Abbot Letters to Hannah Rantoul

Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch to Hannah Rantoul, 14 November 1845

[From Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina, to Hannah in Beverly. Elizabeth was five months pregnant with her first child Nathaniel (born 18 March 1846). She mentions the mild weather; talks about making a dress with the help of "Laura my little negro girl"; describes the Male Academy in Tarboro, and a wedding she attended; and mentions and asks about activities and mutual friends.

Addressed to "Miss Hannah L Rantoul, Beverly, Mass." A separate notation by Hannah says "Mrs. Joseph H. Bowditch, Tarboro, N. C., Nov. 14th, 1845." Postmarked "TARBOH N. C. Nov 16." A wax seal is still attached. BHS ID# 948.001.1279.]

Tarborough, Nov. 14th, 1845

My dear H,

Again it comes my turn to write you. I think with yourself, that it is much the best way to have a specified time, and then we are not anxiously expecting a letter when there is none coming to us. I was delighted to hear from you, it was a nice long friendly letter, though they will be far dearer and more acceptable written on large paper, as you intend, with the corners not cut off, for dear sister I hated to lose even that little piece.

I wrote E.,¹ to Danvers last week, presume she was there. At Beverly there will be a fortnight that we shall not hear from each other. You must send me a paper. I would return the compliment, if I could procure any but Southern ones. My respects to your father,² and many thanks for his little attentions. They gratify me.

It is now I imagine cold weather, cloaks and almost muffs needed. With us as mild as spring, the flowers looking as bright and more beautiful than before since I came here. With much care, how beautiful gardens could be made to look, things grow so rapidly. Speaking of gardens, did I give your mother³ some melon seeds, that I spoke about. My memory is failing me I believe, for I ought to remember a few months back, don't you think so? But circumstances and situations different from usual are apt to have singular effect upon us sometimes.

I am sitting with my windows open, my table spread out before me, marking with indelible ink, and as far as possible making myself ready for housekeeping. This clear warm sun is so good for it. I wish you were here to see how well and [__?__] I have succeeded. Every moment I will run to the window, and as the letters begin to show themselves wish I could wash them out and try again, but when once done there is no remedy. My basket lies at the side of me filled with work. What can it be?!! Last summer I would have most graciously thanked any one to have provided me with some. I had to employ myself about things that were not particularly necessary. Idle people must be miserable, a sure road to crime, though my dear H. do not think that I was very wicked in consequence, for I tried not to be. It is almost dark and I will bid you good bye till tomorrow.

I have received a nice long letter today from G'a.⁴ She is a very funny girl, and I involuntarily laughed aloud, although here alone. She made some remarks about dressing babies in Tarborough that amused me exceedingly.

Good night dear H. I must put my things away and get ready for my beau.⁵ He will be soon coming, and no more writing for me tonight.

Saturday. I have been dress making and all kinds of things today. Laura⁶ my little negro girl has been here all day at my feet sewing, as if to establish a character for industry immediately. Jo. Henry hired her for me last January, but I not wishing or needing her, he let her stay with a poor woman, whom she must have benefitted considerable, for I find her right smart, as they say here. In hiring negroes here so much money is paid the master, and two summer suits, and one winter woolen one, are required from those who hire her. This is her winter one, that she has been at work upon today. I like her so well, that if I can, shall try and get her next year. She wants to live with me she tells some of the servants. She is jet black, with a fine pleasant open countenance, and about 14 [?].

I hope to be nicely fixed in my house by Christmas. That will have to be my Thanksgiving this year. If I had been in a house of my own, I would have kept the 27th at dinner time most assuredly, but I shall have to put it off now a month. How much I shall think of you all in B_y.

We went to a wedding last Thanksgiving morn'g, Sophia Ann Strickland's.⁷ Were you not with us? S. Bowditch⁸ and myself went I know, at the Baptist Church.

I shall expect my plum pudding at that time from you. I love plenty of plums because I have grown so childish. I cannot help smacking my mouth now, thinking of them. I hear the turkey gobbling from all quarters. Now they begin to be plenty here and cost from 20 to 25 cts apiece, large ones, but they don't know how to cook them well here, and I had rather hear them, than eat them. Again good bye, I shall finish tomorrow.

Sunday afternoon. I have been to church this morning and heard Mr. Chesshire,⁹ and this afternoon am at home writing you. Jo. Henry sits watching me, and says he knows what I write by my face. He don't want to read it. I beg of him to take a book and read a little while. He is a real torment when he sets out to be, and says "Tell H. how carefully you are keeping the present she made you." I tell him that I will, and it is the truth.

I have been re-reading your letter, and find that in it there is much news, weddings and engagements, &c. I presume J. F. Nourse¹⁰ is married and again in Beverly by this time. I thought he would be soon. G'a says that his examination went off well, though he had been quite unwell of late.

What changes time is making. Maybe my dear sisters three will all have a protector before next Thanksgiving. When my dear H. begins to do such a piece of business there will be no delay, right quickly will it be over. Do have me for bridesmaid. I want to stand up with you again, but if you hurry much about the matter, it will be impossible for me to be with you. I am just supposing a case, and making provisions for you when it does happen.

The Charitable Society has begun, and I suppose you are Secretary, for G'a says that she declined. I thought she would be too bashful a child ever to take upon herself such responsibility. She would fear that the writing upon her bills was not as it should be, and it would worry her all winter. You will be the best one. Think of me when you collect your money, and just imagine me at that very time, managing two or three blackies.

O my dear sister, do come on to the examination which takes place at the Male Academy¹¹ in this place. You would laugh mightily, though it is an excellent school. Less order is kept than with us, but the teacher¹² is a fine one, although pompous in the extreme. Tis at the speaking of the pieces by the pupils at night that I wish you so much to hear, which will amuse you. Mr. Brooks their teacher gives them a party on Friday night, and many young ladies are invited. My invite is far distant, as married people are never thought young here.

There was a wedding here last week. The lady was but sixteen,¹³ and the gent.¹⁴ twenty one. He is practising medicine and quite wealthy are both parties. We have no public notice until the invite is given, and no one knows such a thing will take place, and then for a few days, how it is talked about. The bride was dressed in satin, and looked as old as if she had been 25 it is said, not pretty at all. The wedding frolic lasted three days, dancing, and music, and fun.

I had a delightful walk with Maria Clark¹⁵ yesterday. She is a sweet girl, and I want you to know her. We went into the woods upon the banks of Tar River, and I came home tired, though much delighted with my afternoon's ramble. She is a bright lively being, but a lady in the extreme. There are some ladies here that you would love did you know them, and I hope you will before a great while. All are so anxious to see some of my Northern friends. How much is thought of the North. They do not usually love to have me know it, but I can see through all.

My paper is filled, but with nonsense. I must write G'a a little note to put into it, and then it will be more full. Three weeks and I shall have another from you, or sooner. Much love to all your family, and for yourself bushels. With much love again, I remain lovingly yr. sister E.

 

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

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