Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1843.11.18 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Nov. 18, 1843
Description
This letter actually contains a letter written on November 18, 1843 and a lengthy postscript and shorter sidebar written on November 26, 1843. A major portion of the letter is devoted to reporting the death of Edward and offering praise of his character and sadness over his loss. The letter also provides news of two women named Helen – one who has gone to Deerfield for a few weeks and is overdue to return and the other who appears to have been gravely ill in the recent past but appears to Elizabeth to be in much better condition than the doctors had led her to believe was possible. The letter also speaks highly of the local minister who provided comfort to the family in Edward’s illness. Throughout the letter, Elizabeth makes numerous references to religion, spirituality, and prayer. She appears to be a woman of great faith, which is not surprising given that her letter is addressed to her son, who is a minister.
In the postscripts, Elizabeth writes of mundane matters such as the price of butter and offers to send butter to Frederic. She also explains the tardiness of the original letter and the presence of the postscript, adding that Helen has now returned home and setting out the Thanksgiving plans for various people. It appears that at one time, Elizabeth intended to enclose as separate letter from Lucy Parsons, but later (in the sidebar) Elizabeth explains that Lucy’s letter will be sent by a different means.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1843-11-18
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
[Envelope]
No. Hadley Ma ) Paid 12 \xbd
Nov. 28th ) Paid
Rev. Frederic D. Huntington
Boston
To be left at United States Hotel [stricken out]
[envelope end]
Elm Valley Nov. 18th 1843 –
My Dear Frederic,
I was yesterday informed that Mr. Williams intended going to Boston on Monday – I resolved then to devote this afternoon to writing you a formal letter in answer to me which you sent me about the middle of October.
However, before I had made myself ready to begin, Mr. Bernan and his wife called to sympathise with us in our sorrow – and I shall hardly have time to say much, but give you a few particulars as to our concerns here at home. All is over with our dear Edward, or rather he is removed from our sight – we shall no more see him or welcome him to our home, or feel the kind grasp of his strong hand – or see the pleasant smile of his face, or hear again his beloved voice. – But can look back and trace his steps as he was striving to follow [beliefs?] and master in doing good. And thus we may feel that he is with us tho’ invisible – May a double portion of his spirit rest on us who remain – and may our hearts overflow with gratitude to Him who mounded him into his own image, and then received him to his own blest presence.
Helen has been gone to Deerfield nearly a fortnight, we expected her back today but she has not come – she will probably be here in a few days – after thanksgiving she will go to Cabotville and see to removing her things thence and attend to the disposal of those articles of Edward’s which are to be sold. Theodore will go down and assist her, and perhaps your father also. – please send him directions about the wine. Last Tuesday Charles bro’t over Helen to see us. They staid about an hour, and I could hardly notice that her case was so bad as the physicians say it is – she came very much as she always does, cheerful and comfortable – how desirable it appears to us that her life should be spared – to her entire family, but our prayer should always be not my will but thine be done. Ever long we shall all be gathered in to the great company of the departed – may it be to the general assembly and church of the first born whose names are written in heaven.
Mr. Wright principal of Easthampton Seminary wrote an invitation for your father to attend the examination there next week. – I think he will accept. –
Our minister has greatly endeared himself to us during Edward’s sickness and since his death, by his kind and sympathetic attentions – he appears to have felt deeply in his own soul the solemnity of the scene thro’ which we have been [having?] together. – The Lord makes it profitable to him to us all. We are thru’ the goodness of our heavenly Father all in comfortable health – and thanks to God the clouds have dispersed and light and peace cheer our hearts. – To Hannah give my kindest remembrances and to both I would say the Lord bless you and keep you now and always.
Most truly your mother Elisabeth ____
Elizabeth –
[Postscripts]
The price of butter is 14 ct here – let us know if you wish to have any sent to you – they ask 1 ct for transportation.
I received a letter recently from Lucy Parsons. If you can leave the enclosed with Arthur he will probably see that it reaches her. Sabbath evening Nov. 26th you see by this last date that my letter has been written more than a week. Mr. Hilliard was not willing to take it, nor the butler, about 40 which we prepared to send, after receiving your letter which came a week ago, last saturday night – on monday Theodore found that Dwight Smith talked of going in a day or two – but on thursday he informed us that he should not go untill week after thanksgiving – if he should fail again perhaps another mode of conveyance will be found. If so we may add a few lbs of butter – Theodore will write you at that time.
Helen returned to us last thursday – and is invited with your father mother and sister, to dine with Mr. Fisher on thanksgiving day – we shall go Providence permitting. Theophilus has invited Theodore and his family to dine with them. We shall think of you much at that time – may the Lord give you of his spirit abundantly, that you may see his work [illegible] – and his kingdom established in the hearts of your [illegible].
Truly yours Elizabeth
[Sidebar]
This letter has been carried about till it is badly disfigured and defiled – but I have not time to write another. – Lucy Parsons’ letter can go with the brother. – This must go by mail –