1
10
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https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/6b8fe9e23c0c2d997e6471364e726262.pdf
4ff60f1865c2c838e4328e14035ff10e
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Title
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1837.06.16 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Jun. 16th, 1837
Creator
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
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
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Correspondence
Date
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1837-06-16
Description
An account of the resource
A very newsy letter full, as Elizabeth writes, of "gadding." She chides Edward for his business worries, reports on a meeting of a religious association at the house, visits to friends in Deerfield, the girls inviting a party to the house, an upcoming wedding, and news of distant siblings (the Fishers in Oswego NY and William in Toledo OH). Elizabeth reports on spontaneously staying out late to attend an anti-slavery lecture by James Birney. She criticizes the political apathy of the community and expresses strong abolitionist sentiments. She shares home news of work building a house for Theophilus and planting mulberry seeds. At the end of the letter she turns from all these worldly concerns to "the heavenly inheritance."
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<p>Elm Valley June 16th 1837 -</p>
<p>Dear<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a>,</p>
<p>Yours of the 12th to your father was received yesterday. From that, I should think that your connexion with Hunter would probably close soon. If so I shall hope that one good [e]ffect of it will be to bring you home. It is quite time for you to make us a visit, and let business be suspended for the present.</p>
<p>We have had a very busy week so far. Monday the Association[1] met here. Doct. Willard, Mr. Fenender. Mr. Hading and Mr. Rogers[2] came that day - in the evening we had religious excercises as usual, sermon by Mr. Fenender[3]. Next morning before breakfast Mr. H, Mr. Everett of Northfield[4] and Mr. Bullfinch[5] who is preaching for Mr. Harris joined them. Fredric got back[6] to stay till Tuesday and woe had his company also and his assistance. They all left after dinner.[7] I hope their consultations may promote the cause which it is their familiar business to defend and advance.[8] Tuesday afternoon your father having business in town[9], I made a short visit to Martha[10], her health has been much impaired this spring but she is getting better[11], and has gone to Cummington[12] for a few days to visit Mrs. Groff[13].</p>
<p>To keep up the sum of gadding, I rode[14] the next day to Hatfield[15] with your father, who has a great desire to see the widow ____, and for fear of intruding upon his visit with the ladies, I spent the time with Maria Partridge[16]. There I found George her brother[17], and tutor Park, who had walked over for exercise[18]. We went from there to N_ [Northampton], drank tea at Charles'[19], and found that Mr. Birney[20] was to deliver an anti-slavery[21] lecture that evening; the temptation was so great that we staid and did not make home till almost eleven[22]. Just below the sycamore tree[23], we met<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a>, who to calm the minds of the girls[24] had mounted Dicky and was riding full speed to finish us up. We were much gratified with the address, but there is great apathy upon this subject in this part of the country.[25] A few here and there seem to realise something of the abomination, which are inseparable from this system of slavery, and many I doubt not, who have not power to do much, are content in their supplications to the Father of mercies that he would break every yoke, and let the offended go free.[26]</p>
<p>Wyman Smith came on yesterday and made a beginning upon Theopholis' house [MU1]Mr. Collins[27] and his men are to begin next week upon the cellar.</p>
<p>To finish the journal[28] for the week, the girls have invited their young friends for this evening, but a dark cloud has overspread the horizon and a gentle rain seems to be falling from it which may defeat the plan entirely. Our men have all gone to this mountain today, and woe be to the weeds among the corn.[29] –</p>
<p>Charles has furnished your brother with marlberry seed[30] to a considerable amount; [several lines of writing crossed out] Mr. Fischer[31] has not returned from Oswego, but is expected this week.<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethhuntington">Elizabeth</a><span> </span>[32] has gone to Deerfield to attend Ms. Lincoln's school[33].</p>
<p>We received a letter from<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/williamhuntington">William</a><span> </span>today dated Toledo? ____. He says there is a great door and effectual open?, and there are many adversaries. The people are anxious that he should remain with them a year. This he can not do, but he would gladly get a society established upon a firm foundation.</p>
<p>And now is there another fragment of news untold. Oh yes Robert[35] ____ is to be married next Tuesday.</p>
<p>But let us not close this interview[36] with out one look at the better world, the heavenly inheritance. Thanks to God, that when earthly prospects prove delusion, we may with the most assured hope, fix our affections upon a portion which no earthly power can wrest from us.</p>
<p>The dream of this life will soon be over, it may be very soon. To teach our dear departed Whiting and Catherine[37]. And let them not speak to us in vain. May our devotion to God be so constant and entire, that death may be a welcome messanger, to bear us to our Father's house and our friends in heaven, Most truly your affectionate mother<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Elizabeth</a><span> </span>-</p>
<p>Thursday- I have been keeping this, hoping to be able to copy it and send something a little more suitable and less unworthy, but not having time I send it with all its imperfections– your's to<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a><span> </span>came yesterday- your plan for the Edwards’ plan [place?] I think you would like. You had better renounce the hopes of riches - and enjoy with contentment and labor the common blessings of Providence which are furnished for us in abundance -</p>
<p></p>
<p>1 What Association?<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Elizabeth's</a><span> </span>husband Dan was licensed to preach by the Berkshire Association of Congregational Ministers. (<a href="http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html#odd-dh">http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html#odd-dh</a>)</p>
<p>2 Are these friends from their Unitarian congregation?</p>
<p>3 Who is this?</p>
<p>4 How did he get to Northfield?</p>
<p>5 Revered Stephen Bullfinch, husband of Caroline Phelps Bullfinch, Dan and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Elizabeth's</a><span> </span>niece (<a href="http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html">http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html</a>).</p>
<p>6 Got back from where? He was probably living on campus.</p>
<p>7 Was James also a student at Amherst College? Did they go back to the College after dinner?</p>
<p>8 I don't understand what she is saying in this sentence. Is she referring to their studies at Amherst?</p>
<p>9 What kind of business? Maybe a religious gathering or meeting?</p>
<p>10 Who is Martha?</p>
<p>11 What kind of impairment? Perhaps something that could be easily remedied today?</p>
<p>12 A small town about 22 miles northwest of Hadley.</p>
<p>13 Who is this?</p>
<p>14 Rode in what?</p>
<p>15 A town about 7 miles northwest of Hadley.</p>
<p>16 Found a Maria Partridge Dickinson (birth, 1797) from Hampshire County, Mass on Ancestry. (<a href="http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=ROOT_CATEGORY&rank=1&new=1&so=3&MSAV=1&msT=1&gss=ms_r_f-2_s&gsfn=Maria+Partridge&gsln=Dickinson&msbdy=1797&msbpn__ftp=Hadley%2C+Hampshire%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&msddy=&msdpn__ftp=Templeton%2C+Worcester%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&cpxt=0&catBucket=rstp&uidh=000&cp=0">http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=ROOT_CATEGORY&rank=1&new=1&so=3&MSAV=1&msT=1&gss=ms_r_f-2_s&gsfn=Maria+Partridge&gsln=Dickinson&msbdy=1797&msbpn__ftp=Hadley%2C+Hampshire%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&msddy=&msdpn__ftp=Templeton%2C+Worcester%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&cpxt=0&catBucket=rstp&uidh=000&cp=0</a>).</p>
<p>17 According to Geni, Maria Partridge Dickinson had a brother named George Dickinson who was born in 1815 (<a href="http://www.geni.com/people/Maria-Partridge-Dickinson/6000000010160892106">http://www.geni.com/people/Maria-Partridge-Dickinson/6000000010160892106</a>).</p>
<p>18 Interesting.</p>
<p>19 What is this place? What is New Frank?</p>
<p>20 This is James G. Birney!!! The famous abolitionist, Kentucky politician and creator of The Philanthropist (1836), an abolitionist weekly publication in Cincinnati, Ohio. Birney was actually travelling through New York and New England, in May and June of 1837. General Birney, Birney's sons, says of his father: "Mr. Birney's chief object had been to restore harmony among Anti-slavery leaders on doctrines and measures, and especially to check a tendency, already marked in Massachusetts, to burden the cause with irrelevant reforms, real or supposed. With this view he had attended the New England Anti-slavery Convention held at Boston, May 30 to June 2 inclusive, accepted the position of one of its vice-presidents, and acted as a member of its committee on business. Rev. Henry C. Wright, the leader of the No-Human-Government, Woman's-Rights, and Moral-Reform factions, was a member of the Convention, but received no appointment of any committee. On June 23, in the Liberator [his newspaper], Mr. Garrison denounced human governments. July 4, he spoke at Providence, as if approvingly, of the overthrow of the Nation, the dismemberment of the Union, and the dashing in pieces of the Church. July 15, an association of Congregational ministers issued a pastoral letter against the new doctrines. August 2, five clergymen, claiming to represent nine tenths of the abolitionists of Massachusetts, published on appeal which was directed more especially against the course of the Liberator. August 3, the abolitionist of Andover Theological Seminary issued a similar appeal. Among the complaints were some against speculations that lead inevitably to disorganization, anarchy, unsettling the domestic economy, removing the landmarks of society, and unhinging the machinery of government. A new Anti-slavery society in Bangor passed the following resolution: That, while we admit the right of full and free discussion of all subjects, yet, in our judgment, individuals rejecting the authority of civil and parental governments ought not to be employed as agents and lecturers in promoting the cause of emancipation" (<a href="http://womenshistory.about.com/library/etext/bl_watr_ch04.htm">http://womenshistory.about.com/library/etext/bl_watr_ch04.htm</a>).</p>
<p>21 The first anti-slavery society was established in New York in 1831. It became a national organization two years later. Its main supporters were from religious groups such as the Quakers and from the free black community (<a href="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAantislavery.htm">http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAantislavery.htm</a>).</p>
<p><br />22 She must have been interested in anti-slavery issues, or the lecture was just riveting, or both. Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington actually wrote a letter to William Lloyd Garrison (founder of New England Anti-Slavery Society) on January 22, 1834 (Amherst College--PPH Collection, Box 12, Folder 20)</p>
<p>23 Could this be the sycamore tree of the Deerfield Academy? (<a href="http://deerfield.edu/about/history-and-tradition/days-of-glory-for-200-years/">http://deerfield.edu/about/history-and-tradition/days-of-glory-for-200-years/</a>).</p>
<p>24 Which girls?</p>
<p>25 The New England Anti-Slavery Society was formed in 1831 by William Lloyd Garrison and based in Boston. Members of the NE Anti-slavery Society supported immediate abolition and viewed slavery as immoral and non-Christian. "The society sponsored lecturers or "agents" who traveled throughout the New England are, speaking in local churches or halls, and also selling abolitionist tracts... Whenever possible, the Society's agents would also encourage the formation of local anti-slavery societies. By 1833 there were 47 local societies in ten northern states, 33 of them in New England" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Anti-Slavery_Society">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Anti-Slavery_Society</a>). There was no public local anti-slavery society in the Valley.</p>
<p>26 Anti-slavery movement largely driven by religious influences.</p>
<p>27 Who is this?</p>
<p>28 Which journal?</p>
<p>29 What is she talking about here?</p>
<p>30 Marlberry is also known as marbleberry and dogberry. Marlberry is somewhat common in the coastal hammocks and pinelands of south Florida and the Keys. It occasionally is found as far north as Flager County in Florida. Usually an understory species, marlberry grows in the shade of taller trees such as pines and cabbage palm throughout its range that includes, besides Florida, the West Indies, Mexico, and Guatemala. Native Americans in Florida called this tree, the black tobacco-seasoning tree, because they mixed its leaves with their tobacco to make it go further. The tart, acidic fruit is edible but unappealing to people. It is useful to birds, squirrels, and other mammals gathering food (<a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Marlberry/marlberr.htm">http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Marlberry/marlberr.htm</a>). How was this relevant to Elizabeth and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a>? I think this is mistaken information. She is more likely referring to mulberry. Mulberry would be more significant here because it not only could be used as an edible berry and as a medicine, but also to feed silk worms, with silk being one of the first industries to come to Northampton during the early industrial period.</p>
<p>31 Who is this? Could it be George Fisher, Elizabeth's second child's husband (Elizabeth Porter Huntington Fisher's –1803-1897– husband). The Fishers lived in Oswego, NY for most of their lives. George Fisher was the president of the North West Insurance Company.</p>
<p>32 Elizabeth Fisher?</p>
<p>33 What school is this?</p>
<p><br />35 Who is Robert?</p>
<p>36 "Interview" here may be referring to this letter.</p>
<p>37 She may be referring to her late daughter Catherine. "Catherine, the tenth child of Dan and Elizabeth Huntington, was born in the house at "Forty Acres" in Hadley on May 8, 1817. She grew up there, but died at the age of 13 on August 15, 1830, after a two month bout with typhous fever. Catherine was the first of the eleven Huntington children to die and this was a tragic event for the family" (<a href="http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html">http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html</a>). Thus the reference to death.</p>
anti-slavery
building construction
business
Cummington
Deerfield
Edward
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
Frederic
fruit orchard
Hatsfield
horse
James Birney
Mr. Bullfinch
Mr. Fisher
NEEDS EDITING
Northfield
Oswego
preaching
school
slavery
Theodore
Theophilus
Toledo
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/5546692e7dba1a7d40d94bd67953a434.pdf
44fa75c730f09d3f74c4f16fd51a795d
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
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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
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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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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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1839.12.07 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Dec. 07th, 1839
Creator
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Type
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Correspondence
Date
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1839-12-07
Description
An account of the resource
Elizabeth Huntington writes a letter to her son, Edward, discussing Thanksgiving celebrations, various news about family members, the state of certain acquaintances who are ill, and expresses sorrow over the recent death of her daughter Mary who she calls “our kind assistant.” The topic of Mary’s death causes Elizabeth to touch on the subject of religion, God and how she believes death should be approached. She includes a poem. Later, she describes the curious recent actions of her son William Huntington, news restricted to the family, but probably referring to the courtship Lucy Edwards, and connects it to the pattern of young male members of the family moving away. She worries that Edward will do the same.
Bethia
Charles
Chesterfield
courtship
death
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
Frederic
gossip
Hadley
illness
Lucy Edwards
Mary
Mr. Barston
Mr. Danforth
Mr. Edwards
poetry
postal delivery
Sarah Phelps
sermon
Thanksgiving
Theodore
Theophilus
travel
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/4478e2a5cc18cbed88d4231d0df3087f.pdf
e1f0ac8c00f5a497fec1b676d8ee8400
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
1835.10.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Oct. 8th, 1835
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 7)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Rights
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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
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1835-10-08
Description
An account of the resource
In this letter, Elizabeth writes to her son Frederic and updates him on daily happenings in hopes that he does not forget his family while away at school at nearby Amherst College. While the family misses him, they do not mourn, and life goes on. There are efforts to start a singing school in Hadley to be taught by Mr. Kingsley. Fanny, Elizabeth’s granddaughter and Charles’ daughter, appeared to be near death Thursday but is well enough to attend school the following Wednesday. Dan Huntington’s birthday on Sabbath day prompts a brief passage about how death should not be feared but rather considered a gate to endless joy. Several of Elizabeth’s children visit her over the course of the week, and Charles and wife Helen visit Mount Warner with the Clarke family while Harriet, daughter Elizabeth, and Mary visit along with Theodore. Elizabeth laments that she cannot see Halley’s comet very well and that she and Dan have conflicting calls for tea Wednesday. Edward writes that he will be away for several more weeks, and Elizabeth receives a letter from Mrs. Fisher detailing a devastating mill fire.
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Transcription
A written representation of a document.
Elm Valley - Oct. 8th 1835 - Thursday Evening 7-
My Dear Frederic,
I am going to do what I recommended to you to do, keep a sort of record of the events of the day; and when I have a convenient opportunity send it to you, that you may not lose all knowledge of us, or interest in us.
We have visited you several times today in spirit, and in conversation, and I imagine you have arranged your furniture, and swept and dusted your room, and find yourself with your room-mate very comfortably situated, and ready and able to go on with your studies to advantage. I am quite happy in this persuasion; because we read in the Book of books, this direction, and promise united; "Commit thy way unto the Lord and he shall give thee the desire of thine heart;[1] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."[2]
The two brothers have gone into town to collect, if they can, seventy persons who will be willing to unite in forming a singing school to be taught by Mr. Kingsley. This gentleman has agreed to teach three months in Hadley, twice a week, for the sum of 175 dollars; 25 less than they offered him at Greenfield. Your father is quite down with a cold, is now sitting by the kitchen fire, to avoid the chattering of five females; yes, five without your mother; by this you will understand that Mary and Harriette Mills[3] returned, (before dinner), with Theophilus who went this morning to N_n [Northampton] on business. We had a letter from Edward last evening dated Franklin Maine, between Bangor & Eastport.[4] He says nothing about Williams nor about moving home; the letter was written Sept. 28th.
Saturday evening half past ten. All gone to rest, in peace and comfort; what obligations are we under to our guide by day and our guard by night! The pillar of a cloud and the pillars of fire still attend us, though too often unnoticed.
We miss you often; at our social meals, and our social fire-side; at the morning and evening sacrifices, and also as we gather around or Saturday-evening table, with our religious books, and elevating employment. But thanks to God, we would not mourn your absence; we may hope for a meeting in this life. Some of our number have reached the end of their journey, when it was but just begun; and we are permitted to think of them, as the inhabitants of a world of purity and peace and love, where no discordant passions agitate the bosom, and no doubt or fears interrupt the communion of the blessed society. We are traveling on, as we hope, in the same path. May we often hear the voice of our great leader, saying, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."[5] Let us not expect or desire, uninterrupted enjoyment. We know from the word of God and our own experience, that difficulties and troubles are essential to our progress in virtue and holiness. Desiring this progress above everything else, let us leave with infinite wisdom and goodness, the means by which it shall be attained.[6]
Charles came over this afternoon and brought his family. The children are better; but Fanny[7] looks very sickly, and continues to have a pain in her ear and the sides of her throat. She seems about ready for heaven. Your friend Poor called here; he seems very friendly to you. Harriette will return tomorrow. May the Lord of the Sabbath, give us all a Sabbath blessing.
Sabbath evening - This is your father's birthday; we are descending toward the grave. But I beg you will not tremble at the thou[g]ht. Death is the gate of endless joy, And shall we dread to enter there? If we are christians we ardently desire to see God and Christ; but we cannot see them as we wish, till we die. We also long to be free from sin, to serve our maker without weariness and without imperfection, but this we cannot do till we die. Death then to the believers is great gain. It will bring us to the spirits of just men made perfect to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, and to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant and to God the judge of all. We all attended meeting, Theodore and Ben, at the Hills[8], your father, Miss Paige, Mary, and Susan[9] at Hadley and the rest of us at N_n [Northampton]. Mr. Hearns preached in the morning to mourners, from these words, Job, Behold happy is the man whom God correcteth. [10] This afternoon from Proverbs 4th 26th Ponder the path of thy feet. On the failings of christians, and I found myself reproved; may it not be in vain. I hope you will have a blank book and keep a Sabbath record.[11]
Monday evening 7 o clock - Marianne[12] and the younger Miss Dane[13] called here this afternoon. Marianne is going, when the Misses Dane return, to make a visit of a few weeks at Cambridge Port, and Boston. Turn to the first page, by mistake I began on the wrong side.
This letter begins at the second page.
On Saturday afternoon, our girls, Harriet[14], Elizabeth, and Mary, visited Mount Warner. For want of a better conveyance they rode with Theodore part of the way in the old red wagon, and in the cart. Elizabeth came home much delighted with the refreshing sight of the coleges [colleges] & particularly of the door of the chapel, as she thought possibly you might be standing in it. - Her evenings last week were apparently not very pleasant, we thou[g]ht she wanted you at her left hand, to help her about her studies. As Mary was fearful that something you said to her about not being married, the day before you left us, gave her some uneasiness.
I suppose you have seen the comet.[15] It is visible all this evening, just above and very near the great Bear.[16] The train is not very brilliant. Indeed to my dim vision it is hardly perceptible.
Wednesday 'forenoon yesterday afternoon Charles and Helen accompanied Edward Clarke and wife and sister, and Mrs. Christopher Clarke[17] to Mount Warner. They [Charles and Helen] left little Charles with us while they were gone. Fanny is so well as to attend school. This morning your father, Theophilus and Ben have gone to the mountain to pick up apples. Theodore stays at home, is husking corn I believe. Your father and mother had an invitation last night, to drink tea this evening with Widow Maj. Smith, in company with Doct. Brown[18] and lady. This morning Mrs. Doct. Porter sent a note, requesting our company and Bethia's, at their house to meet friends at tea today. What a pity; as calls of this kind are so rare, that there should be two for the same time!
I intend to leave this at Doct. Porters store, to be sent to you. I hope soon to receive a long letter from you. I hope it will not be a task as irksome as writing home is to me of the girls in our family. I feel a kind of satisfaction in [the thought] that your writing desk is the same which was used by your gr. [added in pencil] brother [19] who is now a glorified spirit, and is perhaps permitted, as he himself hoped might be the case, to witness your faithful efforts in duty, and even assist you in their arduous work - with the most earnest desire for your happiness and improvement I am as ever your truly affectionate mother,
Elizabeth -
We had a letter last evening from Edward dated
He said he might be absent 3 or 4 weeks longer. We also had a letter from Mrs. Fisher. She says the mill in which Mr. F. secured a share has been consumed with some other building by fire. The loss to the firm, is eight thousand dollars.[20]
Addressed:
Mr Frederick D. Huntington Amherst Amherst College
[1] Psalm 37:4, King James Bible, reads: "Delight thyself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart"
[2] Proverbs 3:6, King James Bible, Cambridge Edition reads: "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths"
[3] There is little mention of Harriette at this time, but Harriette Blake Mills was the mother of Helen Sophia Mills Huntington, so this may be referring to her.
[4] Franklin, Maine is between Bangor and Eastport. It is unclear what Edward is doing in Franklin, as his permanent home in 1835 was in Northampton.
[5] Revelation 2:10, King James Bible reads: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life"
[6] Elizabeth was excommunicated from the Hadley Congregational church in the 1820s, so that is old news when this letter was written. However, Dan Huntington was censured by the Hadley Congregational Church in 1835. Not only did this trouble with the church cause Elizabeth much hardship because of her faith, but it also disrupted her social life and status, as the church was the center of the town. It seems that Elizabeth is referring to this turbulence are she writes about the "difficulties and troubles" she is facing, but she seems to equate this suffering to that which will give her the strength and experience to become closer with God and go to heaven when she dies.
[7] Charles' and Helen's daughter, Helen, was nicknamed Fanny. She is mentioned later in the letter as having recovered from her illness.
[8] At this time, Frederic is living in Bedford Hills N.Y. so this may what Elizabeth is referencing here.
[9] Perhaps, Susan Davis Phelps (1827-1865), youngest child of Charles Porter Phelps, who was living in Hadley and was eight years old when this letter was written.
[10] Job 5:17, King James Bible reads: "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth"
[11] Most likely referring to Dan's getting censured by the Hadley Congregational Church.
[12] Marianne, Born September 13, 1810, was a child of Elizabeth Phelps Huntington's brother, Charles Porter Phelps.
[13] Hannah Dane Sargent Huntington (1822-1910) spent each summer on the farm at "Forty Acres." She was 13 at the time, while Frederic was 16, and the two eventually married in 1843. She was the daughter of Epes and Mary Lincoln Sargent. Hannah lived in Boston at the time.
[14] It is unclear who Harriet is referring to, as Elizabeth did not have a child of that name. May be referring to Harriett Butler Clarke, daughter of Christopher Clarke, as the family is mentioned later in the letter.
[15] Halley's Comet passed earth in 1835, and was best visible on November 16. http://www.space.com/19878-halleys-comet.html
[16] Also known as Ursa Major. Notable for containing the stars that comprise the asterism The Big Dipper.
[17] Likely referring to Edward and Christopher Clarke of Northampton, sons of merchant Samuel Clark.
[18] It is unclear who Doct. Brown is. It is most likely not the famous John Brown, although Elizabeth knew him.
[19] Although there is as yet no other direct mention of the writing desk in question, it is likely that Elizabeth is speaking of Frederick's brother John Whiting, who died while a student at Harvard in 1832.
[20] Mr. and Mrs. Fisher refers to Elizabeth Porter Huntington Fisher (1803-1897) and George Fisher, respectively. Elizabeth was the second child of Dan and Elizabeth Huntington. George was president of the North West Insurance Company in Oswego, New York.
Amherst College
Ben
Charles
death
Doctor Brown
EDITED
Edward
Edward Clarke
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
Fanny
Frederic
Halley's Comet
Harriet
Harriette Mills
Helen
John Whiting
Marianne
Mary
Mill fire
Miss Dane
Miss Paige
Mount Warner
Mr. Hearns
Mr. Kingsley
Mrs. Christopher Clarke
Mrs. Doctor Porter
postal delivery
Singing school
Susan
Tea
Theodore
Theophilus
transportation
Widow Maj. Smith
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/40273a02af055b9fddbc5781c2524914.pdf
2327e1f9ca18aaae738b31a3473d4b42
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
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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
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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.
Text
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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Title
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1831.09.07 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Sep. 7th, 1831
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Rights
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Correspondence
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1831-09-07
Description
An account of the resource
This letter is your typical letter from your mother updating her child of what is new at home. Here we see Elizabeth Huntington update Whiting about what is happening at home: the store is going through some modifications, Elizabeth and Miss Vanderkemp of Trenton wrote to the family, and Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington is still suffering from her stomach illness. The topic of faith and the practice of faith is also very present in this letter, as seen through Elizabeth’s approval of fasting. It is interesting to see how the talk of God is just as normal as sending Whiting his shirts the next week. Additionally, it is quite clear to see Elizabeth is a mother with how she writes about her children being in school and how Mary was preparing to leave home for school and the use of “Pa and I.” Something else that is interesting to note is the use of quoting in this letter. There are two instances in which a text is referenced: the popular phrase from the book of James in the bible of “do unto others what you want done upon you” and a quote from the poem “Night Thought” by Edward Young.
agriculture
Book of Matthews
clothing
EDITED
Edward Young
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
fasting
John Whiting
Mary
religion
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/aee49a225380657af3211e240e4122df.pdf
ff3769f215f717f50a12bdb1995dcabb
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.
Text
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.
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
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1832.03.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Mar. 21st, 1832
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1832-03-21
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Correspondence
Subject
The topic of the resource
A short note sent to Whiting when he was a student at Harvard, along with food and a pair of socks. Charles' wife Helen is ill and Elizabeth writes with evident pleasure about taking her baby granddaughter home to Forty Acres, making a little joke about the horse ride.
baby
Boston
Cambridge
Charles
Doctor Flint
Edward
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
food
Helen Frances Huntington
Helen Mills Huntington
horse
illness
John Whiting
knitting
NEEDS EDITING
Northampton
Oswego
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/0187b5d6320dda351b87bb4b237bb0a0.pdf
ad79982436ae45776d9bfe0adcc24275
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
1844.06.02 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jun 2nd, 1844
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Correspondence
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1844-06-02
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Description
An account of the resource
The letter is from Elizabeth to her son describing her trip to visit his sister and her respective family. The mother begins with her trip and gives some specific details about the visit. She says that the family hopes to move to Oswego while some of the boys stay and finish in school. She then divulges the family life at home with the father working the fields still. She ends in a very maternal way saying that she is constantly thinking of him and Hannah during their excursions. The letter utilizes religious language toward the end. The overall theme emphasizes the family.
agriculture
Bethia
Boston
Catherine
Charles
Edward
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
Ellis
family
Frederic
Hadley
Hayne
Justin
Oswego
school
Southampton
Theophilus
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/7c14c3a306453f54f2e403e04a38d8cc.pdf
09647ea1f35823d44727eff0a248d9b6
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
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1832.06.28 Mary Huntington to Father, June 28, 1832
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 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 27, 1832
Description
An account of the resource
Mary writes to her father, grateful for his letter to her advising that she remain at the school despite a cholera threat. She describes the precautions the city is taking and notes that many other girls have left the school, and suggests plans for her parents to take her home. She describes bible class, the examination schedule, Mrs. Willard's view of the Trinity, and asks her parents to give permission for her to leave school for weekly meetings.
cholera
Dan
EDITED
Elizabeth Fisher
examination
illness
Mary
Mr. Tushor
Mrs. Willard
school
transportation
travel
Trinity
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/4d8636f80223a2e8f43adc1dd863c223.jpg
66fc6013396769ee8a7dee1e2dd2bbb0
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/dfcc1b852f73595da723436d55a86140.jpg
12a5cf603d203eeecb6d7fca494200af
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/19d90d17d5a1ae4238e9fca6082f3c49.jpg
24b43ae82d296b33a6da6bfa7b5278ed
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
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1833.04.23 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Apr 23, 1833
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
Apr 23, 1833
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
Mary explains that she is struggling with her physical and mental health to her Mother. For the first part of her time at Troy, her school, she was struggling to get to her lessons but felt that the only time for her to finish her studies was the present. She has dropped her studies completely, but she is still not much feeling better. She knits to pass the time.
Mary states that she wishes that she was as grateful as her mother, as her letters are filled
with positivity more often than not. She begins to muse about how “we” should look at our
blessings as well as our troubles. Mary believes that when things are bad, it is harder to think of our blessings than when things are good.
She then expresses her gratitude at being granted the ability to return home with Edward but then shows her hesitation towards actually going home. She feels as if the option is too easy, and is leaving the decision for her mother (the reader) and Pa to make. While she is disappointed that she will not be following the path she expected to take, she knows that it is best for her mental health to not continue her schoolings at the present time.
Mary then jumps to questioning what to infer from what Elizabeth wrote. She wonders if Elizabeth has become a believer and if so, she will celebrate that with her. Mary then says that it is important to have “the assurance of faith.”
Although Mary wanted to have written back by that afternoon, she was prevented from doing so by Pauline, a guest. Mary makes sure to mention that Pauline has a plan for when she turns twenty-one that includes living in the country on a farm and doing the
housework herself. Two of Mary’s (teachers?) left the seminary on a journey to Clinton, and she hopes they succeed in what they do. She explains how she feels discouraged about herself and a burden to her friends. She asks her mother to express any cautions she may have, especially since she could do it with kindness.
Mary received Bethia’s letter, and hopes to see her brother in a few days. She ends the
letter by asking her mother to send a prayer for her.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
My dear Mother,
The letter which I received yesterday from you and Father, comforted me not a little. If I caused you much uneasiness by what I wrote, I regret it extremely. But with truth I can say that I expressed no more than I felt either with regard to my mental or bodily feelings. The first part of the time that I was here, I felt that I was hardly capable of sustaining the exertion necessary to getting my lessons, but as I thought it probable that the present was the only time for finishing my education. I determined to say nothing about my feelings but continued my studies till forced to give them up. About a fortnight since, Mrs. Willard advised me to drop them entirely, and since that time I have followed her advice. I do not see on the whole, that my health improves much, though thanks to a kind Providence, I am able to sit up all day and walk about the hall, excepting about an hour before dinner. I have amused myself with working cord, on a little apron for Fanny, (dont tell Helen of it) knitting, and sometimes reading. Yesterday Miss Lee one of the teachers, took me to ride Lansingburg. Our road lay along the banks of the Hudson. The morning was delightful, and getting out into the country, and breathing the fresh air, was quite invigorating. It gave me something of a headache but on the whole I think I feel better for it.
I wish I possessed half as much gratitude as my dear mother. You seem to call it into exercise an occasions when others, or when I at least, should not think of it [crossed out] being grateful. The mercies enumerated in your letter are so common, that we rarely are conscious of possessing them. And if by accident we are deprived of them, we regard it as something quite out of the ordinary course of events, and are apt to think our condition very insupportable. I suppose if we were to think more of our blessings and less of our troubles, we should save ourselves much unhappiness, and add much to our real worth. When every thing looks bright, such sentiments are easily uttered, but when a [crossed out] clouds darken our prospects, (and with me this frequently happens) it is far more difficult to bring our minds to a right frame.
I thank you with all my heart for giving me liberty to return with Edward. I am unwilling
to decide in this case. I think if compelled by necessity, I would remain the other few weeks, though I fear I should not be able to continue my studies I know what course my inclination would lead me to adopt, ^for one out of health is apt to be partial to home. But I do not wish to be directed by choice alone. I have endeavored to let you know all the circumstances of the case, and shall leave it to your kindness and judgement, and to Pa’s also, to determine with regard to my remaining here. It is a great disappointment to me not to be able to follow the path I had marked out for myself, but it is for wise ends without doubt, that I am prevented from doing so.
What do you infer from what Elizabeth writes? Can it be that she has been “brought out”
at a protracted meeting? If she has arrived at what she considers the truth I am sure I shall rejoice with her, and on her account. It is worth a great deal to leave “the assurance of faith.”
Wednesday evening. I meant to have finished this letter this afternoon, but was prevented by company. Pauline has been with us an hour or two, and has [crossed out] appeared to be delighted with my description of what I used to do at home. She says after she is twenty one she will leave the country, on a farm, and do the housework herself. Mrs Willard thinks her ^a much better girl since she returned from Guildford. This morning Miss Stevenson, and Miss Patterson left the seminary for Clinton. Their prospects are good and I hope they will succeed according to their wishes. Some appear to be prospered more than others and undoubtedly, more [word crossed out] for some wise design. I frequently feel a little discouraged about myself, for I fear by my ill health, and irresolution, and fretting, I make myself burdensome to my friends. You must not hesitate to caution me whenever you think it necessary, for I should esteem it a kindness to be counselled by you on this point, and every other [every other crossed out], always when I need advice. Coming from a Mother, it cannot but be well received. In kind parents, I have a blessing, of which many at my age are destitute and for which I desire ever to be grateful.
Bethia’s letter I received yesterday, and was so delighted with it, that I have read it over
many times, and intend answering it soon.
After I wrote you that I intended practicing on the guittar, I was not as well, and
since that time I have not had a good opportunity of speaking to Mrs W. on the subject. I am trying to wait with patience for brother’s arrival as I said before, I shall leave it to you and Pa to decide whether or not I shall return with him. But at any rate I shall hope to see him here in a few days. Give my warmest love to brothers and sister, and present my dutiful and affectionate regards to Father. Caroline sends a great deal of love to all inquiring friends. That the loveliest of heavens blessings may rest up on you my dear Mother is the prayer of your daughter.
Mary
Bethia
Caroline
Clinton
Dan Huntington
Edward
Elizabeth Fisher
gratitude
Guildford
guitar
health
Helen
Lansingburg
Miss Lee
Miss Patterson
Miss Stevenson
Mrs. Willard
NEEDS EDITING
Pauline
school
Studies
Troy