1789.08.28 — Charles Phelps to Moses Charles Porter Phelps, August 28, 1789
A letter from Charles Phelps to his son Moses Phelps, which begins with Charles gently chastising Moses for failing to write and leaving the family to learn he had arrived at school safely from Mr. Houses who brought Moses a horse. The letter then details how and when Moses will receive the items he requested from the family. Next Charles briefly touches on how Moses should handle school finances and related administrative matters, before launching into advice and expectations for Moses’s four years at college. After warning Moses of potential pitfalls and reminding Moses of his standards, Charles closes the letter warmly. Under the signature, Charles adds a post script, informing Moses of the recent sudden death of Aaron Gorgrich, and the uncertainty around his cause of death.
Charles Phelps
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 5)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1789
Public domain
Letter
1787.09.22 – Charles Phelps Jr. to (Moses) Charles Porter Phelps, Sept. 22 1787
This letter was sent from Charles Phelps to his son, Moses Charles Porter Phelps on September 22cd, 1787. At the time, Moses was a student at the University of Cambridge, and his father lived in Hadley. Phelps begins the letter by letting his son know that a collection of his items and a sum of money will be delivered to him by Mr. Thaire of Amherst. Phelps also informs Moses that Deacon Smith will arrive with a horse that Moses can use to travel home for his upcoming visit from school. Moses is further instructed to send any further requests for items back with the bearer of the letter. In the second half, Phelps states that the family is doing well; he also advises his son on appropriate conduct and encourages him not to take precautions not to get sick.
Charles Phelps Jr.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 5)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1787
Public domain
Letter
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
1844.06.02 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jun 2nd, 1844
The letter is from Elizabeth to her son describing her trip to visit his sister and her respective family. The mother begins with her trip and gives some specific details about the visit. She says that the family hopes to move to Oswego while some of the boys stay and finish in school. She then divulges the family life at home with the father working the fields still. She ends in a very maternal way saying that she is constantly thinking of him and Hannah during their excursions. The letter utilizes religious language toward the end. The overall theme emphasizes the family.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-06-02
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence