Abbot Letters to Hannah Rantoul

Elizabeth Abbot to Hannah Rantoul, 10 December 1838

[From Elizabeth in Baltimore, where she was attending school and living with James and Eliza Gould, to Hannah in Beverly. James Gould was a silversmith in Baltimore, and his wife Eliza was a first cousin of Elizabeth Abbot's father George. The letter describes Elizabeth's trip to Baltimore via New York and Philadelphia, and some of her experiences on the way.

Addressed to "Miss Hannah L. Rantoul, Beverly, Mass." Separate notations by Hannah say "E. B. Abbot, Baltimore, Dec. 10th 1838" and "From E. B. Abbot, December 17th 1838 from Baltimore." BHS ID# 948.001.1228.]

Baltimore, Decbr 10th, 1838

Dear Hannah,

You must not scold when you see that I have taken a small piece of paper for I have many letters to write and likewise am very much fatigued. I arrived here on Friday glad enough I assure you. I staid in N. York Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and had an opportunity of going round to look at the extensive city.

O! Hannah! One thing let me tell you before I forget it. One peculiarity about that great city is worth noticing. When you seat yourself at one of the windows in Broadway you can see more pigs promenading the streets than you do the fine belles & beaux. I was surprised and asked one of the young gentlemen where I boarded if it were common to see the snorters at all times of the day. He says O! yes! they are allowed to run about the streets for the purpose of cleaning them. I dislike a pig and therefore I would not walk out without my father's taking the outside for the purpose of shielding me from their noses.

There is a great deal of fashion [__?__] with extravagance exhibiting every day in this city. Young ladies, whose sole object is "to look pretty." Affectation, did I ever see it so well exemplified?

I became with a few young gentlemen & ladies, found them very agreeable and entertaining.

By the way I went to the theater. That is the place to witness the fashions. I saw the play of Amilie.¹ It was an opera and very beautiful the singing was. The principal actors were Mr. Wilson² & Mr. Seguin,³ the actress Miss Shireff.⁴

I left N. York on Wednesday morning for Philadelphia. It was quite an unpleasant morning but my father⁵ being a Yankee guessed that it would clear away. It did not and by six o'clock in the evening the fog was very dense. We were then on the Schuylkill, a very dangerous place in fog on account of its being so narrow. There was danger of running over small boats. The captain stopped and we had the misfortune to hear him say that we must stay there all night.

In this boat, of which I am speaking, there are no accommodations whatever for sleeping, and to stay on board all night was an awful thought to me as I had had one night's experience. I was not sick, but the sea was rough and I arose at one o'clock. It was at Bristol where we stopped. My father knowing well that I had been [__?__] since my departure from dragged round, and was almost beat out, said that I should not stay on board the boat, for he would go on shore and get accommodation at a hotel. But there was no hotel at the place. O dear! What shall I do. Asa Woodberry⁶ was with us and he thought something must be done, for it would be very unpleasant for me to remain on board. My father then went and hired a carriage and we rode into the city of Philadelphia. When we arrived it was about two o'clock. Eat my supper and went to bed. Then I felt homesick. For the first time I would have given hundreds of dollars to have been at home.

The next day we went round to look at the city. Went to the Fairmount water works, &c.

I think that I shall enjoy myself much in this city for the people are very sociable. I have a few acquaintances already. I have not seen William Peabody⁷ but Mr. Gould⁸ says that he inquires for me daily at his store. He is coming to see me shortly. Mr. Gould thinks that he feels quite interested and asked me how long we have been acquainted.

I have a fine piano and there are glee clubs & musical societies meeting frequently. I think some of taking lessons on the piano. Mr. Gould is an excellent musician and for that reason it will be advantageous for me to take lessons.

Give my best love to Charlotte⁹ and your mother¹⁰ and father.¹¹ Accept a bushel and half for yourself. If you see Mr. West¹² give my respects to him. I want to see you but can't until next summer. I haven't got over my journey yet but shall shortly. Write soon dear Hannah for I shall be very anxious to hear from you. The next time I write it shall be a long letter. Good night dear girl. I love you even better than before. E.

[The following is written at the top of the first page, apparently referring to having written the last few lines of the letter on the page normally reserved for the address.]

Excuse this.

 

Copyright Charles Towne. Usage of this work is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0
Compiler: Charles Towne

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