1844.11.29 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, November 29, 1844
This letter is part of a correspondence between Elizabeth Huntington and Frederic Dan Huntington. In the letter, Elizabeth refuses to satisfy Frederic, citing God and reason as her rational. However, to show her affection, she attached a pair of socks, which she knit herself, in the hopes of keeping him warm as the winter approaches. Elizabeth also hopes to gain more information about Frederic’s family and parish through “Bethia”, whom is visiting. She then inquires about Frederic’s new hired man, and hopes he works as hard, as well as listens to the gospel as much as Frederic. She offers Hannah a mother’s magazine to help her with her new boy-though apologizes for how old it is. She notes that Theophilus reluctantly enjoyed reading the Christ Doctrine. Winter is fast approaching, and with it brings the end of mourning. She closes with a wish that God will allow them to meet and to never separate. Lastly, she remarks on the joy of reading the second volume Greenwood’s sermons at family Sabbath.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-11-29
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1845.01.04 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jan. 4th, 1845
Elizabeth is updating Frederic on the family’s activities, health, and town news. She specifically notes his father’s slow recovery and hopes that Frederic’s return will restore their father’s health. Elizabeth also mentions the excitement surrounding the new minister, Mr. Ellis, and looks forward to his next sermon. In addition to Frederic, Sarah Phelps is expected to arrive in a couple weeks. Throughout the letter she mentions the restoring power of the outdoors and points to occasions where she has experienced such positive energy. She asks Frederic to procure her publications and writing paper and is disappointed that he will not be preaching in Hadley. She ends her letter with a blessing to Frederic and Mrs. Sargent conveying her love and sincerity.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1845-01-04
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
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