Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1830.04.25 – Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Apr. 25th, 1830
Description
This letter begins with Elizabeth mentioning Edward’s birthday and discussing how everything in this life, like business and pleasure, is undeserving of genuine concern unless it stems from religion. She then goes on to discuss how she saw Edward on Saturday and that he was in “good health and spirits.” Edward brought John cloth for his coat. She then proceeds to tell John that his father is sick with a swelled face but is continuing to live his life. She then updates him on other people and ends the letter because her paper is full, and says that she wants to hear from him soon.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1830-04-25
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Hadley April 25th 1830– Sabbath evening
My Dear Whiting,
The date of this letter reminds me of Edward’s birth day; you too, probably are thinking of it, and I doubt not are sending up fervent [ ] to the mercy seat for his happiness – in all our interactions but we regard chiefly our future existence that which lies beyond death..when looking into eternity, this life seems but a trick and all the noise, and business, and pleasure, (if we can find any thing here that deserves the name) which is attached to it, aside from that which springs from religion, seems utterly unworthy of our serious regard. Tuesday evening – 8 When I had written thus far, your Pa desired me to call with him at your uncle’s; and consequently I defer in sending this till Thursday. This evening we have had a letter from Elizabeth. She intends to leave Chicago? [4] next Monday, and reach N_m1 Thursday – Mr. Park, who sometime used to write round the seal of our letters, “my love to your son Edward” is to be her company- he was coming on her [ ] as far as Albany, and Mr. Feiher pays his passage to N_m. Edward returned Saturday afternoon about 4 o’clock – in good health and spirits. He brought with him a very good piece of cloth for you much like your old coat, guaranteed not to fade – as soon as your clothes can be made, we shall endeavour to send them in. Doctor Dickinson came in company with Edward. Beside his wife, he had with him a nephew of hers, Lacy [ D_ ] and a black girl. Your Pa has been troubled several days with a swelled face – particularly his upper lip and nose. It occasions an unpleasant sensation in his head but he continues about his business as usual. Theophilus Theodore and Catherine who you remember were troubled with colds are much better, about well.2 Frederic is going tomorrow to help Edward. Bethia Mary and I jog along in the same old tracks. Elvira3 too. [ ] too excelling indeed that Frederic is using Paul, [ ] has found employment for himself. No word yet from William since you left us. My paper is full and my materials exhausted – all but my love which is inexhaustible – so says your mother. We expect to hear from you next mail.
Elizabeth H. Huntington
- I believe that this shorthand, “N__m” is the family’s way of writing “Northampton” ↩︎
- That this is noteworthy, the recovery from a common cold, says a lot about the medicine of the time period and how dangerous it could be to get sick in the mid 19th century. ↩︎
- Who is “Elvira”? No one in the family tree has a name remotely like this. Perhaps it is a nickname? Or a friend of the family? ↩︎