1841.07.28 - Edward Huntington to Elizabeth Huntington, Jul 28, 1841
In the first half of this letter to his mother, Edward talks about himself in the third person. He begins by recounting when the men of Leverett sent his father (Dan Huntington) a letter, asking him to send Edward to them as a priest. Edward goes on to say that he eventually agreed to teach the men of Leverett in the ways of Christianity. He later talks about an encounter he had with a woman in Deerfield, who he considered marrying. However, he also describes the disapproval he faced from both his mother and father regarding his desire to marry that woman. In the second half of the letter, Edward talks about wanting to settle in a cottage near his office in the near future. He expresses a desire to have a wife to dwell with him in the cottage, as well as friends to visit him there. Edward continues by stating his concern for his mother's health and telling her that Mr. Davis' health is poor. He closes the letter by asking his mother for prayers, as he has many tasks to complete in the near future.
Edward Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 19, Folder 15)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jul 28, 1841
Public Domain
1842.04.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Apr. 25th, 1842
This letter is addressed to Edward Huntington, the son of Elizabeth Huntington, and was written by Elizabeth Huntington on his birthday. She first writes about Dan Huntington’s doings in Northampton, while he attended a funeral she went shopping and heard news of a man who had taken his own life. Elizabeth feels sorrow for the family but hopes for religion to bring them up. Elizabeth then goes on to update Edward on the health situations of some other family friends as well as herself. She says that she is feeling better, but she puts her focus on God and his blessings. Elizabeth briefly writes about what some of her sons, Edward’s brothers, have been doing recently: arrangements in their homes and work on their farm. On the back side of the letter, there is another message that has no formal address or names but states information about Mr. Atwood, the making of butter by the family. Elizabeth requests news of Edward’s garden and describes new plantings at Forty Acres.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-04-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1842.06.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, June 8th, 1842
Elizabeth starts off her letter to Edward by saying that Edward’s brother Frederic has just surprised them by showing up to the house and is taking a nap on the couch. She then discusses how the people of Hadley talk to much, and this causes unhappiness in society. Elizabeth says how their cousins have reported flattering things of Edward and his wife Helen, and the “domestic happiness” of their house and garden. The subject then switches back to the family staying in Elizabeth’s house; Theophilus has been hosting to some family friends, the family had tea with them, and then Theodore brought them to Northampton. Elizabeth then mentions a journey they took, and instead of talking about the details of that, she decides to get down to the real importance of her letter: butter. Elizabeth explains that she has lent quite a bit of butter to Theodore and only has a couple pounds left of good butter. She discusses some specifics about when and how the butter was made, and criticizes that there isn’t a cash market to sell her butter. Elizabeth concludes her letter by saying she has not forgotten to write Edward a letter, and that she tries to write as frequently as she can. Written in the left margin of the letter, Elizabeth includes a “P.S.” to Edward, asking him to give Helen her kindest regard, and expressing that Bethia will send him some “sweet pea” when she can.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-06-08
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1842.06.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, June 21st, 1842
Elizabeth has written a letter to Frederic updating him on the whereabouts of, presumably, family and close friends. She specifically mentions Judge Lyman’s disease and as, a result, impaired cognitive abilities. Elizabeth’s sister, Lydia, has also shown no signs of improvement and has been newly diagnosed with dropsy. The local physician has prescribed medication to Lydia, but Theodore intends to take her to Hartford to aide in her recovery. Elizabeth ends her letter on an upbeat note describing a delightful ride with her mother. In the end, she sends her love and blessings to Frederic.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-06-21
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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1842.08.05 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Aug. 5th, 1842
Elizabeth’s letter to Frederic describes her current state, as well as the health of other members of the Huntington family. She tells Frederic of her expedition to Northampton during the Sabbath, and listening to Mr. Smith’s sermon. She also speaks of her recent cold, which has since healed. Elizabeth also speaks about her other sons, including Edward and Theophilus. She also informs Frederic of how his father (her husband) is preaching, and the trivial actions of his other siblings. She tells Frederic she wishes to hear from him soon, particularly within a week.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-08-05
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1842.12.19 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Dec. 19th, 1842
Elizabeth feels it is hazardous to attempt writing to Edward due to the way recent letters have created hurting feelings among the family. Elizabeth is worried she will offend someone she writes to. She understands there must be a certain time in which issues between family members will still remain, but she does not intend to offend anyone. Therefore, she tells Edward they must write to friends such that they make them more comfortable, rather than less comfortable. Elizabeth tells Edward of her and the family’s travels and that Elizabeth was nearly sick, but got better. She hopes to see Edward at Caroline’s wedding next week.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-12-19
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1843.02.01 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Feb. 1st, 1843
In this letter, Elizabeth updates Edward on various happenings in the family. She mentions receiving a letter from William doing missionary work in the west, in which he apologizes for his reaction to a joke made by Edward and his scathing comment about Edward in his subsequent letter to Bethia. However, William goes on to describe what he found hurtful in Edward’s letter and its “entire misunderstanding of my situation, my capacities, and my actual efforts.” Elizabeth urges Edward to write to his brother and “heal the wound.” William also writes about how he injured his leg cutting wood, but is still grateful for all his blessings. Elizabeth mentions that Father, Theodore, Theophilus, and George Fisher have gone to Northampton on business. The letter ends with a small addendum about Dan Huntington injuring his elbow and needing some medical attention.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-02-01
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1843.10.14 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, October 14th, 1843
Remembrances of Mary's death begin a letter about another family illness (unclear whether it is Edward or Dan who has worrisome digestion troubles). Elizabeth sends her youngest son many pounds of butter and instructs him on how best to store it. The delivery is carried by a friend and left for Frederic at a Boston hotel. Frugal she asks him to return the packaging materials.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-10-14
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1843.11.18 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, November 18th, 1843
This letter actually contains a letter written on November 18, 1843 and a lengthy postscript and shorter sidebar written on November 26, 1843. A major portion of the letter is devoted to reporting the death of Edward and offering praise of his character and sadness over his loss. The letter also provides news of two women named Helen – one who has gone to Deerfield for a few weeks and is overdue to return and the other who appears to have been gravely ill in the recent past but appears to Elizabeth to be in much better condition than the doctors had led her to believe was possible. The letter also speaks highly of the local minister who provided comfort to the family in Edward’s illness. Throughout the letter, Elizabeth makes numerous references to religion, spirituality, and prayer. She appears to be a woman of great faith, which is not surprising given that her letter is addressed to her son, who is a minister.
In the postscripts, Elizabeth writes of mundane matters such as the price of butter and offers to send butter to Frederic. She also explains the tardiness of the original letter and the presence of the postscript, adding that Helen has now returned home and setting out the Thanksgiving plans for various people. It appears that at one time, Elizabeth intended to enclose as separate letter from Lucy Parsons, but later (in the sidebar) Elizabeth explains that Lucy’s letter will be sent by a different means.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-11-18
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1844.03.14 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, March 14th, 1844
In a response to Frederic’s previous letter, Elizabeth begins by assuring him that she had received his letter, and that there had been confusion with the gift he sent to his father. She explains that Helen has grown sicker but is still alive, which Elizabeth believes is God’s doing. Helen and Elizabeth attended Mr. Ellis’ Sabbath in Northampton, and he read the first chapter of Malachi. Elizabeth shared her disappointment on Frederic’s short visit, but assured herself with a bible quote “a man shall leave father and mother and cleave to his wife.” She professed all of the reasons why she loves Frederic, her youngest son, and believed that God will reward him for treating her so well. A magazine containing Frederic’s sermon arrived at Elizabeth’s household from Theophilis. She marveled at reading his sermon, and noted that Elisa’s mother said it was “of rare excellence.” Elizabeth assured him that the family was healthy, thanks to the “goodness of God,” although some are having toothaches. Meanwhile, Theodore purchased an organ from Mr. Davis of Greenfield. She closed the letter by expressing the importance of Frederic committing to the Almighty Father as a guide until his death.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-03-14
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence