lemonade with a number of toasts [indecipherable] to the occasion. then those who chose to walk sallied forth, fearful that rain or nightly dews, would spoil their Denmark satin shoes. Bethia and some others were content to stay behind. It was about ten when they returned—and it is about that time now—so I bid you goodnight.
</p><p>Friday morning 9 oclocke
</p><p> Now for answering your letter. let me now; what is the first question? you wish to know what Mrs. Willard wishes of Edward. probably he will keep the accounts purchase all the provisions for the family assist in settling the estate —and supply the place “of a son”—this is her own expression.
</p><p>We are all hoping to see you and <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/williamhuntington">William</a> while Elizabeth is here. the little girl resembles Mr. Fisher I think, more than her mother. We were gone at the time of fishing—but I believe they did not catch any [shad]. the boys have been several times, and caught a [taste] of hook fish for us. the day we returned from Boston, Charles Edward and Theophilus were gone fishing, and did not return til sundown which was quite a grief to Theodore, as Theophilus was so soon to leave home.
</p><p> We have had an abundance of raspberries—tho’ no white ones, the bushes are all dead. our currant bushes are loaded—and we have had quite a good supply of cherries. the tree east of the parlour window, bore more than it ever has before—and they are an excellent kind.
</p><p>I would advise you to spend your saturday evenings and sabbath days, in your own room as much as possible; there with your Bible, a [free] religious book. and a prayer hearing God, you can spend this time, not only with comfort to yourself, but acceptably to him who is ever near to those who call upon him in sincerity. I think it would be well, sometimes to accompany William to his place of worship.
</p><p>I rather think you had better buy you a pair of their handsome pantalones. your stockings you have got before now I hope. allways [keep] yourself clean. and if William thinks any article of clothing [wanting]—be sure and get it. I have filled my paper and perhaps have not answered all your questions. but if you will come home with William soon you shall have them all answered and will give joy to us all especially to your affectionate mother Elizabeth.
</p><p>either burn this or lock it up in your trunk. Yesterday Matthew had another son born they intend calling him Charles [indecipherable].
</p><p>You will see what Charles has written on Catherine’s letter, that his health and spirits are improving. Remember me to Mr. and Mrs. Hall and the young ladies.
</p>
Academy
Bethia
Charles
Dan
Elizabeth
fishing
Frederic
harvest
John Whiting
NEEDS EDITING
Northampton
Theodore
Theophilus
William
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
Subject
The topic of the resource
Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
Description
An account of the resource
Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
These letters are the property of the University Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives. This is an ongoing project and additional letters will be added over time.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Contact UMass SCUA for permission to publish or reproduce these materials.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
A project of the Amherst College American Studies course "Global Valley" in collaboration with the Porter Phelps Huntington Foundation and University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
1834.12.02 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Dec 2, 1834
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Mary Huntington
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Dec 2, 1834
Rights
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Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
Mary tells her mother of Mr. Merrick’s sermon upon his arrival to town. He spent more than an hour to indicate the character of God and denies the doctrine of original sin. Mr. Merrick says he is an abolitionist. Mary is pleased with him and thinks Elizabeth and Bethia would be pleased as well. However, she does not agree with all of his teachings. Mary then discusses a party she attended at Mrs. Dennings’ with her sister. She thought it was a strange way to prepare for the Sabbath. She asks about her mother’s Thanksgiving and says Thanksgiving is celebrated more in Massachusetts than in New York. She is glad Caroline decided not to go to the South. She asks for money to buy a bonnet. On Tuesday, Mary writes because Mrs. Fisher did not let her help make applesauce, so she thought writing a letter back was a good use of her time. Mary wishes to have heard Mr. Stearns’ sermon. She thanks her mother for her advice to be undefeated by temptations.
On Thursday, Mary says she had been busy working on making a hood out of silk since the last time she added to the letter. Mr. Fisher left for Utica. She wants Bethia to cut out her leaf impressions for her. She also tells her mother of Theophilus’s interest in Augusta, and she wonders if she is good enough for him. She apologizes for talking so much about Mr. Merrick’s sermons. Mary includes a P.S. to mention she is not prejudiced against those new religious teachings such as those of Mr. Merrick.
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Transcription
A written representation of a document.
Oswego Dec 2nd 1834
Dear mother,
It was with the greatest joy that I received your excellent letter. It was exactly what I wished, and could not possibly have been altered for the letter. How thankful ought I to be for so many favours as I am continually receiving!
I am going to give you some account of the new measure people, or at least, of one of their ministers. Mr. Merrick arrived in town last week, + last Sabbath we heard him both parts of the day. Last night he delivered a lecture + we attended that, also. It was the evening for the monthly concert, but he was not aware of it until he reached the house. Of course he was obliged to arrange his thoughts in a different train from what he had at first intended. He spoke above an hour, I should think from these words “thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” and I never before knew how much was contained in that short clause. He first observed that the will of God, was, loving the Lord our God, with all our hearts + our neighbors as ourselves. He then endeavored to prove that it is possible to do the will of God here as it is done in heaven, from the fact that Christ would not have connected it, had it not been practicable. He next gave his opinion of the manner in which it is performed in Heaven. There were nine particulars which he enlarged when among which were these. It is done constantly, heartily, cheerfully, harmoniously, honestly, perfectly, + perpetually increasing. He thinks obedience to God can be perfect in this world in kind, not in degree. Some he said would deny this because we never see Christians here who are perfectly happy. But he says this is on account of the circumstances of their situation not corresponding with their feelings. Paul had continual sorrow of heart + our [] was a man of sorrow, + acquainted with grief. There is a great deal of sin here, but in Heaven every circumstance will be in unison with their feelings + perfect happiness will be the consequence. He takes a great deal of pains to indicate the character of God, + on this subject he is quite eloquent. Hence he denies the doctrine of original sin. He cannot think that anything could come from the hands of its maker imperfect. He said in so many words that he was an abolitionist. That he was for abolishing, not only the slavery of men’s bodies, but of their souls. That it is a command of Christs’ + must be [complied] with. He is very liberal and preaches against no [] I believe except the [Arhaomians] + Universalists. In short, he is quite an original. There is something in his style [peculiar] to himself, and with which we should be disgusted if initiated by another. He gestures almost constantly + with so much unaffectedness that he appears to throw his whole soul into what he is saying. He is to preach every evening this week. Tonight his subject is Christian Union. I am
quite curious to know what he will say. I think you + Bethia would be pleased with him. Lest you should think I am becoming one of the new [lights] because I am pleased with him, I will tell you that though I do not approve of all I have heard of their movements, I have as yet seen nothing to condemn, I think every Christian should love + revere the image of their Master.
Will Frederic attend there this winter? I have not yet forgotten to send [him] the Courier sometimes.
I am glad to find Mrs. Wells is disposed to be so sociable.
Have they given up the tavern?
Last Saturday evening sister and I attended a party at Mrs. Denning’s. It was a very gay one, and to me a poor preparation for the Sabbath. Mrs. Bard was there and I found it seemed quite so strange to her as to me. Mrs. Denning has a sister with her who expects to have her this week, and it was on that account I suppose that the party was given at that time. It was nearly eleven when we reached home.
How is it that dame Wilson has disappointed you?
I thought she would be a great assistance to you this winter.
Your [ ] with the washing quite surprised me. It is almost “getting done before breakfast.”
Next week is your Thanksgiving. In this state it is a fortnight from that time. The New Yorkers do not make as much of it as the Yankees.
I regretted that I did not see Caroline give my love to her if you please and tell her that I am glad to hear that she is not going to the South, and hope she will find some more agreeable situation nearer home.
I find I have not quite money enough to get a bonnet. [Five] dollars I should think will be sufficient with what I have to get a Tuscan. It is with reluctance that I ask you for it, but as my old bonnet is rather shabby, and you told me before I left home to get one on arriving. I thought I would tell you just how it is. I will try to be as economical as possible. Please to give a great deal of love to all the family, and remember me to the cousins. Favour me often with your letters, your truly affectionate daughter
Mary
Tuesday
Mrs. Fisher is making apple sauce today and as she has turned a deaf ear to my request to allow me to assist her. I have thought I could in no way employ my time more pleasantly than in answering your letter, my dear Mother. Your letter was very interesting and has been much in my thoughts since I perused it. I am glad Bethia has made a visit to Greenfield. I hailed the account of it as an omen for good. For if you had been very much pressed with household concerns, I knew she would not have left you. I am glad also on her own account, for she has been confined at home for a long time. I should like to have heard Mr. Stearns’ sermon. I know from the text it must have been instructive.
I should like to have some of his leading ideas.
I thank you for the cautions given me in your letter. I regard it as one of my richest blessings that I have a mother who can so kindly warn and direct me, and I have hope and pray that it may not be my condemnation that I have slighted these warnings [] refused to be guided by these directions. I agree with you in thinking that the most effectual way of walking undefeated through the temptations of the world, it is to rise often in contemplation to that better world [whither Jesus] the forerunner is for us entered. Thus it is that sets things in their true light and affords the “peace of God which papeth understanding” to the soul Wednesday morn. I suppose yesterday the term closed at the academy.
Wherever they find it, + I must say I think he appears to His likeness.
Thursday. Since I commenced this letter, I have been a good deal occupied in making me a hood, of the silk that I brought with me for that purpose. The weather here is so cold, that this article seems almost indispensable.
Mr. Fisher left this morning for Utica. He expects to make several journeys this winter, one of which he thinks will be to Boston. It would be a fine opportunity for any one who wishes to go to Hadley. I proposed to sister that she should go, but she rather declined. I believe I must trouble sister Bethia to do an errand for me. In the upper middle drawer in my bureau, I think [ ] will find those impressions of leaves that I took last fall. If she will cut out some of the largest + handsomest of the forest leaves and send them to me as soon as convenient I will be much obliged to her. I wish to make some card racks for sisters ^parlour We have sent to Whia by Mr. Fisher for the materials.
I was glad to hear that you + Bethia had purchased some new cloaks. You very much
needed them.
There is to be a cotillion party this evening at the Welland house. I received a note of invitation Tuesday, but shall not attend.
Theophilus really was smitten with Augusta. Pray how it is with her? I hope she is good enough for him. Perhaps I ought to apologize for introducing so much of Mr. Merricks sermons into my letter, but I thought if our tastes were at all similar you would like to hear about it. He visited here yesterday. Did not make make me [make was written twice] many practical observations, but he + Mr. Fisher discussed the subject of the Trinity pretty thoroughly. Give
the greatest love to all, + dearest mother do write often to your affectionate daughter
Mary
P.S. Perhaps you will not be able to understand what I said at the bottom of the second page. My meaning is this, that I see in the new measure people much that I like, and, as many are prejudiced against them , I am willing to help correct that prejudice, and as far as they are instrumental in doing good to give them credit for it.
Abolitionist
Academy
anti-slavery
apple sauce
Augusta
Bethia
Bonnet
Boston
Bureau
Caroline
Christ
Christians
Elizabeth
Frederic
God
Greenfield
Hadley
Heaven
Mr. Fisher
Mr. Merrick
Mr. Stearn
Mrs. Bard
Mrs. Denning
Mrs. Wells
New Light
New Measure
New York
original sin
Prejudice
Sabbath
sermon
slavery
South
Thanksgiving
Theophilus
Trinity
Universalists
Utica
Washing
Welland
winter
Yankees