1844.09.05 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, September 5th, 1844
Elizabeth is writing to her son Frederic about things that happen and the things that she does in her daily life. She discusses his baby and her hope to see her grandson, who is possibly equal to the size of her son Theophilus. She updates him on what his other brothers and sisters are doing in other places or at home. She meets people in Northampton, has calls with people, and goes to church. In the end of the letter, she encouraged him to continue to work and add as much religious instruction to his work as he can.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-09-05
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1844.11.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, November 8th, 1844
Elizabeth writes to her son Frederic, sending him a box of butter from his brothers, Theodore and Theophilus. Elizabeth asks her son to tell her more about his neighbors and assumes that the reason he has not already done so is due to his involvement in the church. She urges him to keep his studying at a healthy amount. She then expresses her wishes to see a George Putnam and hug him. She tells Frederic of her new free time now that his father is busy working on some land, and that she has been visiting many people. Elizabeth ends the letter by saying that she has been thinking much on the dead and hopes that they are in heaven with God.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-11-08
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
Elizabeth Huntington to Bethia Huntington, Tuesday Evening
: Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington writes to her daughter, Bethia, about attending a funeral and visiting Theodore, Bethia’s brother. Additionally, she tells of the possible logistics surrounding the weekend’s visit and the other company involved.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington