1841.07.28 - Edward Huntington to Elizabeth Huntington, Jul 28, 1841
In the first half of this letter to his mother, Edward talks about himself in the third person. He begins by recounting when the men of Leverett sent his father (Dan Huntington) a letter, asking him to send Edward to them as a priest. Edward goes on to say that he eventually agreed to teach the men of Leverett in the ways of Christianity. He later talks about an encounter he had with a woman in Deerfield, who he considered marrying. However, he also describes the disapproval he faced from both his mother and father regarding his desire to marry that woman. In the second half of the letter, Edward talks about wanting to settle in a cottage near his office in the near future. He expresses a desire to have a wife to dwell with him in the cottage, as well as friends to visit him there. Edward continues by stating his concern for his mother's health and telling her that Mr. Davis' health is poor. He closes the letter by asking his mother for prayers, as he has many tasks to complete in the near future.
Edward Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 19, Folder 15)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jul 28, 1841
Public Domain
1839.11.05 - Edward Huntington to Elizabeth Huntington, Nov 5, 1839
Edward Huntington wrote this cramped letter to his mother in the midst of his studies
away at college. It opens affectionately, but Edward quickly moves into a discussion of his
friends and his philosophy of life. though much of the letter is indecipherable, due to Edward’s
scrawling script, what is evident is his use of Christ and the bible as an inspiration not only in
how to live life, but how to think about life. The letter is highly philosophical, and includes a
reference to Stocism and to Virgil’s Aeneid. He spends most of the letter reflecting on the nature of friendship in relation to living a good, moral life. He also reflects on the death of his sister Mary a loss that occurred less than a month before the date of this letter.
As the letter goes on, Edward’s handwriting, already difficult to read, becomes impossible to decipher, as he saves space by compressing his writing. The last paragraph is essentially unreadable. However, in the second to last paragraph, some clues point to Edward’s awareness of the outside world; he references New York state (abbreviated NY), and mentions Judge Lyman, a Northampton native. While Edward’s account is fragmented and obviously incomplete, it speaks to the various ways in which he was connected to a wider social, philosophical, and theological world.
Edward Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 19, Folder 15)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Nov 5, 1839
Public Domain
1840.04.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, April 21st, 1840
Elizabeth begins with apologies for not writing sooner, and thanks for Frederic's attentions through her sickness. Letter discusses Frederic's missionary work visiting prisoners, ferry transportation to Northampton now that the bridge is out, rules about visiting a child at school, reading Longfellow's poetry collection Voices of the Night, Frederic's eye troubles, herbal medicine, and the illnesses of various friends. The letter contains much religious commentary on prayer, church services, various ministers and a mention of Dan Huntington preaching in Deerfield. It ends with a detailed description of reunion in Heaven. There is a lot of cross-writing additions to this letter, including a joke about a neighbor and the Whig Party.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 8)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1840-04-21
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1842.06.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, June 8th, 1842
Elizabeth starts off her letter to Edward by saying that Edward’s brother Frederic has just surprised them by showing up to the house and is taking a nap on the couch. She then discusses how the people of Hadley talk to much, and this causes unhappiness in society. Elizabeth says how their cousins have reported flattering things of Edward and his wife Helen, and the “domestic happiness” of their house and garden. The subject then switches back to the family staying in Elizabeth’s house; Theophilus has been hosting to some family friends, the family had tea with them, and then Theodore brought them to Northampton. Elizabeth then mentions a journey they took, and instead of talking about the details of that, she decides to get down to the real importance of her letter: butter. Elizabeth explains that she has lent quite a bit of butter to Theodore and only has a couple pounds left of good butter. She discusses some specifics about when and how the butter was made, and criticizes that there isn’t a cash market to sell her butter. Elizabeth concludes her letter by saying she has not forgotten to write Edward a letter, and that she tries to write as frequently as she can. Written in the left margin of the letter, Elizabeth includes a “P.S.” to Edward, asking him to give Helen her kindest regard, and expressing that Bethia will send him some “sweet pea” when she can.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-06-08
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1844.09.05 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, September 5th, 1844
Elizabeth is writing to her son Frederic about things that happen and the things that she does in her daily life. She discusses his baby and her hope to see her grandson, who is possibly equal to the size of her son Theophilus. She updates him on what his other brothers and sisters are doing in other places or at home. She meets people in Northampton, has calls with people, and goes to church. In the end of the letter, she encouraged him to continue to work and add as much religious instruction to his work as he can.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-09-05
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1845.11.17 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Nov. 17th, 1845
In this letter between Elizabeth Huntington and Frederic Dan Huntington, Elizabeth begins by apologizing to Frederic for the tardiness of her letter. Elizabeth states that she forgot to give the letter to Theodore, and was forced to wait for Theophilus to go to the market in Cabotville to drop the letter off at the Post Office. Elizabeth then describes her deep sorrows for the misfortunes of Frederic’s wife Hannah. Although the letter does not specifically address what Hannah’s misfortunes are, Elizabeth does make it clear that Frederic Dan Huntington’s sermon entitled “the great conflict of the day” seemed highly appropriate for the situation. Elizabeth concludes her letter by stating that she hopes her suggestions about Frederic’s situation were helpful, and that if Frederic’s efforts were successful, then praise should be given to Paul and another individual whose name is indecipherable.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-11-17
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1845.03.29 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Mar. 29th, 1845
Elizabeth is writing this letter to her youngest child, Frederic. She begins by saying how it has been so long since she has received a letter from him and hopes everything is still well. She goes on to wish “little George” a quick recovery as well as Hannah, who was also “quite sick.” Elizabeth then begins recapping what is going on at home: housekeeping with Mrs. Wright, David moving in with Mr. Hockbridge, the “young lady” from the house above learning to cry, and Elisa “getting along very comfortably.” Elizabeth finishes the rest of the letter on Sabbath morning. She begins this section by saying she received a letter from the first society in Northampton requesting furniture and bedding donations to help decorate the seamen’s home in Boston for some sailors.
She then asks Frederic to compare the seamen’s friend society to the seamen’s aid society to see if they are united or if they both equally deserve assistance. Elizabeth then finishes up saying what’s going on at home by including Caroline Bulfinch’s arrival, Mr. Bulfinch’s preaching in Hartford, Mr. Nightingale’s settlement in Cabotville, Theodore’s printed work that Mr. Huntington said was “well written,” and William’s employment at any vacant parish. She ends the letter by saying that spring is coming in nicely and hopes that Frederic will fulfill his promise in visiting his parents. She signs it off as “truly your devoted mother Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-01-04
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1843.02.01 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Feb. 1st, 1843
In this letter, Elizabeth updates Edward on various happenings in the family. She mentions receiving a letter from William doing missionary work in the west, in which he apologizes for his reaction to a joke made by Edward and his scathing comment about Edward in his subsequent letter to Bethia. However, William goes on to describe what he found hurtful in Edward’s letter and its “entire misunderstanding of my situation, my capacities, and my actual efforts.” Elizabeth urges Edward to write to his brother and “heal the wound.” William also writes about how he injured his leg cutting wood, but is still grateful for all his blessings. Elizabeth mentions that Father, Theodore, Theophilus, and George Fisher have gone to Northampton on business. The letter ends with a small addendum about Dan Huntington injuring his elbow and needing some medical attention.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-02-01
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1842.12.19 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Dec. 19th, 1842
Elizabeth feels it is hazardous to attempt writing to Edward due to the way recent letters have created hurting feelings among the family. Elizabeth is worried she will offend someone she writes to. She understands there must be a certain time in which issues between family members will still remain, but she does not intend to offend anyone. Therefore, she tells Edward they must write to friends such that they make them more comfortable, rather than less comfortable. Elizabeth tells Edward of her and the family’s travels and that Elizabeth was nearly sick, but got better. She hopes to see Edward at Caroline’s wedding next week.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-12-19
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence