Transcription
May 12, 1832
Dear Mother,
After a pleasant journey of a little more than two days, we arrived here in safety about 6 o’clock last evening. We did not find Mrs. Willard at home, but she returned in the evening. We were first introduced to Mrs. [Hirsdale]. She told me she had formerly known you and Father, probably when you were at Middletown. In the evening I had the pleasure of seeing cousin Stella Phelps. She is a teacher here, and [Eunice] who is absent for a few days, is here as a scholar. William is in town yet. He remained here last night and breakfasted here this morning. He is out now to see about taking a school in town for boys. I hope he will succeed in getting one, for it would be extremely pleasant for me to have him so near. I am rooming for the present with a young lady whose roommate is absent. When she returns, I shall be obliged to change my quarters. There has been something said about placing me in the room with Stella and [Eunice]. This I should like very much. Several of the young ladies called in last evening. One of them [Miss] Dodge from Johnstown is cousin to the Irving’s. I told her that I heard Mr. [Irving] preach in Northampton. She asked me if he was not a Unitarian or a [universalist?]. I told her that he was a Unitarian. Said she, “what a pity.” I did not make any reply, for I though perhaps it would only make a useless dispute.
I had written so far when I was called out to bid brother William goodbye, and I must say that I have not felt so badly before since I left home. This afternoon I suppose I shall call upon Mrs. [Selden] and have those letters that [Miss] Porter sent. Mrs. Thompson was in here just now and asked me if Elizabeth Huntington was my sister, and said she was acquainted with E & [Bethia] and inquired after them. I have been to meeting today at the Episcopal church. It seems to me that I must [unburden] my mind to you, for to tell the [truth] I don’t feel right. I am very pleasantly [interested] with regard to roommates, and [even] Stella is very [attentive] to me, but still I know
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I am not at home [and] besides I at times feel very fidgetty. Sometimes I feel
afraid that I shall have some bad disorder & I really am not well. I have not told anyone of it but I feel [indecipherable] weak & my pulse [are] quick and falls much of the time. If wishing were not [vain] I should wish some of the family were here. I left my French books at home and my English dictionary at home which I should [indecipherable] to have sent [for] together with the [indecipherable] Prayer Book, if an opportunity [as/or] [indecipherable]. If you knew he [must (smudged)] I want to hear from home, it seems to me that you would all write good [indecipherable] for the [present]. This morning when I awaked nearly the first thought that [entered] my mind was of home. You do not know how I want to go home. Seems to me I cannot think of staying [tro… indecipherable] weeks, I am not settled yet at all. In the first place I have are books to study in. [Miss] Phelps has offered to lend me some, and I think I shall take them. I shall expect a letter from home soon. Do write often. I suppose if by the time this reaches you brother William will have arrived, I cannot hardly help wishing that he had taken me along with him. I wish I was more contented. There are no Unitarians here at school so that I should like to have you write all you can remember of [Mr. Stearns] [indecipherable]. I was with you in thought yesterday at meeting in Northampton. How does little [baby] do [indecipherable]. Do help her for a great many times when you see her, and give my love to Father [Bethia] The [unknown word] Edward Theodore [Frederic] the cousins and Helen. Write me a letter full of good advice. I hope you will excuse my writing with a pencil but I felt so bad then that I thought I would not wait to get a pen and ink. Last evening I went to Mr. Sheldon’s to carry the letters. Mrs. Sheldon inquired after all her Hadley friends. I must close here as I have so much to attend to, and wishing you to write soon about every thing that interests you. I remain as ever your affectionate daughter.
Mary Huntington
Dear Mother,
If you know how badly I [feel] seems to me you would wish as much that I not come. It seems as though I had lost considerable flesh since I came here. In the morning as soon as awake and at night is the worst time. It really seems to be a relief to cry sometimes. Don’t show this letter to the rest of the family if you please, it is so [unknown word] and written as miserably.