1766 — Promissory notes from Aug. Bostwick to Charles Phelps, February 25, 1766 and November 25, 1766
Two promissory notes, both signed in Albany and made out from Aug. Bostwick to Charles Phelps, witnessed by Sam Thompson and Solomon Phelps. The first, signed on February 25th, 1766 is for five Pounds ten Shillings New York Currency in beaver hats, at the market price on February 25th, 1767. The second, signed on November 25th, 1766 is for five pound ten shillings New York Currency in beaver hats at market price on May 25th, 1767.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 14)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1766
Public domain
Promissory note
1786.01.25 — Promissory note from Charles Phelps Jr. to William M’Kean, January 25, 1786
Charles Phelps Jr. writes to William M’Kean promising to pay the sum of eight pounds, three shillings, and two pence by the end of May 1786. Phelps explains that he will pay off this debt as the descendant of his late father.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 14)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1786
Public domain
Promissory note
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
1829.11.26 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Nov, 26th, 1829
In this letter, Elizabeth talks extensively about how she had expected Elizabeth Fisher and her family to arrive at her home and had taken great pains to prepare for their arrival only to find out when Pa came back from town that she had written that she was unable to come. A bed had already been moved to the North kitchen and apple puddings for the children were in the hearth. Elizabeth was unable to come because the season had progressed so quickly and she worried about the children getting sick on the journey. They planned to come to the farm in the summer for Commencement. Elizabeth talks about how Charles and Helen were able to come as well as Mary and Theodore. She also mentions that Edward’s business is doing well and wonders if God will bless him with success. After talking about the family gossip, Elizabeth shifts over to religious admiration of John Huntington (a preacher) and God, writing the importance of faith in God. She concludes the letter by telling John that they are looking forward to his visit and have given him $5 and that they can send more if he writes to his father.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1829-11-26
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1832.05.11 - Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington, May 11th, 1832
This letter is from a mother, Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington, to her daughter Mary, who is away, having left home not too long ago. She tells her daughter that the family misses her and thinks of her often, and wishes her well on her journey. Her sadness at the separation reminds her of the loss of her younger daughter Catherine, two years before, though she understands it as God's right and will. Elizabeth casually remarks on the days before, having tea with friends, and the various house duties that have kept the family busy. She expresses her feelings on the separations in the family as new opportunities and blessings to rejoice in, and mentions the upcoming Sabbath day. She encourages her daughter to keep her faith alive by studying the Bible along with her siblings, reminiscing on her own experiences from doing so. Elizabeth then explains in greater detail, John Whiting’s recent health issues, filling Mary in on her siblings. She briefly mentions her other children who are partaking in various chores and leisure activities. Elizabeth concludes by admitting to her feelings of uneasiness accompanied by Mary’s departure, but uses the strength of holy words to keep her going.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1832-05-11
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1844.01.27 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, January 27th, 1844
Mother Elizabeth writes to son Frederic in order to inform him of the state of his dying sister, Helen. Elizabeth reveals her thoughts on death and the afterlife, and talks about their various encounters with family friends. Elizabeth compliments her son on a sermon he has written and rejoices in both his call to faith and his upcoming visit. She ends the letter with a religious statement of hopes for his and everyone’s futures. She adds in an afterthought her thanks for a gift Frederic has given her, praising him for his generosity. She writes vertically as she runs out of room to comment on the coldness of the weather and a sum of money that her daughter will receive.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-01-27
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence