1845.09.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Sep. 21st, 1845
In this letter written on September 21st, 1845, Elizabeth Huntington addresses her son, Frederic. In the first paragraph, Elizabeth writes about Frederic’s job as a minister. She seems very proud that her son has grown up to be a focused man with a good profession and continues to wish him success. She expresses her interest in visiting Frederic in Boston to watch him. Elizabeth goes on to talk about her family members’ health. She discusses how Charley, Frederic’s brother, is ill with a fever but he is recovering. In the depths of his sickness, Bethia, Frederic’s sister, took care of him. Susan, Frederic’s aunt, is also sick, but Theodore is in great health. In fact, Theodore, Frederic’s other brother, and his immediate family are going to take a trip to Abington and Providence. The subject then switches to agriculture. Frederic’s father has hired an “Irishman” to help him on their farm. He is described as positive and hard-working, but his real name is not mentioned. Elizabeth also writes that her husband enjoys reading Frederic’s articles in the magazine he writes for. Like before, she makes it known that she wants her son to be successful and she hopes that Frederic has written some of the articles where she has trouble deciphering the author’s signature. She then signs her letter with “unwavering affection” for Frederic.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-09-21
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1845.09.03 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Sep. 3rd, 1845
This letter is part of a correspondence between Elizabeth Huntington and her son Frederic Dan Huntington. The letter discusses the health of Elizabeth's family, particularly John and Charlie. Both are plagued with a delirious fever, and Elizabeth was prepared for the illness to take a fatal turn. However, by the grace of God they are on the road to recovery. Elizabeth then updates Frederic on his father’s job at the farm. He is working on a project of clearing and burning a large piece of land, and has hired thirty people to help with this task. Frederic seems to have lost touch with his parents after moving from Boston.. She suggests that his garden and religious obligations leave no spare time for him to write, but stresses that his religious life is of the utmost importance. She goes on to question Frederic’s parenting, suggesting that he has not properly established authority over his child. She laments the current state of child discipline, with children seemingly controlling their parents, and gives suggestions for how to avoid this. She ends the letter by praising the Lord, and thanking Him for the many blessings He has bestowed on their families.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-09-03
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1842.04.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Apr. 25th, 1842
This letter is addressed to Edward Huntington, the son of Elizabeth Huntington, and was written by Elizabeth Huntington on his birthday. She first writes about Dan Huntington’s doings in Northampton, while he attended a funeral she went shopping and heard news of a man who had taken his own life. Elizabeth feels sorrow for the family but hopes for religion to bring them up. Elizabeth then goes on to update Edward on the health situations of some other family friends as well as herself. She says that she is feeling better, but she puts her focus on God and his blessings. Elizabeth briefly writes about what some of her sons, Edward’s brothers, have been doing recently: arrangements in their homes and work on their farm. On the back side of the letter, there is another message that has no formal address or names but states information about Mr. Atwood, the making of butter by the family. Elizabeth requests news of Edward’s garden and describes new plantings at Forty Acres.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-04-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence