1832.06.30 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 30, 1832
In this letter, Mary writes to her mother, Elizabeth, and agrees that she should accompany her cousin to communion. Mary laments that she cannot have such discussions about religion with her friends, and not only does she wish to make a public profession of her faith, but she wishes that her brothers would join her—even though she does not have the authority to ask them. However, Mary fears that she will not return home from Mrs. Willard’s school before the first Sabbath in August. The examination is to begin July 25 th and last one week, so that the girls may return home sooner, and Mary wishes to know the plans regarding her return in the next letter. She fears that she must wait for her sister Elizabeth, whose homecoming is also uncertain. Finally, there is also a cholera outbreak in New York and Fort Millar, adding urgency to her homecoming. Though Mrs. Willard says she looks pale, Mary writes that her health is as usual, and that she wishes to return home as soon as possible. Even still, Mary asks her family to pray for her and to let her know their plans for her homecoming as soon as possible.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jun 30, 1832
Public Domain
1832.06.23 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 23, 1832
In this letter, 17-year-old Mary Huntington is writing to her mother Elizabeth Huntington. Mary is away at school in Troy, New York, at the Troy Female Seminary—later the Emma Willard School. Mary writes that she has been unwell. She appears ill, homesick, or anxious, or a combination of some or all of the foregoing. The 1832 cholera epidemic ravaging the region—Mary refers to it as the "dreaded disease" and "terrible scourge in the land"—seems to be driving much of her worry. Mary regrets that she has neglected her devotion to God and things above, and expresses a renewed desire to "honor the Redeemer" and publicly profess her membership in the church. Mary recounts speaking earlier in the day with a physician. He described her as "very nervous" and left her with some suggestions—avoid tea and hot coffee—together with Valerian powder and iron pills. Mary has missed two her music lessons because of her ill health. Mary uses this letter to again request that someone come for her. Because she did not receive a letter that day, she tells her mother that she half expected her father to arrive. Mary concludes by giving love to her mother and the family.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jun 23, 1832
Public Domain
1832.06.18 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 18, 1832
This is a letter written by Mary Huntington to her mother Elizabeth W.P. Huntington where Mary writes about her current state of living. Mary addresses the reports of cholera that have been happening around her. She writes that there have been so many reports that it has made her feel uneasy and unable to attend church but tells her mother not to worry. Mary mentions a report that she got from church about an insurrection of Irish immigrants in the northern part of the city, and the soldiers who attended church that day will go up and suppress it. Mary writes again about the cholera problem, stating that while Irish immigrants have died from it, "only one of the inhabitants of the states has fallen a victim to it." Mary is thankful for the grace of God being there during her times of comfort and hardship.Mary writes that she has given a full update on what's happening in her life. She finishes her letter by stating that Elizabeth can send to her as she sees appropriate and that she wants to be sent home privately and not by stage, but will leave whenever Elizabeth thinks proper.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jun 18, 1832
Public Domain