Letter
Title
1847.01.14 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jan. 14th, 1847
Description
Elizabeth explains the delay in responding the Fredric’s previous letter due to her illness she has been facing which limits her ability to write. She also advises him on connecting with the mothers in his community through the church so they can be influential in the community. Elizabeth also elaborates on her support for the Mexican war and talks about where people who support the cause can go enlist in the army. She also talks about the connection between the church and the Mexican war, and how the church can influence their opinion on the war. Elizabeth also refers to the different travel plans of different family member and friends within the local community. Elizabeth informs Fredric on the state of affairs on their farm, in particular the transportation of butter.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1847-01-14
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Elm Valley Jan. 14th 1847- Thursday even.
My dear Frederic,
Your letter on the 9th we received today and I hasten to correct a mistake which I made with regard to the letter I sent you some time since. It was written and sent the week before thanksgiving, and not after.
Friday Evening as I was writing the last writing the last word, Mrs. Phelps and her sister Amelia Hastings who has been with her a week or two came in to spend the evening of course any paper was laid aside.
I hardly know how to tell you how much I feel offended by this letter; so kind in its expression, so partic-ular [sic] in its information, and so rich and full in its content generally, and all this with such variety and multiplicity of duties and laborious on your hand. I am almost ashamed that so much time has been devoted to me. When I think of these things, and of the many circum-stances [sic] which may have a tendency to flatten your “self-esteem,” I think of the example of him who having left the glory which he had with the father before the world was, came to this world to redeem it, and who when he had offered to him all the “kingdom of the world and the glory of them,” was able to say, “get thee hence Satan.” This was true courage, moral heroism. In view of these things I lift up my heart to god in current prayer that he “would keep you in the hour of temptation;” and not suffer the glare and glitter of high life, nor the praises and promises of the worldly minded the on the proselyting[sic], to allure you from the plain humble path of everyday duties, so signally marked out by the hand of Providence and so remarkably blessed, hitherto.
When I received your letter of the 11th Nov. I was just sending off that which I wrote on the 17th and fully intended thanking you for it very soon. But you know there is but a small part of the time that I am able to do any thing some of the time when I can sit up, I have so much of what I call, perhaps without good reason, cramps, that I have hardly energy enough to write, and some of the time I [indecipherable] [indecipherable] on the sofa or the bed. Then things I mention not by way of complaint, for I know that you Lord [mernei?] are more than I can reckon up and eternity alone can express the gratitude which I owe him. But as a reason why I have not before this noticed the content of that letter. Sabbath evening- now for the better. What you say of my agency in the cause of your preaching to mothers, is perhaps flattering to my self-esteem. and I can say with much more reach than you could in another way, I should be a fool to allow it. Indeed, I am filled with shame looking back upon my own deficiencies that repentance and sorrow are the emotions gradient in my feelings- pardon for my emissions, and my misdirected endeavors in what I seek most earnestly- But I have another suggestion to make, thou'[sic] from what I know of your zeal and good judgment, I might as well without it. What I have that of is this, that once in two or three months, you agree to meet the mothers in your society and either by familiar conversation, or in some other way, and endeavor to arouse and deepen in their minds a sense of the solemn responsibility which rests upon them. Let them all become praying women, and hope will brighten them for the rising generation. <a href=”https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theophilushuntington” target=”_new”>Theophilus</a> his wife and Walter are absent on a visit to Abington. They left Helen Maria at home, and will probably return in the [indecipherable] of this week. <a href=”https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/charleshuntington” target=”_new”>Charles</a> left home for Bolton and [indecipherable] Tuesday and is expected back tomorrow. We read your magazine with much interest and should like to know more of the writer. Hannah in sickness is good as hers all are. Your father thinks, the work is improving. The letter from the “firstfolk” we should like to see if you can conveniently send them Monday evening. Continuing my journals, or rather my namely production, I must tell you that having read some of the no.s [sic] (numbers) of the Advocate of peace I have found my interest in the cause much increased; for the last year my feelings have been in rather a slumbering state on this subject but it is now otherwise. There is something noble in the enterprise of Mr. Burritt and his sequent that those who are willing should send their names to Worcester for registration, is so reasonable that it seems as if all who are friendly to the cause would be willing to do it. I have also been much gratified with the step which Mr. J.F Clarke has taken with his church; and believe if every Christian church would do the same or in some respectful form make known to congress their views and feelings with regard to the Mexican War, and their earnest desires that it may come to a speedy close great good might be done. If as a people we are not willing to become subject to a military despotism. As a people our country must arise in her strength and break the fetters, before they are fastened upon her forever. I thank you, my dear son, for the sympathy which you express, with regard to my attendance on public worship. It was the first Sabbath of the new year, and the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, was commemorated; many circumstances comprised, to make the occasion one of uncommon interest, and such it was indeed to me. The prayers and the thanksgivings, which I had particu-larly [sic] requested of our minister, were remarkably adapted to the occasion, and I cannot but hope they went up as an acceptable memorial before the mercy seat. We are all very glad to hear of Lizzie’s arrival by Mrs. Sam. [sic] Lyman who saw her at Springfield we heard of her and her misfortunes, and rejoice that she is again among friends. We are looking for our part of the visit when she returns. Bethia attended worship at N(Northampton) yesterday and spoke with Sarah [Gent/thent?] who told her that Martha then had been more unwell for two weeks past not able to have her bed. She felt much disappointment by not seeing her lizzie as she hoped to do about this time. – turn to first page
A week ago today <a href=”https://www.ats.amherst.edu/globalvalley/exhibits/show/pph-papers/people/theodorehuntington” target=”_new”>Theodore</a> sent a few pounds of butter to Boston, by Mr. Herd a form merchant to be left with Crosby and Nicholas a note accompanying it. With it sent also a little box with a little butter which may possibly serve for your griddle cakes one morning. We have a greater number of cows, and more milk than we have had- consequently we shall have more butter. I was, delighted to find your sermons lying by you on Saturday evening, ready for use on the Sabbath, that is as it should be may it be thus with you your joy in your labour [sic] and your in rejoicing of heart to your most loving Mother Elizabeth
A given me great pleasure to know that your people are some of them joining themselves to the Lord’s people may it be in an everlasting covenant never to be forgotten be assured that for this my prayers do [indecipherable] to ascend day and night. I think often of good Mrs. [Margo?] the [indecipherable] and her [indecipherable], who so kindly attention to us while we were with you. The lord rewards them for all this and their multiplied attention to you and Hannah these I am [sure] I shall never forget. Out best wishes and warmest love go to Hannah our [g-] lizzie and the boys so I finish -.