Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1833.04.17 – Elizabeth Huntington to Mary Huntington Apr. 17, 1833
Description
This initial section of the original document is a letter from Elizabeth to her daughter, Mary. The first paragraph talks about the happiness Mary’s letter brought to her parents during a time of ‘gloom’. Mary’s father Dan had been trying to write to Mary for some time, but had been busy with the upcoming renovations to the house. Elizabeth gives Mary an update on her siblings and urges Mary to continue on practicing the guitar. Elizabeth says that they are lucky because they are able to work and rest even with the great illness going around, and tells Mary that even though she may feel uncomfortable, she is lucky too. For they have the use of all their faculties and should be thankful for their ability to comfort one another with God’s words. Elizabeth finished the letter saying her daughter Elisabeth has been preaching and received a new light but she has not yet been able to share it with her mother. The next section is a letter from Dan to his daughter, Mary. He notes that Edward will join them in Troy and hopes that Mary can see them while they are in New York. He encloses five dollars for Mary’s prudent use. He goes on to tell Mary that Theophilus is feeling better. He has stopped taking pills and is able to eat and work without complaint. Dan tells Mary to do the same unless there is a change in the illness and then he will bring her home.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 12)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1833-04-17
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Elm Valley April 17th 1833
Dear Mary,
This day brought us your letter to your father, and as you may suppose, occasioned some pleasant sensations. The glooms seem to have returned with all their strength. I had hoped that they had been chased away, by the light of science and religion, as the shadows of night, fly before the beams of the morning sun. And even now I trust these will […] will give flow to brighter and happier visions.
Your father has been wishing to write you for some time, and on your birthday he went so far as to pick a date. But since that, his business has been too urgent, that he has been unable to finish a letter. You may wonder what can occupy his time to much a degree, but you may […] that he is making preparation for altering the kitchen chambers, and next week expects the workmen to begin their operations. We shall almost want your help then. Had not you better conclude to return with Edward, who intends having us next week for New York, and will probably call on you at Troy on his return which will be I suppose the forefront of May. In the meantime, I should like to practice on the guitar as much as you think proper. Bethia and I have been making shirts for Theophilus, and we have some also to make for Theodore. We go as much in the old track. And I consider it no small blessing, that day after day and night after night, we can labor and rest, undisturbed by the groans of the sick, and the suffering of sympathy. Truly we are surrounded with mercies, more than we can reckon with. Even in your case, uncomfortable as you think it is, how much have you for which to be thankful.
The faculties of hearing speech and sight, are so common that we hardly think of them. But if deprived of them, how much would our enjoyment be diminished. The power of ministering to the comfort of those around us, is another source of comfort; which thou who have no the use of their limbs are in a measure deprived of. But above all, the use of our reason, and the gift of revelation, call for our most devout gratitude; for when all earthly comforts fail, and mortal life is closing, the gospel assures us, that them who trust in Jesus, shall god […] with him. Let us then comfort one another with their words.
Elizabeth wrote a letter to Bethia lately, in which she speaks of a protracted meeting which has been held then and which lasted three weeks. The two […], Mr. Myrick and Mr. Warren, lodged at Mr. Fisher’s during their stay and Mrs. Fray they preached and preached the doctrine of perfection. This says also that she has received new light when the subject of depravity, the new birth and Christian perfection. I hope she will soon communicate some of her light to us. But it is growing late, and I am a good to hand to retire in reason, so wishing you grace mercy and peace I subscribe as ever your affectionate mother.
Elizabeth
Dear Mary
Edward will not fail to come by Troy, when he returns from N York, & if you & Mrs. Willard, on the whole think but you can return with him, however great the […] if action and disappointment might be. In the mean time, I enclose you five dollars, for your prudent use. I should consult no physician, unless something new & alarming occurs. Theophilus has left off using all pills and medicine excepting mustard seed. He eats his meals, regularly with the family goes about his work, & says & seems to think nothing of his complaint, if he has any. Would it not be better for you to do the same, & mind nothing about what a parcel of foolish girls have to say about your rosy cheeks. You know I love you dearly, & that I do not trifle about your complaints. If they are serious Mrs. Willard will know if, & will tell you what she thinks. If it is necessary to come home, there will be no difficulty about it at any time. Very affectionately, your father.