1845.03.29 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Mar. 29th, 1845
Elizabeth is writing this letter to her youngest child, Frederic. She begins by saying how it has been so long since she has received a letter from him and hopes everything is still well. She goes on to wish “little George” a quick recovery as well as Hannah, who was also “quite sick.” Elizabeth then begins recapping what is going on at home: housekeeping with Mrs. Wright, David moving in with Mr. Hockbridge, the “young lady” from the house above learning to cry, and Elisa “getting along very comfortably.” Elizabeth finishes the rest of the letter on Sabbath morning. She begins this section by saying she received a letter from the first society in Northampton requesting furniture and bedding donations to help decorate the seamen’s home in Boston for some sailors.
She then asks Frederic to compare the seamen’s friend society to the seamen’s aid society to see if they are united or if they both equally deserve assistance. Elizabeth then finishes up saying what’s going on at home by including Caroline Bulfinch’s arrival, Mr. Bulfinch’s preaching in Hartford, Mr. Nightingale’s settlement in Cabotville, Theodore’s printed work that Mr. Huntington said was “well written,” and William’s employment at any vacant parish. She ends the letter by saying that spring is coming in nicely and hopes that Frederic will fulfill his promise in visiting his parents. She signs it off as “truly your devoted mother Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-01-04
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1845.05.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, May 8th, 1845
The first part of the transcription is Elizabeth copying a letter from William she received earlier that day. William writes to his mother to let her know that he has rented out his farm for the harvest season and will be setting out on a trip early in May. Departing from St. Louis, William and his family will go to New York City to visit brother Edwards, then move to Boston and meet up with his brother Frederic, and finally arrive in Hadley or Northampton around the first of June. Elizabeth then begins to write to Frederic and gives him an update about her and Dan’s house calls to their various neighbors. She tells Frederic about her disappointment in not seeing or hearing from his family, clearly using some element of guilt to try and make them come for a visit. She then updates Frederic’s on his siblings and tells him that Theophilus’s wife Eliza is very ill. She complains about the difficulty of hiring a woman to do housework, and expresses pleasure in her grandchildren and pride in Frederic’s ministry and publications—while urging him to feel humble.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-01-04
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1845.11.17 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Nov. 17th, 1845
In this letter between Elizabeth Huntington and Frederic Dan Huntington, Elizabeth begins by apologizing to Frederic for the tardiness of her letter. Elizabeth states that she forgot to give the letter to Theodore, and was forced to wait for Theophilus to go to the market in Cabotville to drop the letter off at the Post Office. Elizabeth then describes her deep sorrows for the misfortunes of Frederic’s wife Hannah. Although the letter does not specifically address what Hannah’s misfortunes are, Elizabeth does make it clear that Frederic Dan Huntington’s sermon entitled “the great conflict of the day” seemed highly appropriate for the situation. Elizabeth concludes her letter by stating that she hopes her suggestions about Frederic’s situation were helpful, and that if Frederic’s efforts were successful, then praise should be given to Paul and another individual whose name is indecipherable.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-11-17
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1846.02.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Feb. 25th, 1846
This is a letter from Elizabeth Huntington to her son Frederic. In it she details daily life and interpersonal interactions within the community. She brings religion into her writing through textual quotations or just by writing about sermons, services, lectures and her own reading. Elizabeth writes on her health, and that of family members, and expresses well wishes. In this winter letter she describes snow storms and celebrates that the house stays comfortable even in the coldest weather.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1846-02-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1846.05.07 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, May 7th, 1846
Elizabeth is writing to her son for the first time in a while because she has been very sick. She thanks God for her recovery. People are traveling but they are worried about Elizabeth because she has been so sick. She is able to sew during the day but has to rest a lot so that she can continue to recover from her sickness. Elizabeth talks about the Unitarian church that she seems to be a member of but she also discusses different religious ideas that she has read about. Elizabeth mentions the weather and the rain because these factors might affect travel. They have some different people coming and going from the house and staying with them. Frederic is coming for a visit soon and this is exciting for her.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1846-05-07
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1846.11.10 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Nov. 10th, 1846
Throughout this piece, Elizabeth is telling Frederic how things are back home. She begins by talking about a magazine they received, with a number of good pieces. Next we hear about the art that Eliza’s good kin is doing and how his drawing resembles a face. After that Elizabeth is describing her personally well-being and how she is recovering, but still doesn’t have the power to walk with a cane. Finally, she brings up that they just had a dinner party with Mr. Ellis to preach an evening lecture and he brought along Mr. Clarke as well. Elizabeth then signs off and assures Frederic of her love.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1846-11-10
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1847.01.14 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jan. 14th, 1847
Elizabeth explains the delay in responding the Fredric’s previous letter due to her illness she has been facing which limits her ability to write. She also advises him on connecting with the mothers in his community through the church so they can be influential in the community. Elizabeth also elaborates on her support for the Mexican war and talks about where people who support the cause can go enlist in the army. She also talks about the connection between the church and the Mexican war, and how the church can influence their opinion on the war. Elizabeth also refers to the different travel plans of different family member and friends within the local community. Elizabeth informs Fredric on the state of affairs on their farm, in particular the transportation of butter.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1847-01-14
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1825.07.05 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Jul. 5th, 1825
This letter is largely an update of life at home. Elizabeth tells John about how his brother Edward has just left for Northampton, and then he will continue on to Troy. The previous day was the fourth of July. Elizabeth speaks of the celebrations, but they are muddled due to many indecipherable words.
Elizabeth resumes her letter the next morning. She talks about how the boys often go fishing and about the abundance of fruit they’ve experienced at their home.
She then gives her son some advice. She wants him to spend his Saturday nights and Sabbath days in his room with his Bible, much like many mothers today advise their children in college not to go out on weekend nights. .
Elizabeth runs out of paper and realizes that she has perhaps not answered all his questions. But she promises that if John returns home, he will have all his questions answered. Elizabeth clearly misses having her son around and longs to see him.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1825-07-05
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1829.11.26 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Nov, 26th, 1829
In this letter, Elizabeth talks extensively about how she had expected Elizabeth Fisher and her family to arrive at her home and had taken great pains to prepare for their arrival only to find out when Pa came back from town that she had written that she was unable to come. A bed had already been moved to the North kitchen and apple puddings for the children were in the hearth. Elizabeth was unable to come because the season had progressed so quickly and she worried about the children getting sick on the journey. They planned to come to the farm in the summer for Commencement. Elizabeth talks about how Charles and Helen were able to come as well as Mary and Theodore. She also mentions that Edward’s business is doing well and wonders if God will bless him with success. After talking about the family gossip, Elizabeth shifts over to religious admiration of John Huntington (a preacher) and God, writing the importance of faith in God. She concludes the letter by telling John that they are looking forward to his visit and have given him $5 and that they can send more if he writes to his father.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1829-11-26
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1830.02.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Feb. 8th, 1830
In this letter from Elizabeth Huntington to John Whiting Huntington, she writes quickly to avoid delaying Charles Porter Phelps from going to the post office. She requests something from him, and acknowledges a different letter John had sent the family a week prior. She mentions William’s progress in school, and gives brief updates on Bethia and Mary as well as a few others. Elizabeth concludes the letter by requesting John to respond soon and reminds him to stay warm.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1830-02-08
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence