1833.04.17 - Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington Apr. 17th, 1833
This initial section of the original document is a letter from Elizabeth to her daughter, Mary. The first paragraph talks about the happiness Mary’s letter brought to her parents during a time of ‘gloom’. Mary’s father Dan had been trying to write to Mary for some time, but had been busy with the upcoming renovations to the house. Elizabeth gives Mary an update on her siblings and urges Mary to continue on practicing the guitar. Elizabeth says that they are lucky because they are able to work and rest even with the great illness going around, and tells Mary that even though she may feel uncomfortable, she is lucky too. For they have the use of all their faculties and should be thankful for their ability to comfort one another with God’s words. Elizabeth finished the letter saying her daughter Elisabeth has been preaching and received a new light but she has not yet been able to share it with her mother. The next section is a letter from Dan to his daughter, Mary. He notes that Edward will join them in Troy and hopes that Mary can see them while they are in New York. He encloses five dollars for Mary’s prudent use. He goes on to tell Mary that Theophilus is feeling better. He has stopped taking pills and is able to eat and work without complaint. Dan tells Mary to do the same unless there is a change in the illness and then he will bring her home.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1833-04-17
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1832.06.28 - Mary D. Huntington to Bethia Huntington, Jun 28, 1832
Mary D. Huntington writes to her sister, Bethia Huntington, thanking her for a letter received from her. She goes on to discuss current events in her life at Miss Emma Willard’s School in Troy, New York. These events include, interactions and conversations had with her teachers Mr.Tucker and Mrs.Willard ranging in topic from religion and her studies to current town gossip concerning the recent death of two black townspeople. In discussing school lessons she mentions both French and learning to play the guitar. She then expresses her feelings concerning her family members, from hope for her sister Elizabeth’s plans to worry about her recent lack of correspondence with brothers Edward and William. She especially wants to hear Edward's advice on flowers. Finally, she concludes with caring sentiments about her parents and Fanny and reminds Bethia to write back soon.
Mary D. Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 7)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
June 28, 1832
Public domain.
1833.04.23 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Apr 23, 1833
Mary explains that she is struggling with her physical and mental health to her Mother. For the first part of her time at Troy, her school, she was struggling to get to her lessons but felt that the only time for her to finish her studies was the present. She has dropped her studies completely, but she is still not much feeling better. She knits to pass the time.
Mary states that she wishes that she was as grateful as her mother, as her letters are filled
with positivity more often than not. She begins to muse about how “we” should look at our
blessings as well as our troubles. Mary believes that when things are bad, it is harder to think of our blessings than when things are good.
She then expresses her gratitude at being granted the ability to return home with Edward but then shows her hesitation towards actually going home. She feels as if the option is too easy, and is leaving the decision for her mother (the reader) and Pa to make. While she is disappointed that she will not be following the path she expected to take, she knows that it is best for her mental health to not continue her schoolings at the present time.
Mary then jumps to questioning what to infer from what Elizabeth wrote. She wonders if Elizabeth has become a believer and if so, she will celebrate that with her. Mary then says that it is important to have “the assurance of faith.”
Although Mary wanted to have written back by that afternoon, she was prevented from doing so by Pauline, a guest. Mary makes sure to mention that Pauline has a plan for when she turns twenty-one that includes living in the country on a farm and doing the
housework herself. Two of Mary’s (teachers?) left the seminary on a journey to Clinton, and she hopes they succeed in what they do. She explains how she feels discouraged about herself and a burden to her friends. She asks her mother to express any cautions she may have, especially since she could do it with kindness.
Mary received Bethia’s letter, and hopes to see her brother in a few days. She ends the
letter by asking her mother to send a prayer for her.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Apr 23, 1833
Public Domain