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
1843.11.18 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, November 18th, 1843
This letter actually contains a letter written on November 18, 1843 and a lengthy postscript and shorter sidebar written on November 26, 1843. A major portion of the letter is devoted to reporting the death of Edward and offering praise of his character and sadness over his loss. The letter also provides news of two women named Helen – one who has gone to Deerfield for a few weeks and is overdue to return and the other who appears to have been gravely ill in the recent past but appears to Elizabeth to be in much better condition than the doctors had led her to believe was possible. The letter also speaks highly of the local minister who provided comfort to the family in Edward’s illness. Throughout the letter, Elizabeth makes numerous references to religion, spirituality, and prayer. She appears to be a woman of great faith, which is not surprising given that her letter is addressed to her son, who is a minister.
In the postscripts, Elizabeth writes of mundane matters such as the price of butter and offers to send butter to Frederic. She also explains the tardiness of the original letter and the presence of the postscript, adding that Helen has now returned home and setting out the Thanksgiving plans for various people. It appears that at one time, Elizabeth intended to enclose as separate letter from Lucy Parsons, but later (in the sidebar) Elizabeth explains that Lucy’s letter will be sent by a different means.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-11-18
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence