1
10
5
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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
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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
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
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Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
In this letter, 17-year-old Mary Huntington is writing to her mother Elizabeth Huntington. Mary is away at school in Troy, New York, at the Troy Female Seminary—later the Emma Willard School. Mary writes that she has been unwell. She appears ill, homesick, or anxious, or a combination of some or all of the foregoing. The 1832 cholera epidemic ravaging the region—Mary refers to it as the "dreaded disease" and "terrible scourge in the land"—seems to be driving much of her worry. Mary regrets that she has neglected her devotion to God and things above, and expresses a renewed desire to "honor the Redeemer" and publicly profess her membership in the church. Mary recounts speaking earlier in the day with a physician. He described her as "very nervous" and left her with some suggestions—avoid tea and hot coffee—together with Valerian powder and iron pills. Mary has missed two her music lessons because of her ill health. Mary uses this letter to again request that someone come for her. Because she did not receive a letter that day, she tells her mother that she half expected her father to arrive. Mary concludes by giving love to her mother and the family.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
Troy, June 23 rd 1832
Dear Mother
Thinking I might spend a few moments profitably as well as pleasantly in conversing with you, I have gladly availed myself of this opportunity for doing it.
Since I have been unwell, and since this excitement respecting the dreaded disease has existed, my thoughts have been running in a more solemn channel than usual, and among the many, many, things which I recollected as having left undone, one thing I regretted exceedingly, and that was, that I had not united myself with Christ’s visible family, while there was such a favorable opportunity. It seems to me now that it would be an honor too great for me to belong to his visible family on earth, and to labor, and suffer if need be, in his service. This ought certainly to be my highest aim. But then I am so far from God in my daily walk, so cold in prayer, that it seems to be almost profane for me to desire to belong to his people. If I were to look to my own strength to accomplish the work of salvation, it would never be done. But we read in the gospel of Jesus “that we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth [sic] us,” and that Christ has died for all who will believe in him. If God should spare my life until I could get home, it seems to me now, that I should delight to give myself to him in the way of his appointment, namely by coming forward to his table. It appears to me as if there would be a sweet satisfaction in doing it. Pray for me that I may be permitted to honor the Redeemer, whether the path lies through pleasure or pain, health or disease, life, or death.
As to my health, it is not very good though I am able to be about. This noon, as the physician was here I thought fit to consult him. He gave it as his opinion that I was very nervous, and wished me to abstain from tea and hot coffee, and drink instead, cold milk and water, and coffee with a great deal of milk. He left me the Valerian powders to take, and a box of iron pills. I hope they will be blessed to me. I have omitted taking my musick [sic] lesson twice on account of ill health. I suppose there is no need of my repeating what of late I have so often said namely that I should like to have somebody sent after me. [Prior sentence was crossed out at later date?] Indeed I some expect pa tonight as I received no letter today. But I know I am not thankful enough for all the mercies that I have received, and wish I had a more grateful heart. Give a great deal of love to all the family, and accept a large share for yourself, from your affectionate daughter Mary D Huntington.
{Sideways Text}
June 26 th I have kept this letter some time in order that I might add anything new if I wished. The trustees give it as their opinion that as there is at present no immediate danger, the school had better be continued. But if you feel as though you had rather have me with you when there is such a terrible scourge in the land, I hope you will send for me by all means. I should like to have your permission to return at any time in case it should be necessary. I desire to be thankful that so far I have been preserved in safety. Goodness & Mercy have followed me all my days thus far. Will you & Father have the goodness to give me a particular permission to come home if I chose.
cholera
Christ
crosswriting
Elizabeth W.P. Huntington
Emma Willard School
God
health
homesick
Iron Pills
Jesus
Mary
medicine
music
NEEDS EDITING
Physician
prayer
Public Profession
Redeemer
Salvation
school
scourge
Sickness
Troy
Troy Female Seminary
Trustees
Valerian
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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
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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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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
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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
1832.06.20 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 20, 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 20, 1832
Rights
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Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
In this letter, Mary writes to her parents from school. She is very anxious and hurried in sending the letter. There is no clear danger to Mary’s health, but she is not well. Mary references asking someone to come for her in the previous letter, and she hopes that her parents complete this task without hesitation. At the end of this distressing letter, Mary includes a P.S. telling her parents not to be frightened, as she only wishes to tell them of her true feelings.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
June 20 th , 1832.
Dear Parents,
I write this morning in great haste to let you know that it is my wish to go home as soon as it may be convenient to send for me. Not that I think there is any immediate danger, but my health is not very firm, and if from the account given in my last letter no one has set out to come after me (which I am in hopes they have done) I wish upon the arrival of this you would do it without fail. I know we cannot get away from death, but I think all necessary precautions should be taken. Come as soon as possible. I hope I have your prayers my dear parents, for I am sure I need them. From your affectionate daughter
M. D. Huntington
P.S. Do not be frightened on receiving this letter, as I only wish to let you know the true state of my feelings about going home.
cholera
Elizabeth
health
Home
NEEDS EDITING
prayer
school
Sickness
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
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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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1832.05.12 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, May 12, 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
May 12, 1832
Rights
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Public Domain
Description
An account of the resource
In this letter from Mary Huntington to Elizabeth Phelps Huntington, she updates her mother on her rooming situation and the internal struggle she’s been experiencing as a result of homesickness. Mary is staying with a friend temporarily while her roommate is gone and she discusses her plans to possibly stay with her cousins Eunice and Stella. She hopes to live with Eunice and Stella to be with family; Mary explains how her homesickness might be a contributor to her deteriorating health and asks her mother to keep this a secret from the rest of
their family.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
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
{Next page}
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.
advice
afraid
Books
Cousins
Cry
Disorder
Edward Theodore
Episcopal Church
Eunice
Father Bethia
Flesh
Frederic
French
Hadley
Helen
Home
homesick
Irving
Johnstown
Journey
Letters
Meeting
NEEDS EDITING
Northampton
Porter
Prayer Book
Roommate
school
Selden
Sickness
Stearns
Stella Phelps
Thompson
Unitarian
Willard
William
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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
18th cen.: Correspondence including enslavement and servitude documents
Subject
The topic of the resource
Original documents and annotated transcriptions related to servitude at this property, or produced during the period 1745 - 1883 during which people were enslaved at this Hadley farmstead.
Description
An account of the resource
Original documents and annotated transcriptions related to servitude at this property, or produced during the period 1745 - 1883 during which people were enslaved at this Hadley farmstead.
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.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
These documents are the property of the University Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives. This is an ongoing project and additional materials 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.
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
1769.06.09 – Elizabeth Porter Phelps to Penelope Williams, June 1769
Description
An account of the resource
Over the course of eight days in June 1769, Elizabeth Porter Phelps wrote four letters to her dear friend Penelope Williams. In the first letter, Phelps conveys sincere gratitude for Williams’ expressed affection in their last letter exchange, while simultaneously explaining she could not find the right language to reciprocate Porter's vulnerability. She was left speechless. She then invites Williams to her upcoming wedding. In the last few sentences of this first letter, Phelps is expressing her anxieties; she is so overwhelmed she finds it difficult to read and write.
In Phelps' second letter, she seems to be having somewhat of an existential dilemma. She is self-critical, weighing whether she has done right by God. At the time of her writing, it does not seem as though she thinks she has. Partway through her letter (between pages 1 and 2), she transitions to discussing her immense gratitude for Williams' presence in her life.
In the third letter, Phelps begins by saying she has found the time to write to her friend despite having many work responsibilities. Like in the previous letter, Phelps expresses gratitude to Williams. The degree to which she does, and the nature of her language leads one to wonder whether their relationship extends beyond friendship. Were there any romantic relations between the pair? Phelps mentions that she has been missing her deeply. The letter concludes with Phelps asking Williams for a favor, hoping to procure needles.
In her fourth letter, Phelps mentions quite a few people who we have yet to identify including James, Polly, and Mrs. Holebrook. According to Phelps, Williams' brother coordinated for her to travel to Boston. Phelps also discusses the travels of another mutual acquaintance of theirs who has been sick. As in her previous letters, Phelps lastly expresses her appreciation for Williams.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Elizabeth Porter Phelps
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 5, Folder 16)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1769
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Public domain
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Letter
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
Hadley, June.9.1769. ~ Fryday night after 9
O my dear how can I bear so much tenderness as you express for me in your letter you brought by your Brother, ten thousand thanks to you for it indeed twas precious to me ~ I dont know what ails me but I could not write I felt uncommonly put to it for words when I wrote you that letter I sent by Mr. Por & indeed tis just the same case now I’m all shut up I’ve nothing to say, struck Dumb, a great deal I long to say but yet cant say one word, once in a while can fetch a good hearty Sigh & set & set & look on my paper. I never my Candle acts like a fool, you would guess something was the matter by the Looks of my lines. ~ O by the way you will be sure to come home by Weding, my weding did you ask? Ay mine ~ But by the account I hear there is some probability of one before mine I intend to tell you either the man or the Girl & leave you to find out the other ~ Timothy [indecipherable] now if any body else should write & tell you [indecipherable] girl I should [indecipherable] my labour they say he has been constantly once a week ever since he came from Boston & sometimes twice & O dear how stupid [indecipherable] I’ve been asleep once; alas alas what does ail me? What shall I come too I think I grow worse & worse on every account, I can’t write, & dont read nor nothing else that I should ~ I do nothing but sleep now good night fast asleep ~ ~
Sunday Eve June 11
O my dear love I’ve been pestered prodigiously to make a pen, I must need think, how happy you was in having a brother to go too in that need as well as many others: but why should I have one hard tho’t? rather let me admire the Goodness of God in other things how many mercies have I &, how few do I deserve? O that I might Live under the continual apprehension of my own [indecipherable] ~ O Pride Cursed pride how vain it makes a meer worm ~ This day my friend have I again turned my back upon Christ & his Church implicitly said I will not have Christ to Reign over me ~ is it not in that to undo what my parents did for me in Baptism to say I will not consent to it & actually to renounce it; shocking tho’t, alas my dear can you have any friendship with such an one how dare you will it not displease your great master? Surely my friend I grow worse & worse ~ I’m stupider than ever ~ why dont I remember I was born to Die - how natural tis to one to put the evil day for for often ~ when I know not how near it may be ~ oh that I were fit to Die & then would be to my good to Live ~ How can I expect that God should Lift up the Light of her Countenance upon my Soul when I had such a careless wicked Life ~ pray for me my dear my tender friend that I may not be Left in sin, but that the mercy of God may appear in my Justification & Sanctification; I hope you will have opportunity to send letters by the bearer of this [indecipherable] – & you may be sure I hope for a share. ~ indeed my dear your last letter is [indecipherable] to endear you to my heart; you kindly ask me if ever you accused me of a fault, & rightly answer no ~ no my dear you never gave me reason to think you blamed me but surely that kindness sisterly kindness indeed
That made you see with so much partiality ~ forgive me my dear I had a bushel of vapours & its likely I shall have again ~ I have been looking to see what come next & tis where you thank me heartily for all my kindness O my dear how [indecipherable] has it been ~ you say you Love me with all your heart all you have to say is if it might been ~ forgive me my dear I can go no further I must stop ~ I find some not all flint I can say yet O how cruel to before to disoblige the kindest friend ever a poor girl was befied with ~ I dare to pronounce none knows the trial none know the distress but them that have felt it ~ indeed my dear I can hardly expect your love but to have you tell me you love me with all your heart [indecipherable] how I bore it ~ not without a flood of tears of gratitude & love amazed that you should express so much kindness for me indeed my dear I shall not at all wonder to see your love for me cool your affection abate & placed on another filling the place you once expected me to fill ~ & I earnestly pray it may be one worthy & better qualified than your poor [indecipherable] friend to make happy the life of —---- you & yours whose comfort can never be a matter of indifference with me while I live in this world ~ Shall I thank you for your desire of my happiness yes my dear I thank you heartily happy with the best of men ~ alas my [indecipherable] I deserve for from that ~ why did you not wish me happy Single thats the life for me ~ but have I not almost worn out your patience well my dear you may say it by now & if you have time take it again for I have not done yet I hope
June 13. Tuesday Eve ~
Well here I am again; Work calls very loud but i bid it defiance & must indulge myself in the Sweet employ of writing to my dear friend ~ I have left heard Mr. Dickson is not a going very soon but that dont hinder me ~ for you must know I feel now mere as if [indecipherable] be some kind of pleasure to you to hear from me than I do sometimes ~ O dear what would I give to see you or rather what would I not give with how much affection have I been often received by you how kindly tender was your words & Looks the last time I saw you ~ I have tho’t of it since with stars in my eyes how far I was from returning of it in the [indecipherable] degree I took a great deal of notice of your [indecipherable] than ordinary affectionate behavior [indecipherable] of Patty too, perhaps twas because you tho’t twas the last time till after. Com—t but I dissent; I could not bear to have it be - & never bid you Adieu neither why did not I take a tender leave of you as I ought in a parting manner: of from my side the dearer part is torn: the rest lies bleeding & but lives to mourn I’ve no where to go now nor no body to Look for here ~ alas my dear am I not torn almost away surely theres but little good left at best ~ why my friend do you ever think of me now in the midst of all your Comforts & Delightfull entertainment ~ why [indecipherable] I hope you do Morning & evening at least ~ I cant but hope I come into the Number of your friends the utterly (un)worthy
I have not dwelt upon the Dark [indecipherable] Now may I not Please myself with your return; how happy shall I be when the week begins that I expect you to come home in; wait longing to hear the welcome News of your arrival but when I come to see you I guess I shall want to say as Joseph said when he made himself known to his Brethren ~ But o my dear how dare I depend on it in the least; how little do we know what may be on the morrow ~ you may at this present time over now while I am writing be in sorrowing by reason of sickness ~ perhaps laid on a bed of Languishing & [Litheness] or Breathing your last O my Blood Runs Cold ; I trust I hope in the Power & mercy of God to save us both from Sin & sorrow & bring us to a Comfortable meeting here if it may be; but (however) that be may we meet at Christs Right hand [indecipherable] thro’ the Merits of a Redeemer My mother is poorly that pain in her Breast is very Distressing sends kind Love ~ I’ve been very well since my journey ~ W must send his how [indecipherable] do to you ~ pray my dear if it wont be too much trouble will you get me a hundred or too of Nedles I am almost out of sizeable ones ~ but I hear your Brother has very good very cheap [indecipherable] perhaps I can happily myself [indecipherable] present if you should have no convenient opportunity to send can tell you come home ~ but by the way I would not leave you in the Dark about [indecipherable] for nothing, the Lady is miss Anna Smith Should you a tho’t of it ~ they say John Cook drives on very fierce down street the Widow as to be sure the Widow to be sure. ~ but dont you think I had better go to bed as do to get up sometime in the fore-noon to-morrow good night
June 17. Saturday last night
This day your Welcome Brother called upon us he & James had been a stray herring & a pretty Basket of Strayberrys he had too ~ be sure I was the better for [indecipherable]. But my dear you must know he brought me something better than stray - I as you cant guess what, well well I’ll tel you twas a letter from a [indecipherable] absent but dear friend ~ ten thousand thanks my dear how much was it worth to me ~ you tell my being with Polly why really I never seen her but twice except Sundays since I came home she came here & [indecipherable] two days & one night the next week after & I’ve been there one day & thats all - so dont wonder if I have vapours I hope Mrs. Holebrook is better ~ But by the way your Brother told me some agreable News too ~ he told a waggon was to set out for Boston on Monday Morn so here I am forcibly to be sure to be ready ~ O the Doc’r has got a little fellow there as an apprentice Pol says to be in his own likeness she supposes - but I must not forget to tell you that [indecipherable] set out for Rhode Island with her Brother last week on wednesday very poorly she was taken very ill the week before but was a little better I believe some are fearful whether she will hold it back I tho’t by what Mrs Crouch said she feared a violent quick Consumption very horrible she told me ~ poor White they say Looks as if he no courage sunk into the earth poor man I heartily pity him & hope all will be for the best Well my dear if your patience held out to here now I have left done wishing well of you happy & returning my sincere thanks for all you kindness [indecipherable] kindness in getting the handler Alas, but very well must be ever acknowledged by yours [indecipherable]
Charlotte Phelps letters written which she was young -
For Miss Penelope Williams
Roxbury
Affection
Anna Smith
Boston
Christ
church
Elizabeth Porter Phelps
God
James
Mr. Dickinson
Mrs. Crouch
Mrs. Holebrook
Needles
Penelope Williams
Polly
Roxbury MA
Sickness
Timothy
wedding