Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1845.05.20 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, May 20th, 1845
Description
This is a letter to Frederic written by his mother. The letter is mostly just checking in with her son to see how he is doing, but there are some instances of substance. In the beginning of the letter, his mom talks about how she is glad that they have been writing so much, and that she thinks there is a funny coincidence that they generally write at the same time. She goes on to mention how some members of her family have been sick, and that she knows of a treatment that could be beneficial to his health. She continues by talking about how some of her family and friends are doing. Towards the end of the letter, she talks about God and how Frederic should keep being spiritual and allowing God in his life.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1845-05-20
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Elm Valley May 20th, 1845
My Dear Frederic,
It is a little irregular that two or three of out late letters, have met between here and Boston. This I intend to send by Mrs. Shearer (Once Dorothy Dickinson) who has been several week at here fathers, and intends returning to Boston on Thursday; her father is to accompany her, and go from there to Templeton with Mr [Sabin?] and his wife who are expected to attend their anniversaries. Mr. shearer is quite in your neighborhood now, having removed this spring to Hudson Street near the United States Hotel.
I have often thought of telling you of an application for George’s head, which has been used by Mrs. [indecipherable] for their child, who is afflicted in the same way and which they think has been beneficial; it is a mixture of tar and lard, equal parts each. Another case of a similar kind was mentioned to me a few days ago as having been cured by the child’s being fed freely and to its entire satisfaction, with something which the mother craved inordinately-but did not obtain- how my dear Hannah, don’t laugh and be incredulous; I have heard of many things of this sort, and have had some experience myself in aversions if not in longings. Of these I could tell you better verbally than in writing to brighten up your memory, and you may perhaps cure the dear little fellow. I sometimes feel as if I could hardly be content to wait till September before I see him. I have just been reading your letter of the 19th, which was handed me as I was writing the last sentence; so our letters have not met on the road this time, but one thing is very evident, and that is we think of each other at nearly the same time, and so holds intercourse though widely separated. As to your purchase, your father says, “tell him it is just the thing.” I rejoice with you, and I would give thanks to him who has always been with you, a pillar of a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. He has so inequally favoured you, in temporal things that I am led to ask him that you may not have all your portion. Here worldly prosperity sometimes hardens the heart. May your experience be “that the goodness of God leadeth to repentance.” Humility and penitence are most becoming proper for us all.
Wednesday morning- A short sentence at the close of your last attracted my attention and perhaps interested my feelings more than it ought. It is this, “we hope yet to see you by the last of June. If the Lord will, it will be so. When you mentioned that the scarlet fever had been in Mr. Sargent’s family what possibly George might have taken it, but as you say nothing of it. I hope he has been [indecipherable phrase]. Mrs. [Lummes?] came home with Elizabeth quite cured of her [indecipherable], but rather feeble. She gains strength very fast and is able to assist a good deal about the work. She will probably spend the summer here. Theophile’s wife is getting back to her usual station in the family. He thinks of taking her to Deerfield for a visit next week. The rain last Sabbath prevented our going to N-m, but I was at Charles’ on Friday and they were all well. We have had no letters from Oswego since the first of April, and have heard nothing from William since he told us of his intentions of setting out the first Monday in May. Your father is going on with his mountain work. He generally spends the first part of the day there; he has me to go to deacon Dickinson’s this afternoon and carry this letter. The season, the weather, and the scenery- so purified and refreshed by the late rains all conspire to invite us abroad. The Lord is good. He sendeth rain from Heaven and fruitful seasons; and more than this he encourages us to believe that his spirit is as freely given to the sincere seeker. “O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and his wonderful works to the children of me.” After saying that I dearly love you all, and wish you every blessing I will leave the rest of the paper for your father.
-your mother Elizabeth
After Dinner your father is occupied with the gazette and will probably write you at length another time. Your brothers grow thin as the warm weather and hard work come on. I hope this health may continue.