Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1842.12.26 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Dec. 26th, 1842
Description
This is a letter from Elizabeth Huntington to her son, Frederic Dan Huntington. In it she discusses recent events such as a trip to Northampton, wedding preparation, and her thoughts on his secret society. She very much wants to receive any kind of communication back from him, but believes he is too busy to write back.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1842-12-26
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Elm Valley Dec. 26th 1842
Dear Frederic,
It is not because I have not thought of you by day and by night, for many weeks past, that I have not written to you, neither is it because I have been so much occupied by other cares and labor, that I have had no time for you. But is has been rather a reluctance to […] the amount of service which you are called when to perform.
When we were informed of your [Mucf?], I had serious apprehension that your health was in danger, from overexertion, both bodily and mental – but as you appeared to be under the most favorable circumstances, (according to your own account) in the best possible situation, and with the gentlest hands to minister to your comfort. I felt pretty sure, that a communication from me, would only be another call when you for another effort, which I was by no means willing to make. But as you have returned to your former lodgings, and accustomed duties, and besides I can send conveniently by [Northern?] – I’ll try – and hint I must say that I wish you would make us a visit. I have a multitude of things to say and questions to ask, which cannot be put into a letter, and you have no time to write answers, even if they could, you need not think that I have have given up all interest in your affairs, so far from this being the case, I never felt so deep a concern in you and your’s as I now do and fondly feel satisfied with receiving so little information about them. We went to Northhampton yesterday, expecting surely to get a letter from you, but got as usual a disappointment instead.1 Moreover, we heard our new friend Mr. Buffinch preach, and we will try to think over his instructions and profit by them. You can hardly imagine what a stir this wedding and the preparation, are making in our quiet valley – your uncle2 is in firm spirits and enjoys it just as he should – the circumstance of having all his children together, is not, among others, to be overlooked.
Tuesday 12 o’clock.
Your father and Theodore have just returned from North Hampton and brought the package from you, containing the book from all your kind attention. I thank you heartily in my own account. I have not time to look at [Longfellow?] pamphlet now only the lines to […] Channing – they are thrilling. I trust when you can, you will lend a helping hand to the slaves – at least pray for them in public and in search Mr. [Lothrogh?] must have some twinges of convenience.
We received the order at the dedication of the hall to be occupied by your secret society. I believe you know my ideas and findings reflecting secret societies – if there is good to be done, why is there concealment? Why not diffuse goodness? Why put the candle under a bushel? We need of some who choose not to come the light lest their deed should be refrained… where then is mercy, this is often grown for suspicion and a minister of […] should be above being suspected – “give no occasion for the enemy to speak reproachfully “you will forgive the freedom which I take did I love you left I might withhold my opinion.
It would be a high gratification if we would know more about your doings among your […] however our unspeakable (privledges) of accept to the to the mercy seat and to use who are on the confines, and probably very near entering the invisible world, it should peculiarly precious.
But I have already detained you too long from more important details – I wish just to inquire whether you was able to do my errand with regard to […] and if no, what was the explanation. Wish the most care and desire for your happiness, both now and forever I am most truly your affectionate mother
Elizabeth
[Side note written on top of next page]
The pamphlets you sent containing the ordination service were distributed as you requested, excepting giving one to Caroline, I joke to her about it and she said her father had one sent to him by Arthur, and that she had read it. We neglected handing one to her till they were all disposed of but one, and that your father lent to Mr. Leonard, and having gone round that village, it is too much work to offer to anyone. If you will procure one (give they are for sale) and giver her, I will settle with you when Mr. Buffinch has one perhaps it will be better to say no more about it but do as you think best. The sermon charge are highly recommended. On Friday we had your uncle and aunt, Mr. Buffinch and Caroline with Elizabeth. Ware (who makes her swift at […] at this time that she may present at this marraige) and Susan by mean to [tales?] to with us.
[Side note written towards bottom of page]
More last words – I send here with a package, the contents of which may prove to be something better than to say “be you warmed,” but if from the boundary of your new friend, you find no more far there, just send them back by the first good conveyance. The blessing of the Infinite One, and the spirit of his holy and blessed I am sent when you and help you commerce.
[Side note on very bottom of page]
We are expecting Edward and Helen this afternoon to attend the wedding. Arthur will give you all the particulars.
[Side note written vertically on left side of page]
Dear Frederic
The errand I sent by Mr. Dawes, you say nothing about. If it is in anyway inconvenient for you to attend to it just wave it, keeping the paper. The paper was a loose one, put rather carelessly into a letter by any means, it was not received, I must prepare another.
Very affectionately your father and friend D. H