Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1842.07 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jul. 1842
Sabbath Evening
Description
Elizabeth is writing to her son Frederic and discusses possible visits and trips that will be made. She also addresses latest sermons at church. This letter is an update for Elizabeth’s son who it seems she has not seen in a while. It is obvious that she misses him and wants him to visit. Elizabeth mentions other people and the letters they have received such as Bethia learning that Mrs. Fisher is not going to England and is instead going to Havre. Elizabeth worries about their safety as well as the safety of her children.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1842-07
Rights
Public Domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Mr. Frederic D. Huntington
Boston –
Early July Northampton – Sabbath evening – 8 o’clock –
1842?
My Dear Frederic,
You see I am not at the old home, but seated at the table with Helen – who is writing to Mrs. P. Charles has very kindly invited your father sister and myself to come and stay here while he is gone; Bethia is unwilling to have so great a burden upon Elizabeth, and declines accepting the offer; but thinks it will be for my health to try a change of air and occupation… And so here I am, taking upon myself the whole concern of visiting, for it is very uncertain whether your father will spend more time here, than just to dine with Mr. Clarke, who invited him to do so, several days ago.. I hope too that Mrs. Lyon and Bethia will make us a visit while I stay, which will probably be ’till the next sabbath.
We have had very good instruction today from the pulpit. In the morning Mr. Smith preached from there words of the thirty ninth Psalm. Lord make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am. A funeral sermon occasioned by the sudden death of Mr. Brewer. Rather a time for an inexperienced minister, but he did excellently well; indeed we have always liked him; he is so serious, earnest, and entirely unaffected. – In the afternoon Mr. Coolige gave us a sermon from their words, in the eleventh chapter of Luke. When the unborn spirit is gone out of a man – (see?) – three verses – it was a very solemn rousing performance – showing the danger of relying upon feeling or excitement, instead of fixed principle.
Bethia received a letter last evening from Mrs. Fisher, dated June 27th– They had given up their intention of visiting England, and were expecting to sail from Havre to New York. The precise time was not fix’d; when it should be, they would write again and give us information. Mrs. Fisher says, you don’t know how I dread the voyage. – I too dread it for them – may the great Ruler of earth and sea, keep them in the hollow of his hand, and permit us to meet in safety.
I brought over a note from Theophilus – giving some directions I suppose about Eliza’s bundle – the note I shall send, but the bundle came by Mr. Coolige, and was carried over when your brother and sister returned today–. Your father went to Leverett this morning, he prepared a sermon last week from their words, “Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another and the Lord hearkened and heard, and a book of remembrance was written for them that feared the Lord and that shout upon his name.”
You are now probably about giving an answer to the call. You have received. You seem to be hurried along into your parochial labours- I trust you will reserve sufficient time for rest and relaxation-.
You are doubtful forming plans for usefulness among your peoples – as your dear departed brother did – may a double portion of his spirit rest upon you – rather may the spirit of Jesus fill your heart and govern all your actions. I hope you will be able to come up next week and spend a few days with us, and also be here on the sabbath-. It would seem as if our friends from France might be here then. If you do not come, write by Charles and tell us all about your affairs-. Mr. (Glass?) was at meeting today – he told me he had written to you.- It is time to close, both because it grows late, and because there is nothing interesting to communicate. With the most earnest desires for your welfare – both temporal and spiritual believe me as ever most affectionably your mother
Elizabeth –
When you come bring all your wollen socks with you – poor and good.