1832.06.30 Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Jun 30, 1832
In this letter, Mary writes to her mother, Elizabeth, and agrees that she should accompany her cousin to communion. Mary laments that she cannot have such discussions about religion with her friends, and not only does she wish to make a public profession of her faith, but she wishes that her brothers would join her—even though she does not have the authority to ask them. However, Mary fears that she will not return home from Mrs. Willard’s school before the first Sabbath in August. The examination is to begin July 25 th and last one week, so that the girls may return home sooner, and Mary wishes to know the plans regarding her return in the next letter. She fears that she must wait for her sister Elizabeth, whose homecoming is also uncertain. Finally, there is also a cholera outbreak in New York and Fort Millar, adding urgency to her homecoming. Though Mrs. Willard says she looks pale, Mary writes that her health is as usual, and that she wishes to return home as soon as possible. Even still, Mary asks her family to pray for her and to let her know their plans for her homecoming as soon as possible.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Jun 30, 1832
Public Domain
1832.07.03 - Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington, Jul. 3rd, 1832
In the beginning of the letter, Elizabeth starts by telling Mary about how a stranger from New Salem, who she does not seem particularly fond of, was knocking on her door. She tells Mary about how she proceeds to let him in, but hopes that this third visit is his final visit and that he is more careful about the business they are doing even though it is not that important. In the next paragraph, she tells Mary about the hymns that they sing in church, which shows that she is religious. In the last paragraph, she goes on to state how grateful she is for the welfare of the family even though the business described in the first paragraph sometimes devolves on her. She then, once again goes on to say that she is so grateful that God has blessed her and her family, even more grateful than she was a year ago. She then closes the letter with affection and signs it “EH.”
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1832-07-03
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1834.11.01 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Nov 1, 1834
Mary is writing a letter to her mother about her arrival at Oswego. The first half of her letter she talks about the journey itself, she discusses how she felt sick at one point but has since gotten over it. She then talks about the friends she made in her short time in Oswego. After that, Mary exclaims how much she misses her family back home, but then quickly transitions into how the weather has been since she has been there. She then quickly closes the first part of the letter because it is growing dark.
After the initial part of her letter, Mary writes a lengthy ps. which mainly details what she has done each day. Mary starts her postscript.s by saying what expenses she has accumulated then goes into her day by day account. The first part of her recounting her days is heavily focused on her religious encounter with the people she has been around. She talks about how she may have to conform to their beliefs while she is there in Oswego. Once she finishes talking about the religious portion of her day by day accounts she goes into the ladies she has interacted with since arriving to Oswego. She says the belles are a pleasure to be around and looks forwards to more interactions with them, and jokes that she hopes she does “not become dissipated.” Before she closes her letter again, she notes that she hasn’t been into the town except for church and anticipates going soon. She closes her letter by stating how she misses her family and sends her love and reminds them that they are all protected by the love of God.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Nov 1, 1834
Public Domain
1835.03.22 - Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington, Mar. 22nd, 1835
In this letter, Elizabeth Huntington writes to her daughter Mary, apparently for the first time in a while (she talks about the “awkwardness” of picking up again something that one has neglected). She updates Mary on her family and on other townspeople, and discusses women’s employment a bit. The letter then turns to the topic of education: first Elizabeth talks about educating children inside the classroom, but then she broadens her approach and talks about the duty of parents/mothers to educate their children in morals. She recognizes that it is a hard thing to do, and requires sacrifice and effort, but also indicates that she knows the payoff will be good in the end. There is a strong religious undertone throughout the letter as well, as Elizabeth refers to her faith as the thing that makes difficult times – bad weather, being kept from public worship, the stress of raising children right – bearable.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1835-03-22
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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Correspondence
1835.03.31 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Mar 31, 1835
In this letter to her mother, Mary is explaining the stressful things in her life. She writes that people do not understand what she is going through, but she also wants to write about the important things that Spring brings. She had been in Oswego for almost 6 months, and she cannot wait to see her mother and sister. Her time there had been so well, that the time and distance between them have not been so bad, making the letter so important to her staying connected. Mary describes the situation of the teaching position that is needed and asked that her mother propose it to a prospective teacher. Even though she misses her mother, Mary still wishes to stay with her sister on the lake until mid-June. She ends the letter pleaded for her mother to write back quickly, implying that it is of great importance to her to stay connected.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Mar 31, 1835
Public Domain
1843.01.24 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Huntington, Jan. 24, 1843
The letter is from Elizabeth Huntington, to her son Frederic. She talks a lot about being proud of him, that she is happy that he cares about the poor and makes an effort to get them involved in the church. She says she will send some old garments and books for him to give to them. She also warns him about dining with that parishioner, for unknown reasons, but that she trusts he will make smart decisions. Frederic responds in a letter of his own, speaking about how he hopes to see her soon.
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
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
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Correspondence
1844.09.05 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, September 5th, 1844
Elizabeth is writing to her son Frederic about things that happen and the things that she does in her daily life. She discusses his baby and her hope to see her grandson, who is possibly equal to the size of her son Theophilus. She updates him on what his other brothers and sisters are doing in other places or at home. She meets people in Northampton, has calls with people, and goes to church. In the end of the letter, she encouraged him to continue to work and add as much religious instruction to his work as he can.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1844-09-05
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
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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
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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