1842.06.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, June 21st, 1842
Elizabeth has written a letter to Frederic updating him on the whereabouts of, presumably, family and close friends. She specifically mentions Judge Lyman’s disease and as, a result, impaired cognitive abilities. Elizabeth’s sister, Lydia, has also shown no signs of improvement and has been newly diagnosed with dropsy. The local physician has prescribed medication to Lydia, but Theodore intends to take her to Hartford to aide in her recovery. Elizabeth ends her letter on an upbeat note describing a delightful ride with her mother. In the end, she sends her love and blessings to Frederic.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-06-21
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
1835.10.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Oct. 8th, 1835
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.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 7)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1835-10-08
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1842.04.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Apr. 25th, 1842
This letter is addressed to Edward Huntington, the son of Elizabeth Huntington, and was written by Elizabeth Huntington on his birthday. She first writes about Dan Huntington’s doings in Northampton, while he attended a funeral she went shopping and heard news of a man who had taken his own life. Elizabeth feels sorrow for the family but hopes for religion to bring them up. Elizabeth then goes on to update Edward on the health situations of some other family friends as well as herself. She says that she is feeling better, but she puts her focus on God and his blessings. Elizabeth briefly writes about what some of her sons, Edward’s brothers, have been doing recently: arrangements in their homes and work on their farm. On the back side of the letter, there is another message that has no formal address or names but states information about Mr. Atwood, the making of butter by the family. Elizabeth requests news of Edward’s garden and describes new plantings at Forty Acres.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-04-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence