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https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/6b8fe9e23c0c2d997e6471364e726262.pdf
4ff60f1865c2c838e4328e14035ff10e
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1837.06.16 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Jun. 16th, 1837
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
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1837-06-16
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A very newsy letter full, as Elizabeth writes, of "gadding." She chides Edward for his business worries, reports on a meeting of a religious association at the house, visits to friends in Deerfield, the girls inviting a party to the house, an upcoming wedding, and news of distant siblings (the Fishers in Oswego NY and William in Toledo OH). Elizabeth reports on spontaneously staying out late to attend an anti-slavery lecture by James Birney. She criticizes the political apathy of the community and expresses strong abolitionist sentiments. She shares home news of work building a house for Theophilus and planting mulberry seeds. At the end of the letter she turns from all these worldly concerns to "the heavenly inheritance."
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<p>Elm Valley June 16th 1837 -</p>
<p>Dear<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a>,</p>
<p>Yours of the 12th to your father was received yesterday. From that, I should think that your connexion with Hunter would probably close soon. If so I shall hope that one good [e]ffect of it will be to bring you home. It is quite time for you to make us a visit, and let business be suspended for the present.</p>
<p>We have had a very busy week so far. Monday the Association[1] met here. Doct. Willard, Mr. Fenender. Mr. Hading and Mr. Rogers[2] came that day - in the evening we had religious excercises as usual, sermon by Mr. Fenender[3]. Next morning before breakfast Mr. H, Mr. Everett of Northfield[4] and Mr. Bullfinch[5] who is preaching for Mr. Harris joined them. Fredric got back[6] to stay till Tuesday and woe had his company also and his assistance. They all left after dinner.[7] I hope their consultations may promote the cause which it is their familiar business to defend and advance.[8] Tuesday afternoon your father having business in town[9], I made a short visit to Martha[10], her health has been much impaired this spring but she is getting better[11], and has gone to Cummington[12] for a few days to visit Mrs. Groff[13].</p>
<p>To keep up the sum of gadding, I rode[14] the next day to Hatfield[15] with your father, who has a great desire to see the widow ____, and for fear of intruding upon his visit with the ladies, I spent the time with Maria Partridge[16]. There I found George her brother[17], and tutor Park, who had walked over for exercise[18]. We went from there to N_ [Northampton], drank tea at Charles'[19], and found that Mr. Birney[20] was to deliver an anti-slavery[21] lecture that evening; the temptation was so great that we staid and did not make home till almost eleven[22]. Just below the sycamore tree[23], we met<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a>, who to calm the minds of the girls[24] had mounted Dicky and was riding full speed to finish us up. We were much gratified with the address, but there is great apathy upon this subject in this part of the country.[25] A few here and there seem to realise something of the abomination, which are inseparable from this system of slavery, and many I doubt not, who have not power to do much, are content in their supplications to the Father of mercies that he would break every yoke, and let the offended go free.[26]</p>
<p>Wyman Smith came on yesterday and made a beginning upon Theopholis' house [MU1]Mr. Collins[27] and his men are to begin next week upon the cellar.</p>
<p>To finish the journal[28] for the week, the girls have invited their young friends for this evening, but a dark cloud has overspread the horizon and a gentle rain seems to be falling from it which may defeat the plan entirely. Our men have all gone to this mountain today, and woe be to the weeds among the corn.[29] –</p>
<p>Charles has furnished your brother with marlberry seed[30] to a considerable amount; [several lines of writing crossed out] Mr. Fischer[31] has not returned from Oswego, but is expected this week.<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethhuntington">Elizabeth</a><span> </span>[32] has gone to Deerfield to attend Ms. Lincoln's school[33].</p>
<p>We received a letter from<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/williamhuntington">William</a><span> </span>today dated Toledo? ____. He says there is a great door and effectual open?, and there are many adversaries. The people are anxious that he should remain with them a year. This he can not do, but he would gladly get a society established upon a firm foundation.</p>
<p>And now is there another fragment of news untold. Oh yes Robert[35] ____ is to be married next Tuesday.</p>
<p>But let us not close this interview[36] with out one look at the better world, the heavenly inheritance. Thanks to God, that when earthly prospects prove delusion, we may with the most assured hope, fix our affections upon a portion which no earthly power can wrest from us.</p>
<p>The dream of this life will soon be over, it may be very soon. To teach our dear departed Whiting and Catherine[37]. And let them not speak to us in vain. May our devotion to God be so constant and entire, that death may be a welcome messanger, to bear us to our Father's house and our friends in heaven, Most truly your affectionate mother<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Elizabeth</a><span> </span>-</p>
<p>Thursday- I have been keeping this, hoping to be able to copy it and send something a little more suitable and less unworthy, but not having time I send it with all its imperfections– your's to<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a><span> </span>came yesterday- your plan for the Edwards’ plan [place?] I think you would like. You had better renounce the hopes of riches - and enjoy with contentment and labor the common blessings of Providence which are furnished for us in abundance -</p>
<p></p>
<p>1 What Association?<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Elizabeth's</a><span> </span>husband Dan was licensed to preach by the Berkshire Association of Congregational Ministers. (<a href="http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html#odd-dh">http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html#odd-dh</a>)</p>
<p>2 Are these friends from their Unitarian congregation?</p>
<p>3 Who is this?</p>
<p>4 How did he get to Northfield?</p>
<p>5 Revered Stephen Bullfinch, husband of Caroline Phelps Bullfinch, Dan and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Elizabeth's</a><span> </span>niece (<a href="http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html">http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html</a>).</p>
<p>6 Got back from where? He was probably living on campus.</p>
<p>7 Was James also a student at Amherst College? Did they go back to the College after dinner?</p>
<p>8 I don't understand what she is saying in this sentence. Is she referring to their studies at Amherst?</p>
<p>9 What kind of business? Maybe a religious gathering or meeting?</p>
<p>10 Who is Martha?</p>
<p>11 What kind of impairment? Perhaps something that could be easily remedied today?</p>
<p>12 A small town about 22 miles northwest of Hadley.</p>
<p>13 Who is this?</p>
<p>14 Rode in what?</p>
<p>15 A town about 7 miles northwest of Hadley.</p>
<p>16 Found a Maria Partridge Dickinson (birth, 1797) from Hampshire County, Mass on Ancestry. (<a href="http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=ROOT_CATEGORY&rank=1&new=1&so=3&MSAV=1&msT=1&gss=ms_r_f-2_s&gsfn=Maria+Partridge&gsln=Dickinson&msbdy=1797&msbpn__ftp=Hadley%2C+Hampshire%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&msddy=&msdpn__ftp=Templeton%2C+Worcester%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&cpxt=0&catBucket=rstp&uidh=000&cp=0">http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=ROOT_CATEGORY&rank=1&new=1&so=3&MSAV=1&msT=1&gss=ms_r_f-2_s&gsfn=Maria+Partridge&gsln=Dickinson&msbdy=1797&msbpn__ftp=Hadley%2C+Hampshire%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&msddy=&msdpn__ftp=Templeton%2C+Worcester%2C+Massachusetts%2C+USA&cpxt=0&catBucket=rstp&uidh=000&cp=0</a>).</p>
<p>17 According to Geni, Maria Partridge Dickinson had a brother named George Dickinson who was born in 1815 (<a href="http://www.geni.com/people/Maria-Partridge-Dickinson/6000000010160892106">http://www.geni.com/people/Maria-Partridge-Dickinson/6000000010160892106</a>).</p>
<p>18 Interesting.</p>
<p>19 What is this place? What is New Frank?</p>
<p>20 This is James G. Birney!!! The famous abolitionist, Kentucky politician and creator of The Philanthropist (1836), an abolitionist weekly publication in Cincinnati, Ohio. Birney was actually travelling through New York and New England, in May and June of 1837. General Birney, Birney's sons, says of his father: "Mr. Birney's chief object had been to restore harmony among Anti-slavery leaders on doctrines and measures, and especially to check a tendency, already marked in Massachusetts, to burden the cause with irrelevant reforms, real or supposed. With this view he had attended the New England Anti-slavery Convention held at Boston, May 30 to June 2 inclusive, accepted the position of one of its vice-presidents, and acted as a member of its committee on business. Rev. Henry C. Wright, the leader of the No-Human-Government, Woman's-Rights, and Moral-Reform factions, was a member of the Convention, but received no appointment of any committee. On June 23, in the Liberator [his newspaper], Mr. Garrison denounced human governments. July 4, he spoke at Providence, as if approvingly, of the overthrow of the Nation, the dismemberment of the Union, and the dashing in pieces of the Church. July 15, an association of Congregational ministers issued a pastoral letter against the new doctrines. August 2, five clergymen, claiming to represent nine tenths of the abolitionists of Massachusetts, published on appeal which was directed more especially against the course of the Liberator. August 3, the abolitionist of Andover Theological Seminary issued a similar appeal. Among the complaints were some against speculations that lead inevitably to disorganization, anarchy, unsettling the domestic economy, removing the landmarks of society, and unhinging the machinery of government. A new Anti-slavery society in Bangor passed the following resolution: That, while we admit the right of full and free discussion of all subjects, yet, in our judgment, individuals rejecting the authority of civil and parental governments ought not to be employed as agents and lecturers in promoting the cause of emancipation" (<a href="http://womenshistory.about.com/library/etext/bl_watr_ch04.htm">http://womenshistory.about.com/library/etext/bl_watr_ch04.htm</a>).</p>
<p>21 The first anti-slavery society was established in New York in 1831. It became a national organization two years later. Its main supporters were from religious groups such as the Quakers and from the free black community (<a href="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAantislavery.htm">http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAantislavery.htm</a>).</p>
<p><br />22 She must have been interested in anti-slavery issues, or the lecture was just riveting, or both. Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington actually wrote a letter to William Lloyd Garrison (founder of New England Anti-Slavery Society) on January 22, 1834 (Amherst College--PPH Collection, Box 12, Folder 20)</p>
<p>23 Could this be the sycamore tree of the Deerfield Academy? (<a href="http://deerfield.edu/about/history-and-tradition/days-of-glory-for-200-years/">http://deerfield.edu/about/history-and-tradition/days-of-glory-for-200-years/</a>).</p>
<p>24 Which girls?</p>
<p>25 The New England Anti-Slavery Society was formed in 1831 by William Lloyd Garrison and based in Boston. Members of the NE Anti-slavery Society supported immediate abolition and viewed slavery as immoral and non-Christian. "The society sponsored lecturers or "agents" who traveled throughout the New England are, speaking in local churches or halls, and also selling abolitionist tracts... Whenever possible, the Society's agents would also encourage the formation of local anti-slavery societies. By 1833 there were 47 local societies in ten northern states, 33 of them in New England" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Anti-Slavery_Society">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Anti-Slavery_Society</a>). There was no public local anti-slavery society in the Valley.</p>
<p>26 Anti-slavery movement largely driven by religious influences.</p>
<p>27 Who is this?</p>
<p>28 Which journal?</p>
<p>29 What is she talking about here?</p>
<p>30 Marlberry is also known as marbleberry and dogberry. Marlberry is somewhat common in the coastal hammocks and pinelands of south Florida and the Keys. It occasionally is found as far north as Flager County in Florida. Usually an understory species, marlberry grows in the shade of taller trees such as pines and cabbage palm throughout its range that includes, besides Florida, the West Indies, Mexico, and Guatemala. Native Americans in Florida called this tree, the black tobacco-seasoning tree, because they mixed its leaves with their tobacco to make it go further. The tart, acidic fruit is edible but unappealing to people. It is useful to birds, squirrels, and other mammals gathering food (<a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Marlberry/marlberr.htm">http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Marlberry/marlberr.htm</a>). How was this relevant to Elizabeth and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a>? I think this is mistaken information. She is more likely referring to mulberry. Mulberry would be more significant here because it not only could be used as an edible berry and as a medicine, but also to feed silk worms, with silk being one of the first industries to come to Northampton during the early industrial period.</p>
<p>31 Who is this? Could it be George Fisher, Elizabeth's second child's husband (Elizabeth Porter Huntington Fisher's –1803-1897– husband). The Fishers lived in Oswego, NY for most of their lives. George Fisher was the president of the North West Insurance Company.</p>
<p>32 Elizabeth Fisher?</p>
<p>33 What school is this?</p>
<p><br />35 Who is Robert?</p>
<p>36 "Interview" here may be referring to this letter.</p>
<p>37 She may be referring to her late daughter Catherine. "Catherine, the tenth child of Dan and Elizabeth Huntington, was born in the house at "Forty Acres" in Hadley on May 8, 1817. She grew up there, but died at the age of 13 on August 15, 1830, after a two month bout with typhous fever. Catherine was the first of the eleven Huntington children to die and this was a tragic event for the family" (<a href="http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html">http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/amherst/ma30_odd.html</a>). Thus the reference to death.</p>
anti-slavery
building construction
business
Cummington
Deerfield
Edward
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
Frederic
fruit orchard
Hatsfield
horse
James Birney
Mr. Bullfinch
Mr. Fisher
NEEDS EDITING
Northfield
Oswego
preaching
school
slavery
Theodore
Theophilus
Toledo
William
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https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/1fd9c77fcfc774b6c70c58f477450cd1.pdf
0b3a840b3a0773437d20c0555f46bbb7
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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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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.
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Contact UMass SCUA for permission to publish or reproduce these materials.
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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/.
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1838.05.20 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, May. 20th, 1838
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
Date
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1838-05-20
Subject
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Written in close relation to Edward's birthday, this letter recalls him as an infant, reports on a local baptism, and mourns the deaths of his siblings Whiting and Catherine. Among the local news Elizabeth reports is an Indian encampment in Hatfield that including a great-granddaughter of Eunice Williams (taken captive in the 1704 raid on Deerfield). Amherst College students, including Frederic, go to see them. Much discussion of gardening, fruit trees, and the construction tasks of building fences, raising barns, and friends erecting houses. Son William writes from Illinois urging his brothers to join him in the West.
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<p>Elm Valley, May 20th 1838, Sabbath morn 11 o'clock</p>
<p>Dear<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a>,</p>
<p>It is so long since we have had a letter from you that I have determined to begin one, and ask what can be the reason of your silence? Were you in the habit of writing only once in two or three months, an interval of six weeks would not excite surprise. Neither does it now, knowing as we do your numerous labours and engagements. We consider it as the loss of accustomed enjoyment indeed, but trust it is not the indication of sickness or negligence. Your last letter to me, was received on your birthday. My mind had been unusually occupied, all the morning, with thoits[1] of you and your affairs. I had looked back to your earliest infancy and endeavored to notice the hand of a kind Father, in his various allotments with regard to your and our family. With regard to worldly prosperity, we may say truly that a man's life consisteth[2] not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth. The treasure lies within - if the immortal spirit has become united, by obedience and faith, to the Captain of salvation, to him who for our sakes became poor, that we thro' his poverty might be made rich; it is comparatively of little importance whether the individual be in a palace or a cottage. I wish we would all feel a deeper sense of the insufficiency of any worldly circumstances to confer happiness. I have been at home alone this morning,<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theophilushuntington">Theophilius</a><span> </span>and his wife and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a><span> </span>attended worships at Hadley, the rest of the family went to Northampton. Mr. Brown[3], the minister of North Hadley, intends leaving soon for the far off west, he has a son already there. Mr. Stearns[4] has been able to continue his labours thus far; his health appears to be better than it was a year ago. He has exchanged within a few months with Mr. Fessenden[5], Mr. Parkman[6] who was settled last autumn at Greenfield, and was a classmate of our dear<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/johnhuntington">Whiting</a>, and also recently with Mr. Everett[7] the minister of Northfield - but I like our own minister better than all of them.</p>
<p>Monday afternoon June 4th Since I began this letter the season has advanced rapidly and at my north window where I now sit, the northwestern breeze comes perfumed with the mingled odours of our flowers; no great variety indeed but were there nothing but the Fleur de lis, and the rocket[8], the fragrance would be agreeable. There is a prospect of much fruit, the apple blossoms were abundant and our peach trees pears plumbs and cherries have all been in blossom - the weather for a week or two has been delightful, just warm enough to be pleasant, and just showery enough to promote vegetation. Oft this season<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/bethiah">Bethia</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a><span> </span>were sick with the Varioloid[9], I was also sick with a fever. Now how different! all of us in health, and able each to contribute a share of labour for the common comfort of the family. Not only so, but innumerable sources of enjoyment are open for our participation, relating to our present state of existence. There are favours which call for our gratitude. But chiefly should we thank God for the hope of immortal life. This brings to mind Mr. Stearns' morning sermon yesterday. "To die is gain."[10] While listening I felt that it was good to be there, and my thoits wander'd over the wilds and mountains of Maine to find my dear Edward in his solitude, and amid his hardships and privations; and an involuntary desire arose in my bosom that your could have been there to share in the high enjoyment. The fervent aspiration also ascended to heaven, that these lone sabbaths of your's might be made joyful and useful, by the more full and free communications of the Spirit of God, without which all outward means are without effect. The views which he presented of the employments of the redeem’d in heaven were highly interesting; and the thoit of our dear departed Whiting and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/catherinehuntington">Catherine</a><span> </span>made me shed tears; but they were not tears of sorrow – O'no – I trust they were tears of joy and gratitude and hope, the hope of escaping from these scenes of sin and suffering, and of being all, all united in heaven. Last thursday we received a letter from you directed or rather addressed to<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a>, and the week before, two came, one I think to<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/charleshuntington">Charles</a>, and the other to<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/fredericdanhuntington">Frederic</a>. At the same time Theodore had a long letter from<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/williamhuntington">William</a><span> </span>inviting him to join him in Illinois. He has taken up as he says, two hundred acres for himself in a part of the province which he calls the mounds. He tries hard to induce Theodore, or Theophilius to go and settle there. Theodore said he should tell him in his next letter that he should not go - & I don't know whether Theophilus will conclude to pluck up stakes at present. Frederic returned to College[11] last wednesday after a month's vacation. We all enjoy'd it very much, he assisted in making the garden, help'd Theodore some, and his father some, and Theophilus some, besides being present, and lending his strength at the raising of the barn, which took place week before last. Theophilus's house looks much more respectable with this appendage. There is a part of a tribe of indians in this vicinity, the descendants of Mr. Wiliams[12] of Deerfield who was taken captive. A very aged female among them, is the granddaughter of Eunice Williams[13]. For several days past they have taken up their residence in the woods between Northampton and Hatfield[14], and have been visited by many of the inhabitants of the town adjoining. On saturday ten or twelve of the students from Amherst, went to see them, Frederic among the rest. His company went home by the way of Northampton, after resting awhile, for they were on foot. He stayed at<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/charleshuntington">Charles's</a><span> </span>and attended divine service with us yesterday. In the afternoon the Lord’s supper was celebrated, and previously to this two young ladies received the rite of baptism. It was a most touching scene. What can be more fit and proper and more beautiful than to see them in the morning of life, bringing the innocence and freshness and vigour of youth, and laying them on the altar of divine love, devoting all to him, who gave himself for them. You will be happy to know that these ladies, were Julia Dikenan and Caroline Young[15]. The Lord increases the number of those, who thus follow Christ, an hundredfold…[16]</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/danh">Your father</a><span> </span>has been very busy in building a new fence front of the house and north and west of the sheep yard - it is not yet done; this afternoon he is cutting down the old cherry tree east of my window - it is not only barren but dead, why even beneth it this ground? Our dear friends in Northampton are as usual. Samuel Hinkley[17] returned with his wife about a fortnight since and had a great wedding. They reside with his mother at [...]. It has been supposed that he would take the brick house where Mr. Hibbins[18] lived. Edward [Earke?][19] and his wife are keeping horses on the hill. You know he built a fire house there last year. But his health is not good. I hope he will secure a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. They have taken the few behind Charles's - but he is hardly ever there. I was much gratified with your particular description of your room. It must be a quiet, and I think a comfortable retreat - may the presence of God ever make it a Bethel[20] to you, the house of God and the gates of heaven. I rejoice heartily that you collect your family together and with them Lay the morning and evening sacrifice. It is a privilege and duty which none should omit. The morning devotion sheds a light over our path thro' the day, and who knows but some thoitless soul may be led by these exercises to reflection, to penitence to prayer and at length to heaven. "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and and ever."[21] That you and I may be the followers of him who went about doing good is the earnest desire of your affectionate mother<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethwhp">Elizabeth</a>.</p>
<p>1 In her letters, Elizabeth Huntington consistently spells "thought" as "thoit".</p>
<p>2 Elizabeth Huntington spells "consists" as "consisteth".</p>
<p>3 Elizabeth is likely referring to Reverend Ebenezer Brown, minister of the Second Religious Society in North Hadley from April 8, 1835 until the spring of 1838, after which he became a minister in Illinois. Originally from Brimfield and a graduate of Yale, Brown had previously been a pastor in Wilbraham and Prescott. There are multiple references to him being "dismissed" from positions. Josiah Gilbert Holland, ed., History of Western Massachusetts, Vol. II – Part III (Springfield: Samuel Bowles and Company, 1855), 224-5.</p>
<p>4 It is unclear exactly who Elizabeth is referring to. One possibility is Reverend Oliver Stearns of the Second Congregational Society in Northampton, who served as minister there from November 9, 1831 to March 31, 1839. Ibid., 248.</p>
<p>5 Reverend John Fessenden (1804-1881) was the minister of Deerfield. In August 1837, he gave a sermon about the Abenaki descendants of Eunice Williams who had come to visit the town. Elizabeth writes about a similar visit by a "tribe of indians" later in this letter... Elizabeth M. Sadoques, "The History and Traditions of Eunice Williams and Her Descendents, 1922" in Captive Histories, ed. Evan Haefeli and Kevin Sweeney (Amherst and Boston: University of Massachusetts Press, 2006), 255.</p>
<p>6 Reverend John Parkman was the minister of the Third Congregational Church in Greenfield. He was ordained October 11, 1837. David Willard, Willard's History of Greenfield (Greenfield: Kneeland & Eastman, 1838), 116. Francis Parkman, "The spirit of the Christian ministry: a sermon delivered at the ordination of the Rev. John Parkman to the pastoral care of the Third Congregational Church in Greenfield, Oct. XI, MDCCCXXXVII" (Boston: s.n. Dickinson, 1837).</p>
<p>7 Reverend Oliver C. Everett became minister of Northfield on March 8, 1837 and remained there about 12 years. Holland, History of Western Massachusetts, 409.</p>
<p>8 A flower, known scientifically as Hesperis matronalis.</p>
<p>9 Smallpox, particularly a mild form affecting people who have previously had or been vaccinated for the disease.</p>
<p>10 Philippians 1:21, from "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."</p>
<p>11 Frederick Huntington returned home from Amherst College.</p>
<p>12 Reverend John Williams and his family were famously taken captive and marched to Canada during the 1704 raid on Deerfield by Wendat, Kanienkehaka, Abenaki, and French forces. In 1706, he was able to return to Deerfield, publish The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion, and resume his Puritan ministry. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association/Memorial Hall Museum, Raid on Deerfield: the Many Stories of 1704,<span> </span><a href="http://1704.deerfield.history.museum/">http://1704.deerfield.history.museum</a><span> </span>(accessed Oct. 27, 2013).</p>
<p>13 In August 1837, Saint Francis Abenaki Indians made a documented visit to the town of Deerfield. Among them was an elderly woman named Eunice Williams, who identified herself as the granddaughter of the Eunice Williams of 1704. Deerfield residents treated the Abenaki travelers hospitably and local newspapers reported on the occurrence. The same group visited Northampton (and, according to Elizabeth, the area between Hatfield and Northampton) in 1838. Issues of the Hampshire Gazette and Northampton Courier dated two days after Elizabeth's letter make disparaging comments about the Natives, decrying their "popularity" and challenging Eunice’s claimed lineage. Marge Bruchac, "Abenaki Connections to 1704: The Sadoques Family and Deerfield, 2004" in Captive Histories, ed. Evan Haefeli and Kevin Sweeney (Amherst and Boston: University of Massachusetts Press, 2006).</p>
<p>14 Hatfield lies to the west, the other side of the Connecticut River. Northampton is southwest of both Hadley and Hatfield.</p>
<p>15 These young girls are clearly new members of Elizabeth's church, but there does not seem to be any more information about them available.</p>
<p>16 Mark 10:30, from "But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."</p>
<p>17 Elizabeth may be referring to Samuel Lyman Hinckley of Northampton, MA, born August 11, 1810. Around the time of this letter, he married Henrietta E. Rose. He was a frequent letter-writer himself. Abstract, Hinckley family papers, 1796-1956, New England Historic Genealogical Society. Lyman Coleman, Genealogy of the Lyman Family (Albany, NY: J Munsell, 1872), 181.</p>
<p>18 Mr. Hibbins is an apparent member of Elizabeth's social circle and most likely another resident of Northampton. However, the last name "Hibbins" does not seem to appear in town documentation, so it is difficult to determine who Elizabeth is referring to and what the nature of their relationship is.</p>
<p>19 Information is also lacking on Edward Earke. He appears to be a good friend of Elizabeth's, as she worries considerably about the state of his health.</p>
<p>20 Biblically, the "House of God."</p>
<p>21 Daniel 12:3.</p>
Amherst College
Bethia
birthday
building construction
Catherine
Deerfield
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
Eunice Williams
Frederic
fruit orchard
garden
Greenfield
Hadley
Hatsfield
Illinois
Indians
John Whiting
Northampton
Theodore
Theophilus
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/a8c1d0cf2c312d8f14350bc388e7a4df.pdf
1f51b7f03860ff07ad6e4f5c9dd91485
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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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1839.10.24 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Oct. 24th, 1839
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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1839-10-24
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A short sad note written scarcely 10 days after Mary Huntington's death. Discusses a time of "pestilence," mourns Mary and seeks acceptance. of this loss. Describes the health status of many family members and friends.
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<p>Elm Valley Oct. 24th 1839-Thursday Letter to Mr. Edward P. Huntington</p>
<p>Dear<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/edwardhuntington">Edward</a>,</p>
<p>We still live, and are all gaining strength, thro' the mercy of our God upon us. There is a breach made upon our number, and we miss at every step our dear<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/maryhuntington">Mary</a>, who was so much the life of our family circle. But we may not and we would not wish her back. Our concern must be to finish our work, with our hearts, and thoughts fixed on unseen things, that death also may be gain to us.</p>
<p>I have tho't of you as surrounded by the pestilence, and the destruction; but committing you to the Almighty protector, I endeavor to be quiet, yes and thankful.</p>
<p>We have not yet heard from<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/fredericdanhuntington">Frederic</a>.<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington">Theodore</a><span> </span>wrote him on Tuesday, and we have since sent him two numbers of the Gazette as he wished.</p>
<p>Sarah Phelps and Marianne were both very sick yet they the friends were considerably encouraged last week about them, but there seems to have come on a secondary fever with Marianne, which is rather alarming. Your uncle is indeed severely tried. May he and all of us come forth from the furnace seven times purified. [1]</p>
<p>Mr. Edes' term of preaching at N__ has closed; and<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/williamhuntington">William</a><span> </span>is engaged there for the next Sabbath. I hope you will be able to ride up and hear him, and also see us. Perhaps you will be glad to hear that we [indecipherable] Mary Burgen who will probably help us thro' our heavy work. - In haste most truly yours,</p>
<p>Affectionate mother<span> </span><a href="https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/elizabethhuntington">Elizabeth</a></p>
<p>[1] Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.</p>
death
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
Frederic
household help
illness
Mary
Mary Burgen
Northampton
preaching
Sarah Phelps
Theodore
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/5546692e7dba1a7d40d94bd67953a434.pdf
44fa75c730f09d3f74c4f16fd51a795d
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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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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.
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1839.12.07 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Dec. 07th, 1839
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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1839-12-07
Description
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Elizabeth Huntington writes a letter to her son, Edward, discussing Thanksgiving celebrations, various news about family members, the state of certain acquaintances who are ill, and expresses sorrow over the recent death of her daughter Mary who she calls “our kind assistant.” The topic of Mary’s death causes Elizabeth to touch on the subject of religion, God and how she believes death should be approached. She includes a poem. Later, she describes the curious recent actions of her son William Huntington, news restricted to the family, but probably referring to the courtship Lucy Edwards, and connects it to the pattern of young male members of the family moving away. She worries that Edward will do the same.
Bethia
Charles
Chesterfield
courtship
death
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
Frederic
gossip
Hadley
illness
Lucy Edwards
Mary
Mr. Barston
Mr. Danforth
Mr. Edwards
poetry
postal delivery
Sarah Phelps
sermon
Thanksgiving
Theodore
Theophilus
travel
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/03d21de551474a72a9363bebce11f1f3.pdf
bb0df685a533734ff9ad591dd78208ae
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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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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.
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Contact UMass SCUA for permission to publish or reproduce these materials.
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1842.04.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Apr. 25th, 1842
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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1842-04-25
Description
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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.
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A written representation of a document.
Elm Valley April-25th-1842-[1]
My Dear Edward,
I have been looking forward some time to this day (your birth day) as a starting point, on which to resume my part of our correspondence. I find on examining that your text was dated Jan. 13th I may as well confess the truth and save half the cost[2], as they say in law. But I shall carefully avoid attempting to make an apology - knowing what an utter disgust you feel for these things. Your father was called to Northampton this afternoon to attend the funeral of Mrs. Mann. The aged mother of Mrs. Cephas Clapp[3] and Bethia and I having a little business to do at the stores, improved the opportunity to ride over. while there we were informed that Cooley Wells of Whately[4] had put an end to his own life today by strangling. we did not learn any of the particulars, except that he was missing three hours before they found him. How often and how deeply has Mrs. Wells been called to drink of this cup of sorrow. May she find the consolations of religion[5] neither few nor small.
Mr. Atwood left your letters to Bethia last week, and offered to take one for you this week on his return. Tuesday evening - I am very sorry to find that Helen's[6] health suffered so much from the kind attentions she paid her friends. we must in future be more careful and by making our visits at different times avoid the evil of making ourselves burdensome. you kindly inquire after my health[7] I think it is improving gradually. Instead of complaining, I am sure our hearts should be full of gratitude for His multiplied and useful helpings. Let it be our care, faithfully to improve, as well as to enjoy them. I regretted very much that we missed the opportunity of sending you a little butter[8] by Mr. Smith. should we know of another we will try to improve it. Theodore has been turning about his house on Mount Warner[9], and making sundry new arrangements. this together with the farm keeps him and his boys very busy. Theophilus takes quite an interest in the little stranger, and well he may - for he is a friendly little fellow. your father has been obliged to take charge of the pulpit[10] at Northampton for the last and the next sabbath. in the mean time he is hoping to hear that friends have made some provision for him in the vicinity of Boston. Charles has been planning a little trip to Springfield with his wife for this week and of course a call upon you and Helen, but we found yesterday that little
Mary was quite sick, threatened with the lung fever[11], which may prevent their going. Bethia will give her own account of herself. she is not as remiss in letter writing as I am. It is growing late. The Lord be with you and yours now and ever.
Most truly affectionate mother Elizabeth.
Friday evening - after nine. Mr. Atwood does not call perhaps he has given us the go by - and perhaps he will call tomorrow. We have put into the kettle five pounds of butter. two and a half of which on the top is sent by Theodore. If he is not with willing to take it we shall only be where we are now. Your garden, of which we heard so much, continues to be an object of interest when it is finished. Do give us a correct and minute account of it. we purchased some of the balsam of fir today and Bethia has one set in the center of the circle.
Mr. Edw.. P. Huntington
Cabotville[13]
Mr..Atwood
[1] Edward Phelps date of birth (see Elizabeth's reference below).
[2] Law reference - most likely refers to pleading guilty, as Elizabeth admits that she is late responding to Edward's letter.
[3] Cephas Clapp was listed as the Deputy Jailor of Northampton in the 1829 MA Register that contained Civil, Judicial, Ecclestial and Military lists. Additionally a Mrs. Clapp was mentioned in the novel, Spider in a Tree by Susan Stinson, about Northampton and the Great Awakening
[4] Whately, Massachusetts. Located west of Amherst, between Northampton and Deerfield
[5] The 1820's saw religious revival in which Unitarians, Methodists and Baptists joined the once popular Congregationalist Church. Elizabeth Huntington joined church at 19 and married a reverend, but in 1828 she was excommunicated from Hadley Congrationalist Church after stating that she didn't believe the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were united in the trinity.
[6] Helen Maria Williams, wife of Edward.
[7] It is known that Elizabeth suffered from scarlet fever and passed away approximately 5 years after the writing of this letter.
[8] Butter was an important commodity of the time for cooking and baking. It took much time effort to make because of the churning that went into production. The Huntingtons often tried to send their children butter from their farm along with letters.
[9] Located west of Amherst, Massachusetts between Connecticut River and Amherst.
[10] Speakers stand in a church. In many Christian churches, there are two speakers' stands at the front of the church, the one on the left (as viewed by the congregation) is referred to as the pulpit.
[11] Unlikely to be same Helen mentioned above.
[12] Also known as pneumonia, a disease of the lungs that is characterized especially by inflammation of lung tissue. This disease is accompanied by fever, chills, cough, and difficulty of breathing and often results in extreme fatigue or drowsiness. Charles and Helen Huntington's daughter Mary was born in 1840 so she was just two at the time of this letter--she recovered and lived into her 80s.
[13] No address except the name and town is necessary because resident would go into town to get their mail.
agriculture
Bethia
birthday
butter
Cephas Clapp
Charles
Cooley Wells
Edward
Elizabeth
fever
funeral
garden
health
Helen Maria Williams Huntington
Mary Dwight Huntington
Mount Warner
Mr. Atwood
Mr. Smith
Mrs. Mann
NEEDS EDITING
Northmpton
Shopping
Springfield
Suicide
Theodore
Theophilus
Whately
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/4aadfe961d6f0c18af70991bf0bce97c.pdf
7dc94eae1b79370cfdd4aab9230b2553
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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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An account of the resource
Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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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.
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Contact UMass SCUA for permission to publish or reproduce these materials.
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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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1842.12.19 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Dec. 19th, 1842
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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1842-12-19
Description
An account of the resource
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.
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Elm Valley - Dec. 19th 1842 - Monday -
Dear Edward,
I have been for an hour or two debating this question in my own mind, whether I had better write you a few lines by Theodore, or not. I have been strongly inclined to do it, for ever since I made you my long visit, I have been writing to tell you how much I enjoyed it, and how many pleasing thou’ts I have had since, in recollecting it. But there are on the other hand some considerations, which make it rather hazardous to attempt writing. It seems to be a stormy time with the correspondencies of our family--hardly a letter passes in which there are not some expressions which give offense or at least uneasiness; and it is not improbable that I who am so zealous in the cause of universal Peace, may be so unhappy as to injure the feelings of some individuals to whom I write. Offenses given by writing are the cause of peculiar evils in conversation a word spoken inadvertently, if it injures the feelings may be so explained as to leave no unfavorable implications; but if such things are written, there must of necessity be an interval of time, in which the trouble will remain, and the feelings of course be disturbed. I come then to this conclusion, that when we write to our friend we had much better write in such a manner as to increase rather than diminish their comfort. On Saturday morning I went with your father, (who was going to Deerfield) to Northampton and stayed at Charles' till yesterday after meeting - when I returned with Bethia and Frank - Theodore taking his turn in staying at home. Elizabeth was pretty near sick the night she came from Cabotville, but with good nursing and the blessing of heaven, she has become quite comfortable again. Your uncle has been in this evening to send to you by Theodore a formal tho verbal invitation to Caroline's wedding, which they intend to have celebrated next week Tuesday evening - - come if you can, it need not take you more than twenty four hours - most affectionately yours and Helen's - Elizabeth
Mr. Edward P. Huntington
Cabotville
Bethia
Cabotville
Caroline
Charles
Comfort
Deerfield
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
Frank
Helen
injury
Letter writing
Northampton
Theodore
Uneasiness
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/27762a6feac0fb112dc71a56d95ee954.pdf
35e0ce139a3ab3d09c19c310d536f1f7
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Title
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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.
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Contact UMass SCUA for permission to publish or reproduce these materials.
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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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1843.02.01 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Feb. 1st, 1843
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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1843-02-01
Description
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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.
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[Addressed to] Mr. Edward P. Huntington Cabotville--
Elm Valley Feb 1st 1843
Dear Edward,
You have doubtless been looking long for this last number of the Christian Examiner[1]; as Fredric sent it here, that I might read Mr. Ware's[2] article on the progress of Peace Principles, I feel in a measure accountable to you for its being this long on its way to you. It was sent with some other pamphlets, and letters to Springfield, by a private opportunity - and from there I believe it came by a stage driver to Northampton - Charles left it a few days and then brought it over to us - Since that I have endeavored to find an opportunity to send it to you but have not yet succeeded - Bottom Smith intends going to Cabotville this week – and I hope it will go by him. We had quite a satisfactory letter from William today - In answer to something which Bethia had written him respecting your correspondence with him, he writes thus - "I should never have taken exception to the continuation of a joke," nor even to the originating of a joke, by Brother Edward. It was the serious part of his letter, - what he said about the employment of times, the misapplication of talents, and my neglect to gather around me here young men and educate them, - and the complaining and dissatisfied strain of my letters home and to him - this was the part of his letter, upon which I perhaps unnecessarily made a scathing comment, in my letter to Bethia. All of which I then thought, still think, and ever shall think was unjust, unkind and founded upon an entire misunderstanding of my situation, my capacities, and my actual efforts." --These little troubles among dear and distant friends are very unpleasant, and as they were often to arise from ignorance with regard to the subjects in question - perhaps it would be well for you to write him - and if possible heal the wound. He speaks of having cut a gash in his leg about three inches long a day or two before he wrote, which was Jan. 19th, by the glancing of his axe. He says "the pain and inconvenience I suffer are trifling compared with my disappointment at not being able to avail myself of this fine sleighing to get my wood. But it is night, and more good than evil will spring out of it. How many blessings have I and mine, for which to be grateful- my wife says she has never in her life enjoyed better health than during the present winter." - Thanks to our merciful Father, we who inhabit the old mansion can bear witness also that his mercies never fail -. your father has been chipping at the mountain all last week and some before – in all this wind and cold he has gone into town with T. and T.[3] who have gone to N--n[4] on business - they also carried George Fisher who has been here since Monday - spending part of his vacation. Little [Walter ?] is as fat as ever - he has learned to creep. The dwellers in the valley remember you and Helen with the kindest wishes and more especially does you affectionate mother Elizabeth --
Friday morning - your father has paid dear for going out yesterday - before he went he complained of pains on his right elbow - it increased toward night, and has been very troublesome ever since till within an hour or two - Doct. [Mutray?] is now here - you inquire the price of butter - I believe it will not bring more than nine pence. - The doctor has gone and left a wash for the arm - and some powder to be taken if the pain is severe. It seems to be a turn of chronic rheumatisms – he has been eating breakfast and is quite comfortable.
[1] The Christian Examiner was a Christian periodical with Unitarian and Trancendentalist content.
[2] Henry Ware, Jr. was influential Unitarian theologian and faculty at the Harvard Divinity School
[3] Theophilus and Theodore
[4] Northampton
Bottom Smith
Cabotville
Christian Examiner
Dan Huntington
Doctor Murray
EDITED
education
Edward
Elizabeth
family strife
George Fisher
Helen
Henry Ware Jr.
Jokes
Misunderstandings
Pain
Peace Principles
postal delivery
Theodore
Theophilus
William
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/4478e2a5cc18cbed88d4231d0df3087f.pdf
e1f0ac8c00f5a497fec1b676d8ee8400
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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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Original documents and annotated transcriptions primarily of letters between Elizabeth and Dan Huntington and their eleven children.
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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.
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Contact UMass SCUA for permission to publish or reproduce these materials.
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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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Title
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1835.10.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Oct. 8th, 1835
Creator
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
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Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 7)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Type
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Correspondence
Date
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1835-10-08
Description
An account of the resource
In this letter, Elizabeth writes to her son Frederic and updates him on daily happenings in hopes that he does not forget his family while away at school at nearby Amherst College. While the family misses him, they do not mourn, and life goes on. There are efforts to start a singing school in Hadley to be taught by Mr. Kingsley. Fanny, Elizabeth’s granddaughter and Charles’ daughter, appeared to be near death Thursday but is well enough to attend school the following Wednesday. Dan Huntington’s birthday on Sabbath day prompts a brief passage about how death should not be feared but rather considered a gate to endless joy. Several of Elizabeth’s children visit her over the course of the week, and Charles and wife Helen visit Mount Warner with the Clarke family while Harriet, daughter Elizabeth, and Mary visit along with Theodore. Elizabeth laments that she cannot see Halley’s comet very well and that she and Dan have conflicting calls for tea Wednesday. Edward writes that he will be away for several more weeks, and Elizabeth receives a letter from Mrs. Fisher detailing a devastating mill fire.
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
Elm Valley - Oct. 8th 1835 - Thursday Evening 7-
My Dear Frederic,
I am going to do what I recommended to you to do, keep a sort of record of the events of the day; and when I have a convenient opportunity send it to you, that you may not lose all knowledge of us, or interest in us.
We have visited you several times today in spirit, and in conversation, and I imagine you have arranged your furniture, and swept and dusted your room, and find yourself with your room-mate very comfortably situated, and ready and able to go on with your studies to advantage. I am quite happy in this persuasion; because we read in the Book of books, this direction, and promise united; "Commit thy way unto the Lord and he shall give thee the desire of thine heart;[1] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."[2]
The two brothers have gone into town to collect, if they can, seventy persons who will be willing to unite in forming a singing school to be taught by Mr. Kingsley. This gentleman has agreed to teach three months in Hadley, twice a week, for the sum of 175 dollars; 25 less than they offered him at Greenfield. Your father is quite down with a cold, is now sitting by the kitchen fire, to avoid the chattering of five females; yes, five without your mother; by this you will understand that Mary and Harriette Mills[3] returned, (before dinner), with Theophilus who went this morning to N_n [Northampton] on business. We had a letter from Edward last evening dated Franklin Maine, between Bangor & Eastport.[4] He says nothing about Williams nor about moving home; the letter was written Sept. 28th.
Saturday evening half past ten. All gone to rest, in peace and comfort; what obligations are we under to our guide by day and our guard by night! The pillar of a cloud and the pillars of fire still attend us, though too often unnoticed.
We miss you often; at our social meals, and our social fire-side; at the morning and evening sacrifices, and also as we gather around or Saturday-evening table, with our religious books, and elevating employment. But thanks to God, we would not mourn your absence; we may hope for a meeting in this life. Some of our number have reached the end of their journey, when it was but just begun; and we are permitted to think of them, as the inhabitants of a world of purity and peace and love, where no discordant passions agitate the bosom, and no doubt or fears interrupt the communion of the blessed society. We are traveling on, as we hope, in the same path. May we often hear the voice of our great leader, saying, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."[5] Let us not expect or desire, uninterrupted enjoyment. We know from the word of God and our own experience, that difficulties and troubles are essential to our progress in virtue and holiness. Desiring this progress above everything else, let us leave with infinite wisdom and goodness, the means by which it shall be attained.[6]
Charles came over this afternoon and brought his family. The children are better; but Fanny[7] looks very sickly, and continues to have a pain in her ear and the sides of her throat. She seems about ready for heaven. Your friend Poor called here; he seems very friendly to you. Harriette will return tomorrow. May the Lord of the Sabbath, give us all a Sabbath blessing.
Sabbath evening - This is your father's birthday; we are descending toward the grave. But I beg you will not tremble at the thou[g]ht. Death is the gate of endless joy, And shall we dread to enter there? If we are christians we ardently desire to see God and Christ; but we cannot see them as we wish, till we die. We also long to be free from sin, to serve our maker without weariness and without imperfection, but this we cannot do till we die. Death then to the believers is great gain. It will bring us to the spirits of just men made perfect to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, and to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant and to God the judge of all. We all attended meeting, Theodore and Ben, at the Hills[8], your father, Miss Paige, Mary, and Susan[9] at Hadley and the rest of us at N_n [Northampton]. Mr. Hearns preached in the morning to mourners, from these words, Job, Behold happy is the man whom God correcteth. [10] This afternoon from Proverbs 4th 26th Ponder the path of thy feet. On the failings of christians, and I found myself reproved; may it not be in vain. I hope you will have a blank book and keep a Sabbath record.[11]
Monday evening 7 o clock - Marianne[12] and the younger Miss Dane[13] called here this afternoon. Marianne is going, when the Misses Dane return, to make a visit of a few weeks at Cambridge Port, and Boston. Turn to the first page, by mistake I began on the wrong side.
This letter begins at the second page.
On Saturday afternoon, our girls, Harriet[14], Elizabeth, and Mary, visited Mount Warner. For want of a better conveyance they rode with Theodore part of the way in the old red wagon, and in the cart. Elizabeth came home much delighted with the refreshing sight of the coleges [colleges] & particularly of the door of the chapel, as she thought possibly you might be standing in it. - Her evenings last week were apparently not very pleasant, we thou[g]ht she wanted you at her left hand, to help her about her studies. As Mary was fearful that something you said to her about not being married, the day before you left us, gave her some uneasiness.
I suppose you have seen the comet.[15] It is visible all this evening, just above and very near the great Bear.[16] The train is not very brilliant. Indeed to my dim vision it is hardly perceptible.
Wednesday 'forenoon yesterday afternoon Charles and Helen accompanied Edward Clarke and wife and sister, and Mrs. Christopher Clarke[17] to Mount Warner. They [Charles and Helen] left little Charles with us while they were gone. Fanny is so well as to attend school. This morning your father, Theophilus and Ben have gone to the mountain to pick up apples. Theodore stays at home, is husking corn I believe. Your father and mother had an invitation last night, to drink tea this evening with Widow Maj. Smith, in company with Doct. Brown[18] and lady. This morning Mrs. Doct. Porter sent a note, requesting our company and Bethia's, at their house to meet friends at tea today. What a pity; as calls of this kind are so rare, that there should be two for the same time!
I intend to leave this at Doct. Porters store, to be sent to you. I hope soon to receive a long letter from you. I hope it will not be a task as irksome as writing home is to me of the girls in our family. I feel a kind of satisfaction in [the thought] that your writing desk is the same which was used by your gr. [added in pencil] brother [19] who is now a glorified spirit, and is perhaps permitted, as he himself hoped might be the case, to witness your faithful efforts in duty, and even assist you in their arduous work - with the most earnest desire for your happiness and improvement I am as ever your truly affectionate mother,
Elizabeth -
We had a letter last evening from Edward dated
He said he might be absent 3 or 4 weeks longer. We also had a letter from Mrs. Fisher. She says the mill in which Mr. F. secured a share has been consumed with some other building by fire. The loss to the firm, is eight thousand dollars.[20]
Addressed:
Mr Frederick D. Huntington Amherst Amherst College
[1] Psalm 37:4, King James Bible, reads: "Delight thyself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart"
[2] Proverbs 3:6, King James Bible, Cambridge Edition reads: "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths"
[3] There is little mention of Harriette at this time, but Harriette Blake Mills was the mother of Helen Sophia Mills Huntington, so this may be referring to her.
[4] Franklin, Maine is between Bangor and Eastport. It is unclear what Edward is doing in Franklin, as his permanent home in 1835 was in Northampton.
[5] Revelation 2:10, King James Bible reads: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life"
[6] Elizabeth was excommunicated from the Hadley Congregational church in the 1820s, so that is old news when this letter was written. However, Dan Huntington was censured by the Hadley Congregational Church in 1835. Not only did this trouble with the church cause Elizabeth much hardship because of her faith, but it also disrupted her social life and status, as the church was the center of the town. It seems that Elizabeth is referring to this turbulence are she writes about the "difficulties and troubles" she is facing, but she seems to equate this suffering to that which will give her the strength and experience to become closer with God and go to heaven when she dies.
[7] Charles' and Helen's daughter, Helen, was nicknamed Fanny. She is mentioned later in the letter as having recovered from her illness.
[8] At this time, Frederic is living in Bedford Hills N.Y. so this may what Elizabeth is referencing here.
[9] Perhaps, Susan Davis Phelps (1827-1865), youngest child of Charles Porter Phelps, who was living in Hadley and was eight years old when this letter was written.
[10] Job 5:17, King James Bible reads: "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth"
[11] Most likely referring to Dan's getting censured by the Hadley Congregational Church.
[12] Marianne, Born September 13, 1810, was a child of Elizabeth Phelps Huntington's brother, Charles Porter Phelps.
[13] Hannah Dane Sargent Huntington (1822-1910) spent each summer on the farm at "Forty Acres." She was 13 at the time, while Frederic was 16, and the two eventually married in 1843. She was the daughter of Epes and Mary Lincoln Sargent. Hannah lived in Boston at the time.
[14] It is unclear who Harriet is referring to, as Elizabeth did not have a child of that name. May be referring to Harriett Butler Clarke, daughter of Christopher Clarke, as the family is mentioned later in the letter.
[15] Halley's Comet passed earth in 1835, and was best visible on November 16. http://www.space.com/19878-halleys-comet.html
[16] Also known as Ursa Major. Notable for containing the stars that comprise the asterism The Big Dipper.
[17] Likely referring to Edward and Christopher Clarke of Northampton, sons of merchant Samuel Clark.
[18] It is unclear who Doct. Brown is. It is most likely not the famous John Brown, although Elizabeth knew him.
[19] Although there is as yet no other direct mention of the writing desk in question, it is likely that Elizabeth is speaking of Frederick's brother John Whiting, who died while a student at Harvard in 1832.
[20] Mr. and Mrs. Fisher refers to Elizabeth Porter Huntington Fisher (1803-1897) and George Fisher, respectively. Elizabeth was the second child of Dan and Elizabeth Huntington. George was president of the North West Insurance Company in Oswego, New York.
Amherst College
Ben
Charles
death
Doctor Brown
EDITED
Edward
Edward Clarke
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Fisher
Fanny
Frederic
Halley's Comet
Harriet
Harriette Mills
Helen
John Whiting
Marianne
Mary
Mill fire
Miss Dane
Miss Paige
Mount Warner
Mr. Hearns
Mr. Kingsley
Mrs. Christopher Clarke
Mrs. Doctor Porter
postal delivery
Singing school
Susan
Tea
Theodore
Theophilus
transportation
Widow Maj. Smith
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/291d4d90870ba37ead106c7cc8c4bcee.pdf
9b300d58c140285ecdfa1a0dc31b0f86
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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19th cen: Huntington family correspondence
Subject
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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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1842.08.05 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Aug. 5th, 1842
Creator
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Type
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Correspondence
Date
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1842-08-05
Description
An account of the resource
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.
Bethia
Dan
Eastford
EDITED
Edward
Elizabeth
Frederic
Hadley
Mary
Mr. Smith
Northampton
Sabbath
Theodore
Theophilus
-
https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/files/original/270beaa628bf5ac1a7a724077961629c.pdf
79dcfe0324be85a51f6bca9cca03178e
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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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Title
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1845.03.29 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Mar. 29th, 1845
Creator
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Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
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Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Type
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Correspondence
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1845-01-04
Description
An account of the resource
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.”
Bethia
Cabotville
Caroline Bulfinch
David
Eliza
Elizabeth
Frederic
George
Hannah
Hartford
Jane Welsh
Mr. Bulfinch
Mr. Hockbridge
Mrs. Lyman
Mrs. Wright
NEEDS EDITING
Northampton
seamen's society
sewing society
Susan
Theodore
Walter
William