1839.10.24 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Oct. 24th, 1839
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.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1839-10-24
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1839.12.07 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Dec. 07th, 1839
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.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 4)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1839-12-07
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1840.10.25- Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, October 25th, 1840
Describes Elizabeth's reading in the journals the Monthly Miscellany and the Western Messenger, including appreciation of an essay on "a sister's influence" written by Frederic and presumably meditating on his sister Mary's recent death. The letter also discusses the receiving and sending of letters and packages within the family, Dan Huntington's health, and in a postscript, Elizabeth's fondness for singing in church.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 8)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1840-10-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1843.11.19 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, November 19th, 1843
Elizabeth writes from New York to her son Fredric, a reverend in Hadley. She writes about the recent death of her other son, Edward, who was only in his 30s. In her letter she copies down some of Edward's writings, which were found by her husband, Dan. The passages she copies from Edward's papers contain Edward's resolutions and reflections in response to the death of his brother John Whiting. Quite a powerful circle of mourning and remembrance--and inspiration for right living.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-11-19
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
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
Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Sabbath evening near 11
Elizabeth is writing to Frederic, his son, so as to keep in touch. She expresses her joy in seeing her husband write letters to the children. She goes on to request Frederic to send in clothes that need mending and accept the pair of socks that she sends him. She enquires whether Frederic might be willing to sell his sun hat and if he does, for how much. She assures him that should he pay for the silk dress, he would be reimbursed promptly.
She expresses her gratitude to Frederic for always sending the publications to her. She elicits the fact that Hannah, who had passed on, was still in their memory. She promises to always pray for her son and requests that he prays for her.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Sabbath evening near 11
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence