Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1800.10.12 – Elizabeth Porter Phelps to Elizabeth W. Phelps (Huntington), Oct. 12, 1800
Description
This letter, dated October 12, 1800, is from Elizabeth Porter Phelps to her daughter Elizabeth Whiting Phelps (Huntington). The letter touches on family matters, health, household duties, and food preparation. Elizabeth describes her illness following her daughter’s departure, recounting her fever, bad taste in her mouth, and loss of appetite, though she continued her daily tasks. She expresses joy at the idea of potential visitors and offers practical advice about butter-making, starch drying, and winter clothing. Elizabeth also mentions her affection for her daughter and others, reflecting on family and friends who cross her mind frequently. The letter provides a snapshot of daily life, relationships, and responsibilities in early 19th-century New England, along with references to food preservation and household management.
Creator
Elizabeth Porter Phelps
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 5 Folder 3)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1800-10-12
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Hadley, October 12th, 1800 Sunday eve
Dear Daughter,
We have had the pleasure to receive two letters from you, the one to me I heartily thank you for- as my health seems to lay on your mind. I will tell you how it was from after you left us, I began to spit up very often fine matter, which continued the greatest part of the week– I had some fever and a very bad taste in my mouth– loathed all kind of food– but I went about my business as usual, no time was lost, and no one tho’t anything was the matter, indeed I did not know how unwell I was the first week till I felt how different my feelings were the 2nd which continues– I can’t but hope Mr. W and lady will come. Perhaps I can make a little preparation– don’t let your father come home till he gets himself a coat– small clothes– gloves, suitable all for the winter– the butter was all churned last week– but I suppose will lose great part of its sweetness- the piece cut lying on one side was salt: try that– I fear all we wish to send cannot go- as there has been sad stowing and unstowing tonight. Mittee wants me to mention part of the butter as a present from her, for her affinity in stripping the cows has been very extraordinary– she has some times rose so early as to strip mornings as well as nights, to make butter for Mrs. Phelps– what if you should propose it to Sally, indeed you can’t think how thick the cream would be, upon a pint of strippings let alone— I really rejoice when I contemplate the good times you and Sally have, and half enjoy it with you– tell Sunday her with my kindest love, sunday night brings her to my mind– and indeed every night and day too if not every hour I believe– next Tuesday night will be almost wholly spent with you – for surely I might in mind be where all my folks are – Mrs M: came Fryday left at night left us Tuesday morn: Martha is a fine girl, but rather tedious to her mother– I must now bid you all good-night as tis after 11. Wishing you all felt as much prosperity as is felt for you to enjoy– perhaps I may think of something else by morn. 3 o’clock– I expect to be called up– monday morn at 5 o’clock.
The upper part of the starch is wet, be sure and dry it well– after baking, spread it on platters put in the Oven till it is perfectly dry perhaps it may be best to dry it all then weigh it, She cannot tell what allowance to make– be sure and bring back the bag as tis hers.
E.P
Eliza
Mama Oct. 12th, 1800
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