Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1845.09.21 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Sep. 21, 1845
Description
In this letter written on September 21, 1845, Elizabeth Huntington addresses her son, Frederic. In the first paragraph, Elizabeth writes about Frederic’s job as a minister. She seems very proud that her son has grown up to be a focused man with a good profession and continues to wish him success. She expresses her interest in visiting Frederic in Boston to watch him. Elizabeth goes on to talk about her family members’ health. She discusses how Charley, Frederic’s brother, is ill with a fever but he is recovering. In the depths of his sickness, Bethia, Frederic’s sister, took care of him. Susan, Frederic’s aunt, is also sick, but Theodore is in great health. In fact, Theodore, Frederic’s other brother, and his immediate family are going to take a trip to Abington and Providence. The subject then switches to agriculture. Frederic’s father has hired an “Irishman” to help him on their farm. He is described as positive and hard-working, but his real name is not mentioned. Elizabeth also writes that her husband enjoys reading Frederic’s articles in the magazine he writes for. Like before, she makes it known that she wants her son to be successful and she hopes that Frederic has written some of the articles where she has trouble deciphering the author’s signature. She then signs her letter with “unwavering affection” for Frederic.
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1845-09-21
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Elm Valley Sept. 21st 1845- Sabbath afternoon-
My Dear Frederic ,
As your father and I are shut up at home on account of the rain, I have suffered my thought to wander, even to you, not however for any worldly purpose but perhaps from no better motive, a kind of longing to step in among your people and worship with them under your ministrations. As I cannot do this I will thank God that he has given you this blessed work, and entreat for you the further and continual supply of his holy spirit this comforter and the convincer that its influences may attend all your laborers making them easy and pleasant to your self – and of great and lasting benefit to your people. I was much obliged to you for the account you gave me of Mrs. Howard’s death, or rather her triumph over what is called the last enemy. These instances seem to strengthen our faith, and encourage us, while we praise god for what he has done for the departed, to hope that to us also in the hour of need he will show mercy and forgiveness.
Your letter to your father respecting William’s affair, came last evening – we had heard more than a week ago that a letter had been sent to him from [Ashby?] which he had not received — but before this he probably knows all about it, and has communicated to you his plans. He has not been here for two or three weeks.
It is about ten days since Mills was taken down with the same fever which Charley had, but in a much milder form – about as severe as Susan’s; we have not heard directly from him since Wednesday – he was then no worse – Charley recovers slowly – he seems to have come back from the border of the unseen world, may he bring back impressions which will help to prepare him when called to enter that world with peace and joy.
Sabbath evening – on receiving this you will find that Susan is nearly well – and your aunt in Boston or in the vicinity of Boston. Your father has not yet prepared his land for sowing, but thinks he shall soon – he spends his time there when it does not rain – a week last he has had an Irishman who has given him a good lift – his courage does not fail – for if he does not sow this fall he is quite sure he can get a crop by sowing next spring – Hope on – hope ever seems to be his motto. Your brothers are very busy – Theodore’s health has been unnaturally good or rather he has less of sickness in summers past – his wife too seems to grow strong since the hot weather is over – I have heard in a whisper that they think of visiting Boston this fall or winter, but say nothing about it. Theophilus will take his wife and children to Abington this week, Providence, permitting – and have them for a long visit. Bethia bore the anxiety and watching of Charley’s sickness wonderfully as well as Charles – they take care of him alternately every night while he was sick expecting there – Charles putting up till one or two oclock, and then Bethia taking his place – How much cause have for thankfulness and praise to him whom mercy endureth forever. Your father thinks your first piece in the last magazine is the best he has seen on that subject. I should like to know the writers of some pieces in that work – another thing – did you write the piece signed F- in the last Register in answer to the complaints against clergymen of Boston who go into the country for the summer. It is a good reply but let it be whom it will. As I must carry this to Mr. Phelps this evening, you will allow me to say rather abruptly that I am with unfailing affection your mother Elizabeth
Hannah knows that I love her dearly, but I like to tell her of it – George does not know how well I love him – but it is no matter – it did my heart good to read what your aspirations are on his behalf – regard him as a blessing lent not given – as is every favor which we enjoy.