Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1794.09.10 Elizabeth Porter Phelps to Thankful Richmond and Elizabeth W. Phelps (Huntington), Sept. 10, 1794
Description
In this 1794 letter, Elizabeth Porter Phelps (47) writes to her biological daughter Elizabeth (15) and Thankful (17), who, though not her biological child, was effectively treated as her daughter after being taken in by the family. Elizabeth Porter Phelps writes about what is happening at home in their absence. In addition to talking about local events, like burials, visits, or travel, Elizabeth Porter Phelps also writes about Submit West, adopting her voice while writing the letter. She similarly imitates the girls’ grandmother, Elizabeth Pitkin Porter. Polly Cooley is visiting and listening attentively and will still be there when the daughters return. Elizabeth expresses concern for the health of her daughters and also warns that she didn’t have much time to write this letter and had a very bad pen, so she apologizes for mistakes in advance.
Creator
Elizabeth Porter Phelps
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 5 Folder 2)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1794-09-10
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Hadley Sept 10 1794 Wednesday
How much I want somebody want to make me a pen, you will readily see however bad as tis, I will tell you we have been just reading the pacquet which we just got to Northampton for last eve but we could not get it because ‘twas night. –
& Grandmother, head forward & I cant hear, do read louder. All exactly as you described. Made me laugh and her too, Pa and all. –
Polly Cooley is here & heard with the greatest attention, will be here when you return. I suppose to remember her with something.
My dear daughters, I will write to you both in one letter now I think as I hope you will soon return. Just now Mitte hurt her + cryed. I told her, to divert her, I was going to write to Besse, & what shall I tell her. She made no answer then, but a few moments after she came–Do ite to Besse. Tell her I cried, I hurt me–I gave her the kiss from you and then bid her give me one for you, which she did.
Lusa is about, yet I fear she will not hold till you get home. Then for that you may watch with the little [bosset?] I hope you are both well, tho’ Thankful has been sick. Yet, I feel a little concerned, as it is so sickly there. But my dear children I remember you have the same keeper in one place as another. I hope you are sensible of it yourselves.
If there may be some good impressions made on your minds by your tarrying at so good a place as Mr. Springs, it would be cause of great thankfulness.
Mr John Hopkins and Lucy have been at Brookfield and at commencement. All are comfortable at Brookfield except Mrs Hubbard who is not so hearty as she used to be. Mr Hopkins’ family are all well. They were here yesterday.
Thursday morning, after 4. Our folks are going to father at Amherst, and there has been no such thing as sleep ever since 3 o’clock. Jabez Holden’s wife was buried yesterday. Give my love to my son and thank him for his draughts. I will endeavor to do as well as I can, but that will be poor enough. Cliff Leonard’s money was paid at the time or soon after the receipt of his first letter- Mr Lyman’s family I have seen none of since, so cant tell how they like.
The old chaise like other old things is turned off. Your grandmother sends love to you all & earnestly prays you may be kept in safety from sin & sickness. Once more my dear children adieu I can’t coppy nor indeed may I stay to read over this letter therefore correct all mistakes of your loving and expecting mother
Elizabeth Phelps
Address:
Thankful & Eliza Phelps
Newburyport
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