1842.10.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Oct. 25th, 1842
In this correspondence between Elizabeth Huntington and Frederic Dan Huntington, she writes to him on about the travel plans of fellow people in their community. She gives him reassurance in his new role as a minister in the community following his ordination into the church. She also cautions Frederic to take care of his health during the beginning of his role as a minister. Additionally, she acknowledges the engagement of Frederic Dan to Hannah.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-10-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1845.05.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, May 8th, 1845
The first part of the transcription is Elizabeth copying a letter from William she received earlier that day. William writes to his mother to let her know that he has rented out his farm for the harvest season and will be setting out on a trip early in May. Departing from St. Louis, William and his family will go to New York City to visit brother Edwards, then move to Boston and meet up with his brother Frederic, and finally arrive in Hadley or Northampton around the first of June. Elizabeth then begins to write to Frederic and gives him an update about her and Dan’s house calls to their various neighbors. She tells Frederic about her disappointment in not seeing or hearing from his family, clearly using some element of guilt to try and make them come for a visit. She then updates Frederic’s on his siblings and tells him that Theophilus’s wife Eliza is very ill. She complains about the difficulty of hiring a woman to do housework, and expresses pleasure in her grandchildren and pride in Frederic’s ministry and publications—while urging him to feel humble.
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
1846.02.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Feb. 25th, 1846
This is a letter from Elizabeth Huntington to her son Frederic. In it she details daily life and interpersonal interactions within the community. She brings religion into her writing through textual quotations or just by writing about sermons, services, lectures and her own reading. Elizabeth writes on her health, and that of family members, and expresses well wishes. In this winter letter she describes snow storms and celebrates that the house stays comfortable even in the coldest weather.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1846-02-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1843.11.18 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, November 18th, 1843
This letter actually contains a letter written on November 18, 1843 and a lengthy postscript and shorter sidebar written on November 26, 1843. A major portion of the letter is devoted to reporting the death of Edward and offering praise of his character and sadness over his loss. The letter also provides news of two women named Helen – one who has gone to Deerfield for a few weeks and is overdue to return and the other who appears to have been gravely ill in the recent past but appears to Elizabeth to be in much better condition than the doctors had led her to believe was possible. The letter also speaks highly of the local minister who provided comfort to the family in Edward’s illness. Throughout the letter, Elizabeth makes numerous references to religion, spirituality, and prayer. She appears to be a woman of great faith, which is not surprising given that her letter is addressed to her son, who is a minister.
In the postscripts, Elizabeth writes of mundane matters such as the price of butter and offers to send butter to Frederic. She also explains the tardiness of the original letter and the presence of the postscript, adding that Helen has now returned home and setting out the Thanksgiving plans for various people. It appears that at one time, Elizabeth intended to enclose as separate letter from Lucy Parsons, but later (in the sidebar) Elizabeth explains that Lucy’s letter will be sent by a different means.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-11-18
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence