1840.10.25- Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, October 25th, 1840
Describes Elizabeth's reading in the journals the Monthly Miscellany and the Western Messenger, including appreciation of an essay on "a sister's influence" written by Frederic and presumably meditating on his sister Mary's recent death. The letter also discusses the receiving and sending of letters and packages within the family, Dan Huntington's health, and in a postscript, Elizabeth's fondness for singing in church.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 8)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1840-10-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
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
1835.03.27 - Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington, Mar. 27th 1835
This is a letter Elizabeth wrote in response to her daughter Mary. Here they are making plans for Mary’s visit as well as updating her on news about the town and its members. She shares with Mary how her sister Bethia and her father are currently reading the memoirs of Hannah More, an English religious writer and philanthropist. The reading is too long for Elizabeth, a very busy woman, but she does enjoy it from time to time. Speaking of time, she then goes on about how short life is and how, because of that, one needs to fear the wrath of God when living and she then praises God. After praising God, she goes on to talk about the family business, sleighing, and visits from her children about Franny and Charles who visited her. As most mother’s do, she inquires about Mary’s health and reminds her of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and adequate exercise. In the post-script, Elizabeth mentions that Theodore was offered employment by Mr. Fisher, but has selected to stay at home in Hadley and farm. She concludes with the celebratory exclamation that J.P. Huntington was elected as vice-president for the Agricultural Society of Northampton.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1835-03-27
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
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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
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Correspondence
1813.01.28 - Elizabeth Huntington to My dear Daughters, Jan. 28th, 1813
The Huntingtons are still living in Middletown Connecticut, but daughters Elizabeth and Bethia are visiting with their grandparents at Forty Acres. Their grandmother and aunt are teaching them to spin and knit. In her letter, their mother praises her daughters' new needle skills and reminds them to develop themselves morally and religiously as well--asking about how they treat their grandparents and each other and about their Bible reading. She informs them about the progress of their brothers' Bible study, sends candy, apples, and cloth their grandmother can sew into clothes for them. She tells them about her work at home doing laundry and washing the floors, work clearly heavily supported by household servants Marcia and Zewky, and she praises the wonders of their new steam washer.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 6)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1813-01-28
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1844.10.01 - Elizabeth Huntington to Bethia Huntington, Oct. 1, 1844
Describes the family's activities over the course of several days, including Elizabeth's reading on the sabbath, the family's craft activities, the harvest, and visits to family members. Throughout the letter, Elizabeth also dwells on themes of mortality and spirituality, mentioning family deaths and tombstones, and attributing her "solemn" feelings to the onset of autumn.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 1)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-10-01
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence