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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.
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
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Apr 23, 1833
Rights
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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
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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
1832.07.05 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jul 5, 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 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Jul 5, 1832
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Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
Mary writes this letter to her parents while she is away in Troy at school. She begins the letter informing them that 12 cases of cholera have been found in New York and that she, and others, are worried about it spreading to Troy. Mary emphasizes the fact that Mrs. Willard “is perfectly willing” to allow Mary’s parents to send for her “as soon as” they receive this letter by underlining specific words. She goes on to write about how Mrs. Willard believes it to be the responsibility of the parents to look after their children and seems to be strongly hinting at her desire to leave school and return home. Mary writes this letter on the Fourth of July. She talks about the celebrations happening at school. Mary spends a few sentences expressing gratitude for “our fore fathers” and the importance of honoring “the memory of those who liberated us.” She makes a few references to spirituality when she writes about “the great Captain of Salvation” and the “everlasting and rich inheritance” that will go to followers of the Lord. She prays that she and her friends will be devout followers and be prepared for their deaths.
On Wednesday evening, Mary talks about a party at school that the “young ladies” were invited to. However, she writes that she is not in the mood to attend the party. She describes the celebrations of “canons, guns and crackers, ringing of bells and military parade.” Orations and celebrations occurred in one of the churches as well. Instead of going to the party, Mary says that she stayed at home all day and helped a friend, Louisa, make a dress. After discussing her liking of Louisa, Mary informs her parents that someone received a report about cholera in Albany which has created a lot of uncertainty among the students.
Her last paragraph is written July 5 th and says that the cholera has reached Troy. She
writes that Mrs. Willard has left it up to the girls to decide whether they want to leave or not. Mary says that although she knows she cannot escape disease just by leaving, she would “rather be with my friends if Providence permits.” She ends the letter asking her parents to pray for her and telling them that “examination will probably commence two weeks from next Tuesday.”
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
My dear parents,
I write to let you know that the cholera is probably in New York, twelve cases having of late occurred there. We consider Troy of course as being in more danger than when it raged in Canada. Mrs. Willard wishes me to inform you that she is perfectly willing that you should send for me as soon as you receive this letter if you judge it to be advisable, and if you had rather have me with you. In case you should come for me next week, it would not make any essential difference with regard to my studies as I am not hurried at all in preparing for examination, which [commences?] a week from next Tuesday. If I do not go home, it would be extremely gratifying to me to have some of my friends present at that time.
Should you think it best for me to stay, Mrs. Willard wishes you to write soon upon this subject. I shall some expect [Pa?] Tuesday, for as he has always been very careful of me, I should think the present state of affairs would make him still more so.
As Mrs. Willard directed me what to write, you will not attribute/ consider the
circumstances mentioned above as exaggerated by me. She wishes the responsibility to devolve upon the parents and a great responsibility it is, to those who do not look for aid from on high. This is the Fourth of July, and by the appearance of people in the streets I should think they were trying hard to celebrate it. While we experience the blessing which [flow?] to us from the labours and sufferings of our fore fathers, and while we honour the memory of those who liberated us from the yoke imposed upon us by a foreign nation, how little do we do to keep in our minds a lively remembrance of the great Captain of our Salvation, who by his sufferings and death, delivered us from the galling chains of sin, and not only rescued us from this dreadful thralldom, but opened to our view a big [later?] world beyond the darkness and gloom of this, [crossed out life], where the _______ of the Lord shall receive an everlasting and rich inheritance. _____ faint an impression do these things make upon our minds. I am sure, if I know my own heart, I take some comfort in reflecting upon these things [words crossed out] though not so much as I wish I did. My prayer is that I and my friends may be followers of the Lord Jesus now, be prepared for death whenever it comes, and finally meet with the dear departed.
And form a family anew unbroken in the skies [1]
Wednesday evening). There is a party downstairs this evening and ^nearly all the young ladies are going to attend it. We were all invited but I do not think it best to attend. It would not ^ as well suit my present feelings, to sing with gay company, as to converse with my dearest friends at home.
The day has been celebrated here, by firing of canons, guns and crackers, ringing of bells and military parade. Carpenters printers and potters, in huge wagons, all at work at their different trades passed by the seminary after breakfast, and again after dinner. Orations were delivered in one of the churches, and the Sabbath school scholars had a famous celebration in one of the churches.
I have remained at home all day, and amused myself by helping Louisa make a dress for herself. [And?] here I will tell you how much I respect and esteem this young lady. She seems like a sister than anyone else here.
A report has reached us that the cholera is in Albany. ____ received a letter from her
brother who is in Schenectady college this evening, and he says that it is very uncertain whether they have an examination or not. That many of the students have left and many intend leaving soon. So you see how unsettled everything remains still. It is owing to the mercy of [kind?] Providence that we are still [persevering?] death. May God continue this blessing a great while yet to come, if it is his holy [smudged out].
I think you must have received my letter Saturday, and written an answer to send
Tuesday which should I be alive and well, I shall hope to receive tomorrow. July 5 th - We have heard this morning that the cholera is in Troy, but Mrs. Willard has sent to inquire about the sick person and heard that he rested well last night. I have asked Mrs. Willard’s opinion about taking the stage and going home immediately, and she said she would leave it entirely with me to do as I chose, that she had no objection to having the girls some of them leave so that it need not be so much crowded. I know that I cannot escape disease and death by fleeing, but I think I had rather be with my friends if Providence permits. I think (written on the side) on the whole if I am alive and well, I shall look for Father Tuesday. He may rate (?) let me know your mind soon upon this subject. Pray after for your affectionate daughter. Examination will probably commence two weeks from next Tuesday.
Mary D. Huntington
[1] Hymn 23, Hymns for Infant Minds, tract no. 34, American Tract Society, 1820 see
https://books.google.com/booksid=unxPAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA69&ots=j6K1kPEeZB&dq=form%20a%20family%20anew%20unbroken%20in%20the%20skies&pg=PA69#v=onepage&q&f=false
Celebration
cholera
Forefathers
Fourth of July
Hymns for Infant Minds
Independence Day
Liberation
Louisa
Mrs. Willard
NEEDS EDITING
Parade
Party
Schenectady College
school
transportation
Troy
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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
1832.06.30 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 30, 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 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Jun 30, 1832
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
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.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
Troy June 30 th 1832.
Dearest Mother
Your letter I received this noon. Like all your other letters it gladdened and comforted my heart, by the piety and sympathy which it breathed.
My sentiments with regard to coming to the communion are in unison with your own, as you will perceive by my last letter to you, which I hope [and?] this, you have received. You ask if it would not be advisable for me to accompany cousin for a line to the Lords table. If I know my own wishes upon the subject, I think I can truly say that I should think it would. But what I fear is, that I shall not be at home as soon as the first Sabbath in August. In case I should not, is there no way by which I could jour[ney] come forward to the Communion? If there can be any steps taken relative to this I should think it would like to know it as soon as you can let me know.
You ask me too, if I have not by this time discovered that nothing but the favor of God, and the Spirit of Christ’s religion, can satisfy me. I should be a poor learner indeed, if after all the dealings of God’s providence, I should continue as thoughtless as ever. Guilty as I am, and as far as I am from the right way, still I wish to be on the Lord’s side, and be numbered among his own peculiar people. Indeed to think of being an enemy to him who has laid down his life for us is enough to destroy all the comfort, for this life, and that which is to come. How I should enjoy a conversation with my friends now, upon these things. If you are all as usual at home, I imagine you are preparing to welcome the approach of another Sabbath. And though we are separated from each other, still I suppose our meditations upon the coming holy day will be similar. How consoling to think that the same [&?] mighty power and goodness encircles us all, though he is as high above us as to be invisible to our mortal eyes. As it is rather late I must bid you goodnight.
July 1 st Sabbath Evening. My dear mother I am have been spared to enjoy another Sabbath and am in comfortable health. Both parts of the day I have attended public worship, at Mr. Tucker’s church. We had an excellent discourse this morning, from these words, “Look unto me, and be ye saved,” all &.C. This afternoon the sacrament of the Lords Supper was administered. While they were celebrating this solemn rite, I could not but think with what feelings of I should for the first time approach my Saviours table, if I should be permitted to return home. Mrs. Willard has made some alteration with regard to the examination, intending to have it earlier than before expected, but as I do not wish to enter largely into this subject this evening, suffice it to say, that my life and health are spared, and if you will send for me I shall hope to be at home by the first of Sabbath in August. If God in mercy should grant this, I should like at that time to make a public profession of my faith in Christ, if Mr. Stearns should think proper. It is the wish of my heart that in this solemn act, my brothers should join with me. As to the older ones I know it is not for me to advise them, but Frederic I feel as if I had more right to counsel, you said all that was necessary to us both last winter, and I can only say now that my opinions agree with those you expressed at that time. If we are all alive and well at the close of the term, it is my wish that I should be sent for, as the uncertainty respecting Elizabeth’s coming would make it rather unpleasant for me. Good night dear mother.
Monday, July 2 d . This morning Mrs. Willard informed the scholars that if nothing happens to prevent, the examination will commence three weeks precisely, from tomorrow which is the third. It is by her authority therefore that I say this. It is my wish that some one should come after me before the examination closes as it would be very desirable for me—providence permitting—to be at home by the first of August. This I think deserves to be taken into consideration. There is so much doubt about sister Elizabeth’s coming that I should not like it to have it depend upon this. You are aware my dear mother how irksome it is for young people to be obliged to [illegible—damaged]. I will leave it with you to persuade Father, and [illegible—damaged] as soon as possible the result. Mrs. W. told me at table this morning that I looked pale but my health is nearly as good as usual.
I hardly dare to look forward to the pleasures of going home. Every thing this side the grave is so uncertain that it seems wrong to calculate upon any thing of an earthly nature. It is nearly time for study hours to commence and I must say goodbye for the present.
Monday noon. I am a little disappointed at not receiving a letter, to day, but shall look for one tomorrow. I hope there will be no mistake about the time that the vacation commences. Mrs. Willard herself said that it the examination would begin the 25 th , and will probably last a week, this is to avoid having a great crowd, and so that the girls can leave a week sooner. Though the teachers most of them will remain probably the next week, still I do not think there will be a good opportunity to study, then. Does Is it your own ju[dgement] advice that I should wait for Elizabeth? If I am alive and well at that time, and if it is impossible for you to send for me, could you not give direc[tions?—damaged] for sending me home in the stage? How my pen as well as my thoughts run upon this. Pray for me that my mind may be staged upon the Rock of Ages, and that amid all the vicissitudes of the present would my heart may reprove itself upon God through Christ, and that I may have an unfailing portion in heaven.
Tuesday July 3 d . Mrs. W. told us this morning that there were reports of cases of C cholera in N. York and Fort Millar. She is going to call the trustees together this evening to consult with them. Do just as you think best about sending for me. She says she does not know but the parents had rather their children with them at such a time. May the Lord in mercy avert from us this terrible judgement. I hope if we are all alive and well I shall not fail of seeing some of our family after me before the first of August. Write soon and let me know your plans. In the mean time pray much for me and believe me to remain ever you very affectionate daughter
Mary D. Huntington.
cholera
Coming Home
Communion
Elizabeth Huntington
Elizabeth W.P. Huntington
examination
Fort Millar
Frederic
Mary
Mr. Stearns
Mr. Tucker
Mrs. Willard
NEEDS EDITING
New York
religion
transportation
Troy
-
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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
1832.06.23 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 23, 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 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Jun 23, 1832
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
In this letter, Mary is writing to her mother with a sense of worriedness. It seems that she wants to leave school and is asking her mother if there is anyone coming to get her. She mentions a dreaded disease which she hopes to avoid by leaving the school. Other letters from this period mention fears of a cholera epidemic. Mary questions if friends will refuse to come for her, and then brings faith and religion into the letter by saying that she knows these evils cannot be escaped by running, but knows she would be better at home. Mary then asks her mother to pray for her so that God keeps her safe. Mary says that she encloses the bulletin, and wishes for the health of all those who are receiving her letter.
She finishes by asking her mother to come after her again.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
June 23 rd , 1832
Dear Mother,
Perhaps before this reaches you some one may have started to come after me, but I wish to let you know that I am in comfortable health for which I desire to be grateful and also to wage you to send someone after me. I have resolved to write you at this time. Many of the girls are leaving school, and if somebody should not come after me, I know not what I should do. I shall look for a letter from home today, or for a loving epistle. Yesterday was observed as a day of fasting & prayer, on account of this dreaded disease. Mrs. Willard says she is willing to have the girls go home if their friends come after them, and will friends refuse to come for me? I know that we cannot escape evils by fleeing from them, but then I think and almost all the other girls think, that it is best at such times for children to be with their parents. Mrs. Willard wishes the parents of the young ladies to know exactly how the case stands, and then have them act their own judgement about sending for them. She is perfectly willing that the girls should go home if their friends send for them. Do pray much for me that my life & health and happiness may be precious in the sight of God, and that my soul may have a sure & unfading friend. I enclose the bulletin and wish you my dear friends would take use every means of preserving your health. Come after me if possible, From your affectionate daughter
Mary D. Huntington
cholera
health
Mary
Mrs. Willard
NEEDS EDITING
Sickness
Troy
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/c02ebb55e77b288d37d644f0ec7ae081.jpg
f9d2d0dbfecfc02ff54f2c61564c082a
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/ae60df6ccff3feceee07b53910fe2bb0.jpg
0a17418a076fdda55e1cc798f360f5a4
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/8cece95a4b7b0b0b97307208b780c8c6.jpg
8a5eb93a4b31cabcd4557cc3d9195c6e
Dublin Core
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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
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.
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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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Title
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1832.06.11 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 11, 1832
Creator
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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
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Jun 14, 1832
Rights
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Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
In this letter, Mary writes to her mother, Elizabeth, primarily about what is going on at school. She begins by sympathizing with her brother Frederic about being home-sick, and also reflects on the death of her sister, Catherine. She briefly inquires about visitors, including her brother Charles and his wife Helen, and feels selfish for wishing to be home. Mary then thanks her mother for the cake and books that she sent. Mary begins talking about her teachers at school and what she is learning. Mrs. Willard, the headmistress, is teaching the girls about manners and appearance. Another teacher, by the last name of Thompson, teaches the girls how to do the“honneurs of the table”. Exams are approaching, and the teachers dread it as much as the students. Mary then asks her mother if she knew a Miss [Hinsdale?] from Connecticut, and asks about others also before stepping away from the letter. She returns the next day to close the letter, and briefly mentions how she had been chosen to write a composition for the examinations and how nervous she is about it. She ends by mentioning that letters from home are always a great comfort and that she hopes to receive more soon.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
Troy, June 11th, 1832.
My dear Mother,
My roommates are both absent, and as I have not much to do in the way of studying, I purpose to devote a few minutes in endeavoring to answer your kind letter which came to hand, together with several others last Thursday evening. You speak of my French lines to William. I feel quite ashamed of them, and almost blame myself for sending them. It was surely a miserable epistle.
I was in hopes that brother F [Frederic] would enjoy living at Northampton, very much, but by something in your letter I conclude that like me, he thinks “there is no place like home”. With what joy shall I greet our sweet Elm Valley[1] again, if I live to return home. While I am writing this the thought forces itself upon me, I shall not find one, there who used to enjoy its charms with me. But I can think of her now as an angel in heaven, and this [crossed out] to be with Jesus the Bible assuring us is better than to remain here. Mr. [Atwell?] must be very deeply afflicted. The hymn that was sung when he requested prayers is the same that was read the Sabbath after our dear little Catherine’s death[2]. I have admired it ever since.
When I read that you expected Mr. [Stearns] and his wife and Charles and Helen to visit you, I was so selfish as to wish for a moment that I would be at home. But I did not think of it long for my studies if nothing else would prevent such a thing from disturbing me a great while. I hope their visit was both pleasant and profitable.
I thank you much for the books you sent me, and for the excellent cake. I have not eaten it all yet. It will last me a good while, and when we are absent from home such things are very acceptable.
Mrs. Willard talks much to the girls respecting their manners and appearance, and wishes us to endeavor to overcome any defects either in our person or manners; which she thinks may be done by great exertion. She thinks it is our duty to attend to these things as we [crossed out] a person who appears well has a greater opportunity for doing good than one of an opposite description. But really I have no very fine chance here for learning to “do the honneurs of the table[3] with dignity,” as my instructress is Mammy Thompson. How I wish not to say the least word against her for I really love her, but what I mean to say is that I might learn that art quite as well under your instructions as where I now am. I suppose the examination commences seven weeks from this very day. That is not a great while is it? We have now begun to review our studies already, and the teachers are urging their classes, to get their lessons perfectly, because the examination is so near. Mademoiselle de [Carval?] dreads it as much as any of the scholars. I suspect you have not yet written whether you were acquainted with Miss Hinsdale of Middletown. Please do [to] inform me respecting this when you write. How do Elvira and [Marian?] come on? I will thank you to give my love to them. I think I shall send this letter by tomorrow’s mail, and will therefore let it remain unsealed until tomorrow morning, for perhaps I shall wish to add something more. I must bid you adieu now, as I have something else
to attend to.
Tuesday June 12 1832. I must now close my letter to you my dear Mother, as it is nearly time for me to put it in the letter box. Miss Hudson has just informed me that she wishes me to write a composition for examination. I told her that I did not think myself competent. She told me she wished me to make [an?][missing because of tear in paper] attempt. How I dread it. She has promised [missing-paper torn] of a subject for me and when she [missing-sealing wax blocking words, paper torn] what it is, I shall let you know, as I was to [then?] [obscured] have all the assistance from home that is possible. I must now repeat my old song “do write often,” and I believe I shall continue to do so as long as I stay here for one of the greatest comforts I have is to receive letters from you. Your affectionate daughter
Mary D. Huntington
P.S. If I do not get a letter today, I shall be quite disappointed
[1] - the family often referred to their land in Hadley as “Elm Valley”
[2] - Catherine died of typhus on August 15, 1830, at the age of 13
[3] - French phrase “honneurs de la table”, refers to conduct and etiquette expected when at the table: table manners.
Bible
Catherine
Charles
Composition
death
Elm Valley
Elvira
Frederic
French
Helen
homesick
Jesus
Mademoiselle
Mademoiselle de Carval
Mammy Thompson
Manners
Marian
Middletown
Miss Hinsdale
Miss Hudson
Mr. Atwell
Mr. Stearns
Mrs. Willard
NEEDS EDITING
Northampton
school
servants
Studies
Studying
Troy
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/05405f35d3f9b1d3341040944ddbcbc9.pdf
1675623c17d828a61ada8a282775951b
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, with inclosure from Mrs. Willard
Creator
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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 28, 1832
cholera
Dan
Mary
Mrs. Willard
NEEDS TRANSCRIPTION
school
-
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
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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/3cc4ed92151eeb1cc1796eeaed504d86.pdf
5d40a6118e124ab09a1a42206ac24f02
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 D. Huntington to Bethia Huntington, Jun 28, 1832
Source
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 7)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Creator
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Mary D. Huntington
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 28, 1832
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Public domain.
Description
An account of the resource
Mary D. Huntington writes to her sister, Bethia Huntington, thanking her for a letter received from her. She goes on to discuss current events in her life at Miss Emma Willard’s School in Troy, New York. These events include, interactions and conversations had with her teachers Mr.Tucker and Mrs.Willard ranging in topic from religion and her studies to current town gossip concerning the recent death of two black townspeople. In discussing school lessons she mentions both French and learning to play the guitar. She then expresses her feelings concerning her family members, from hope for her sister Elizabeth’s plans to worry about her recent lack of correspondence with brothers Edward and William. She especially wants to hear Edward's advice on flowers. Finally, she concludes with caring sentiments about her parents and Fanny and reminds Bethia to write back soon.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
<div>
<div>
<p>Troy, June 28th 1832</p>
<p>My dear sister<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/bethiah">Bethia</a></p>
<p>I thank you for your kind sympathizing letter which I received yesterday together with one from<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/danh">Father</a>. Again I am obliged to regret that I have inflicted any needless pain in the hearts of those I love. By the blessing of a kind providence, I am quite well again, and I desire to be thankful for this, and all the other services with which he has crowned my life.</p>
<p>Last evening Mr. Tucker called to see those who attend his church, and as he saw me at the bible class, he inquired for me and wished to see me. As I was going down I met Mrs.Willard, and went with her into her room, and so was prevented from seeing Mr.Tucker. Perhaps it is as well on the whole that I did not, for as he was acquainted with Pa’s sentiments he might have said something to injure my feelings.</p>
<p>I am much pleased with sister<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethhuntington">Elizabeth’s</a><span> </span>plan and hope it will succeed. Since this intelligence has been communicated to me, I have often thought of the loss we have sustained since we last saw her, and I doubt not you have thought of it too.</p>
<p>We have been reviewing for examination for some time, so that I think I shall not dread my French recitations as much as I imagined I should. I am not hurried at all at present, with my studies as you will perceive by my writing home so often.</p>
<p>What can be the reason brother<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a><span> </span>has not written to me yet? He is exactly the person whose ideas I want upon the subject of flowers, and I must have them. I cannot be satisfied with any thing less than three pages. Please, mention this to him. You do not know how disappointed I was, to find you had not condescended to give me one, solitary, thought upon my subject when I requested you to, so very particularly. Surely you thought I was in jest, or you would have complied with my request.</p>
<p>I have neglected to answer brother<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/williamhuntington">Williams</a><span> </span>french letters for various reasons but assure him that it was not from want of disposition but from a variety of very different circumstances. I intend now, however to bring myself to it soon.</p>
<p>Mrs. Willard told me last night that I could soon take lessons upon the guitar, but it is not likely that I shall make very rapid progress this term.</p>
<p>Matthew wrote me some time since that Marian had left you. Has she left for good, or is she coming back soon? If she is not coming back I should think you would like to take another. Saturday June 30th Mrs Willard mentioned at table this morning that two black woman [sic] had died very suddenly of late in Troy, and that she had sent to the attending physician to know if the disorder was cholera, and that he assured her [it crossed out] they died of intemperance, as they have been seen intoxicated for several days past.</p>
<p>We have sufficient to remind us every day we have, that “this is not our rest” O for a soul prepared to obey with joy the summons to depart, whenever they shall arrive. If dear Papa [knew how crossed out] &<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Mamma</a><span> </span>knew how comforting their letters are to me, they would not fail of writing. Many thanks to Fanny for her sweet little letter. I value it very highly, and shall keep it as choice as possible. Kiss her for me a great many times. Write very soon to your affectionate but absent sister</p>
<p>[<a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/maryhuntington">https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/maryhuntington</a><span> </span>Mary D. Huntington]</p>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
African-Americans
Bethia
cholera
death
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
Fanny
French
gossip
guitar
illness
Marian
Mary
Mr. Tucker
Mrs. Willard
music
religion
school
servants
temperance
Troy
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/45c09a361f2ad419625ecfe9c2e08dd1.pdf
f5ee863b4b8ba16646d0b68e5081254c
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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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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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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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1833.04.17 - Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington Apr. 17th, 1833
Creator
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
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
Date
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1833-04-17
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Correspondence
Description
An account of the resource
This initial section of the original document is a letter from Elizabeth to her daughter, Mary. The first paragraph talks about the happiness Mary’s letter brought to her parents during a time of ‘gloom’. Mary’s father Dan had been trying to write to Mary for some time, but had been busy with the upcoming renovations to the house. Elizabeth gives Mary an update on her siblings and urges Mary to continue on practicing the guitar. Elizabeth says that they are lucky because they are able to work and rest even with the great illness going around, and tells Mary that even though she may feel uncomfortable, she is lucky too. For they have the use of all their faculties and should be thankful for their ability to comfort one another with God’s words. Elizabeth finished the letter saying her daughter Elisabeth has been preaching and received a new light but she has not yet been able to share it with her mother. The next section is a letter from Dan to his daughter, Mary. He notes that Edward will join them in Troy and hopes that Mary can see them while they are in New York. He encloses five dollars for Mary’s prudent use. He goes on to tell Mary that Theophilus is feeling better. He has stopped taking pills and is able to eat and work without complaint. Dan tells Mary to do the same unless there is a change in the illness and then he will bring her home.
Bethia
Dan
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
gratitude
guitar
illness
Mary
Mr. Fisher
Mr. Warren
Mrs. Willard
music
New Light
New York
preaching
renovation
school
Theophilus
Troy