Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1843.10.14 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Oct. 14, 1843
Description
Remembrances of Mary’s death begin a letter about another family illness (unclear whether it is Edward or Dan who has worrisome digestion troubles). Elizabeth sends her youngest son many pounds of butter and instructs him on how best to store it. The delivery is carried by a friend and left for Frederic at a Boston hotel. Frugal she asks him to return the packaging materials.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1843-10-14
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
To Frederic D Huntington to be left at United States Hotel Boston
Elm Valley Oct. 14th 1843
Dear Frederic,
The date of this letter reminds me of the departure of our dear Mary – it brings with it solemn recollections – and by these the heart and life should be made better. We seem to be passing thru’ the furnace again. I pray that we may neither despair the chastening of the Lord, nor faint at his rebuke. [1]
Edwardleft us this morning for Deerfield with his wife [2]. Your father took them up in the carriage to stay a few days – and get Doct. William’s advice respecting a complaint of the bowels which has troubled him a week or two – this and loss of appetite have reduced him considerably – but his courage holds out for the voyage. He thinks, if he would get on board of the vessel he should find relief – but this appears to me like the feverish fancy of a sick man. He is waiting to hear from William Nichols – it is a time of doubtful expectation with us – pray for us that our faith may not fail us[5].
Mr. Hilliard, who is going to Boston on Monday, has agreed to take the butter. I have put into one box 12 lbs and into another with Theodore’s 2 lb He sends 8 lbs. I think as it is all newly made it will keep good till you have made use of it. It will keep best in a stone jar in the cellar. If you wish to have some laid down for cooking let us know – Perhaps you would like it better to have it sent often as you use it.
The butter and letter will be left at the U. S. Hotel.
Write as often as you can to us, and remember me to your wife with much affection — most truly and devoutly your mother,
Elizabeth,
Please send the towel home with the boxes.
- Elizabeth demonstrates her ability to recite bible verses which further demonstrates her strong background in faith. The bible verse she quoted was Proverbs 3:11 “My son, I pray that we may neither despise the chastening of the Lord, nor faint at his rebuke”
- Fredrick Dan Huntington married Hannah Sargent in 1943. Considering this letter was written was written October of 1943, it can be assumed that Fredrick and Hannah were within their first couple months of marriage when this letter was written.
- Elisabeth uses religion in this instance to justify her hardship concerning Edward and his affliction. The use of religion as a justification for hardship is a common reaction throughout the period.