Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1796.01.28 Elizabeth Porter Phelps to Elizabeth W. Phelps (Huntington) and Thankful Richmond, June 28, 1796
Description
Elizabeth Porter Phelps writes to her adopted daughter, Mary (Thankful) Richmond and Elizabeth W. Phelps (Huntington), conveying family updates and concerns. She mentions sending two handkerchiefs and a night cap to Mary’s father. Elizabeth expresses her worry about a man called Morrison, who has not been seen since Mary left, and discusses some acquaintances of her husband, Isaac and Timothy Clark, who seemed to have a negative opinion of him. Elizabeth expresses her support for her husband and reassures Mary that he is always in her thoughts. She emphasizes the importance of behaving properly and not doing anything they might regret later. Elizabeth sends her affectionate regards to her children and her hopes for their well-being.
Creator
Elizabeth Porter Phelps
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 5 Folder 3)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1796-01-28
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Mary Huntington
Elizabeth Phelps
Boston
Hadley, Jan 28. 1796. Thursday
Dear Daughter,
I send with this two handkerchiefs & a night cap to your father – we are all about – the day you left us at dinner I asked why Morrison did not come & was told he had been gone a long time – he has not appeared since – there were three men here yesterday who appeared well acquainted with our Clark when he lived in Bolton (I find he has lived in many places) they seemed surprised at seeing him, but I can’t find out they spoke one word of good of him – being asked if they were clever folks they answered – one is Isaac Clark the other Timothy Clark – these answers were wholly evasive – i really feel concerned for he has the chance any one can desire threshing and dressing flax; tis easy for him to pay himself; I took notice that he did not appear very much pleased at their knowing of him – but tis as tis – they said nothing bad of neither. We will hope for the best – give my most dutiful respect to your father … tell him I will have prosperity and pertake with him in every thing which gives him pleasure – he is seldom absent from my tho’ts nor will he be tho’ he gone ever so long.
& now let me tell you my dear children (don’t cry) what i forgot before you went away – before behave your selves with propriety doing nothing for which your mind shall reproach you upon after reflection – i commit you to a kind providence – and hopeing to see you in proper time, I can truly subscribe myself your faithful friend and loving mother,
Elizabeth Phelps
I write to my daughter, knowing how insignificant my letters appear –
My mother love to all
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