1769.03.18 — Elizabeth Porter Phelps to Penelope Williams, March 18, 1769
Elizabeth Porter, who is in her twenties, writes to her friend Penelope Williams. In the letter, Elizabeth Porter laments her sins but states that she will go to Church to atone for them. The letter is written on two separate days, Wednesday and Saturday. In the Saturday portion, Elizabeth speaks of an affliction that had occurred to her friend, Penelope, and thanks God for his ability to heal her; otherwise, his mercy.
Elizabeth Porter Phelps
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 5, Folder 16)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1769
Public domain
Letter
1832.06.23 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 23, 1832
In this letter, 17-year-old Mary Huntington is writing to her mother Elizabeth Huntington. Mary is away at school in Troy, New York, at the Troy Female Seminary—later the Emma Willard School. Mary writes that she has been unwell. She appears ill, homesick, or anxious, or a combination of some or all of the foregoing. The 1832 cholera epidemic ravaging the region—Mary refers to it as the "dreaded disease" and "terrible scourge in the land"—seems to be driving much of her worry. Mary regrets that she has neglected her devotion to God and things above, and expresses a renewed desire to "honor the Redeemer" and publicly profess her membership in the church. Mary recounts speaking earlier in the day with a physician. He described her as "very nervous" and left her with some suggestions—avoid tea and hot coffee—together with Valerian powder and iron pills. Mary has missed two her music lessons because of her ill health. Mary uses this letter to again request that someone come for her. Because she did not receive a letter that day, she tells her mother that she half expected her father to arrive. Mary concludes by giving love to her mother and the family.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jun 23, 1832
Public Domain
1832.06.20 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 20, 1832
In this letter, Mary writes to her parents from school. She is very anxious and hurried in sending the letter. There is no clear danger to Mary’s health, but she is not well. Mary references asking someone to come for her in the previous letter, and she hopes that her parents complete this task without hesitation. At the end of this distressing letter, Mary includes a P.S. telling her parents not to be frightened, as she only wishes to tell them of her true feelings.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jun 20, 1832
Public Domain
1840.04.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, April 21st, 1840
Elizabeth begins with apologies for not writing sooner, and thanks for Frederic's attentions through her sickness. Letter discusses Frederic's missionary work visiting prisoners, ferry transportation to Northampton now that the bridge is out, rules about visiting a child at school, reading Longfellow's poetry collection Voices of the Night, Frederic's eye troubles, herbal medicine, and the illnesses of various friends. The letter contains much religious commentary on prayer, church services, various ministers and a mention of Dan Huntington preaching in Deerfield. It ends with a detailed description of reunion in Heaven. There is a lot of cross-writing additions to this letter, including a joke about a neighbor and the Whig Party.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 8)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1840-04-21
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1842.06.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, June 21st, 1842
Elizabeth has written a letter to Frederic updating him on the whereabouts of, presumably, family and close friends. She specifically mentions Judge Lyman’s disease and as, a result, impaired cognitive abilities. Elizabeth’s sister, Lydia, has also shown no signs of improvement and has been newly diagnosed with dropsy. The local physician has prescribed medication to Lydia, but Theodore intends to take her to Hartford to aide in her recovery. Elizabeth ends her letter on an upbeat note describing a delightful ride with her mother. In the end, she sends her love and blessings to Frederic.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1842-06-21
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844.11.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, November 8th, 1844
Elizabeth writes to her son Frederic, sending him a box of butter from his brothers, Theodore and Theophilus. Elizabeth asks her son to tell her more about his neighbors and assumes that the reason he has not already done so is due to his involvement in the church. She urges him to keep his studying at a healthy amount. She then expresses her wishes to see a George Putnam and hug him. She tells Frederic of her new free time now that his father is busy working on some land, and that she has been visiting many people. Elizabeth ends the letter by saying that she has been thinking much on the dead and hopes that they are in heaven with God.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-11-08
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Sabbath evening near 11
Elizabeth is writing to Frederic, his son, so as to keep in touch. She expresses her joy in seeing her husband write letters to the children. She goes on to request Frederic to send in clothes that need mending and accept the pair of socks that she sends him. She enquires whether Frederic might be willing to sell his sun hat and if he does, for how much. She assures him that should he pay for the silk dress, he would be reimbursed promptly.
She expresses her gratitude to Frederic for always sending the publications to her. She elicits the fact that Hannah, who had passed on, was still in their memory. She promises to always pray for her son and requests that he prays for her.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Sabbath evening near 11
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1833.01.06 - Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington, Jan. 6th, 1833
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington is writing a letter to her daughter Mary. It is the evening of the Sabbath, and Elizabeth has taken the time to remind Mary of some important aspects in pleasing the Lord. She reminds Mary of the importance of taking time to pray to the Lord, for this will benefit the world as a whole. Elizabeth reminds her daughter that taking the time for watchful prayer will benefit not only her, but everyone. Mary’s brother William will also be visiting in the morning.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1833-01-06
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1846.05.07 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, May 7th, 1846
Elizabeth is writing to her son for the first time in a while because she has been very sick. She thanks God for her recovery. People are traveling but they are worried about Elizabeth because she has been so sick. She is able to sew during the day but has to rest a lot so that she can continue to recover from her sickness. Elizabeth talks about the Unitarian church that she seems to be a member of but she also discusses different religious ideas that she has read about. Elizabeth mentions the weather and the rain because these factors might affect travel. They have some different people coming and going from the house and staying with them. Frederic is coming for a visit soon and this is exciting for her.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1846-05-07
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1843.01.24 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jan. 24th, 1843
This was a letter from Elizabeth Huntington to her son, Bishop Frederic Dan Huntington. In the letter, Elizabeth Huntington expresses her approval of her son’s performance at the ordination. She notes her pride in his vast efforts in his parish and all he does for the poor of his community. Further, she describes how she is happy that he encourages the poor to attend religious meetings. Elizabeth also states in the letter that she included old garments and old books for her son to distribute to the poor in his parish. She then warns her son of the dangers of being a young minister in Boston who eats dinner with his parishioners. Elizabeth views this action as a conformation to the custom of living in a city and a threat to spirituality. Finally, Elizabeth apologizes for Charles sending him a letter, which found fault in his conduct.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-01-24
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence