Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1801.07.17 – Elizabeth Porter Phelps to Sarah Davenport Parsons Phelps, July 17, 1801
Description
Elizabeth Phelps appears in a depressed and self-deprecative state as she writes a letter to her daughter-in-law, Sarah Parsons. Her letter addresses her daughter-in-law’s uncle’s (Mr. Parsons) sickness, and she voices her hope that Sarah will find comfort in religion during the difficult time. She writes about trying her best as a mother, but feeling as though she falls short of her own expectations. Overall, her tone is solemn throughout the letter, and it is clear that she feels lonely often.
Creator
Elizabeth Porter Phelps
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 5 Folder 15)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1801-07-17
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Eliza Phelps to
Sarah D. Phelps
June 17, 1801
Mrs. Sally Phelps
Boston
Hadley June. 17. 1801
My dear daughter
Since Betsy’s return from Boston my mind has been much turn’d toward you — last week on Wednesday Coll’ Porter got home & told us you & my son were seting off for Newbury to see your father who was very sick there — how did I hope & fear to hear from [you] by this days arrival — but as there is not one word, about Mr Parsons; hope he is in a good way, but now you may well think where my tho’ts, are — what a shock it gives to us. — & alas how greatly indeed might you feel the need, of the divine presence at this time of sore calamity— the why and the wherefore we know not — but tis all well — your father is so much moved by this awful accident, he purposes to set off tomorrow for Boston — think of me once my dear children — I would I could be with you — but my confinement is about compleat, & I see now, no way out — . What will take place next, the supreme disposer only knows — my heart is with my children — tis almost 16[?] months since I’ve been at Brimfield — they told Betsy they should come to Hadley while she was here — yet they did not — & when you will come again we cant exactly tell — but do as soon as you can. — and now let me tell you what a valuable present I had in your letter — long aer now had I return’d you my sincere thanks but that I purposed to do it by your father who has been going next (& sometimes this) week almost the whole time ever since last winter — but now the set time is come & with pleasure do I improve it — yes my child, & I not only thank you for that favour, but still ask for more of the same kind. ~ I really wish it was in my power to be a mother to you, & all my children, but seems to me I am good for nothing — the particulars of Mr Rand’s awful exit your father will be able to give on his return — as there are various reports in circulation, here, — goodnight my daughter
Elizabeth Phelps
John wishes to know what (or whether any) herbs |
you wish him to save for you ~ as any commands |
of that kind he will do with pleasure | forgive all faults
Notes:
Sarah Davenport Parsons Phelps was an orphan. She lived with her uncle––who Elizabeth Phelps refers to here as “your father”––for three months after her marriage.
The second time the phrase “your father” is included it refers to Elizabeth Phelps’ husband, Charles Phelps Jr., Sarah’s father-in-law.
Thankful Richmond Hitchcock––Elizabeth’s adoptive daughter––and her family are who are away from her in Brimfield at the time of writing.
Mr. Rand’s is a partner to (Moses) Charles Porter Phelps in their international trade business. His “awful exit” refers to his death in a duel.
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