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
1845.10.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Oct. 25th, 1845
Frederic hasn’t written to his mother in a while and Elizabeth is just updating him on the happenings of what she has heard from her other children and neighbors such as, little George’s health has improved since the last update.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-10-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1845.07.15 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jul. 15th, 1845
Elizabeth writes to her son Frederic following a visit from his family. She discusses the health of Frederic’s family and the daily lives and events of their own lives. Elizabeth also discusses William’s health and his travels.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-07-15
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1845.05.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, May 8th, 1845
The first part of the transcription is Elizabeth copying a letter from William she received earlier that day. William writes to his mother to let her know that he has rented out his farm for the harvest season and will be setting out on a trip early in May. Departing from St. Louis, William and his family will go to New York City to visit brother Edwards, then move to Boston and meet up with his brother Frederic, and finally arrive in Hadley or Northampton around the first of June. Elizabeth then begins to write to Frederic and gives him an update about her and Dan’s house calls to their various neighbors. She tells Frederic about her disappointment in not seeing or hearing from his family, clearly using some element of guilt to try and make them come for a visit. She then updates Frederic’s on his siblings and tells him that Theophilus’s wife Eliza is very ill. She complains about the difficulty of hiring a woman to do housework, and expresses pleasure in her grandchildren and pride in Frederic’s ministry and publications—while urging him to feel humble.
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence