Abbot Letters to Hannah Rantoul

Elizabeth Abbot to Hannah Rantoul, 7 June 1840

[From Elizabeth in Beverly to Hannah in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This letter describes another picnic at Wenham pond; mentions various activities and mutual friends; and describes an incident in which a woman was coerced by her beau into serenading people in Beverly.

Addressed to "Miss Hannah Lovett Rantoul, Care of the Rev. Andrew Peabody,¹ Portsmouth, N. H." A separate notation by Hannah says "Elizabeth B. Abbot, Beverly, to me in Portsmouth N. H., June 7th 1840." BHS ID# 948.001.1234.]

Beverly, June 7th 1840

Dear Hannah,

Did you think that I had forgotten you, my dear sister, because I had not written before? Ah no! Distance may separate us, days, months, and years may roll away, yet I promise you that I will ever be to you a true friend. Every word, look, and action of yours towards me has been that of affection, and I hope I am not mistaken when I think that you love me. You have been gone nearly two weeks, but it seems to me a much longer time. Though I did not often see you, yet I imagined you at home, where I always found you in my walks to the Beach. But now it has lost its greatest attraction, my dear Hannah.

I was down to see Jane² a few moments on Friday evening last and I told her that I should write you the next day, but I could not find a moment's time, for Saturday is, you well know, a day of cares, where there are so many children. Your mother³ desired me to say that they were all well at home, and that she should write you this week some time.

How came you to take [__?__] going to Ipswich? I am indeed sorry that you did not publicly proclaim yourself as a friend to John Patch,⁴ Esq., when his package was liable to be lost, for the want of a friend. Could not you do a little thing for your sister's sake? He is at Beverly, and will start for N. York tomorrow morning, where he intends staying a fortnight. What shall we do without him? Perhaps his journey may be the means of his deserting us altogether. He may get a situation which he prefers to the one he has now, who knows. I have not seen him since his return home, as we have discontinued our Reading Circle. The evenings have become too short to read anything but Shakespeare.

A short description of our Picnic may be interesting to you. Elizabeth⁵ did not go with us. Mr. Peabody⁶ had just left town, & her spirits were too much depressed. I enjoyed every moment of my time as usual. We started from Emily's⁷ in Mr. Floyd's⁸ baggage waggon and when we arrived at the Pond⁹ every thing was in readiness for us: the awning was spread, boats, fishing poles, and a musician waiting to play for us when we chose to dance. There were about thirty of us among whom were Mr. Lamb¹⁰ and Sarah Flagg.¹¹ She left Beverly that afternoon as Mr. L. could stay no longer. We regretted it much. She is a very pleasant girl and I began to love her.

At dinner time Mr. Thistle was the chief cook, and appeared to be the most important among us. We had hams, lobsters, coffee, cake, lemonade, &c. The hams were prepared by Mr. Thistle at a neighboring house and the coffee and potatoes were prepared by Alpheus Davis¹² and the rest of us at the Pond. We had none of the conveniences in the domestic line, therefore were obliged to do as well as we could. When the potatoes were done Alpheus wished to turn off the water, to let them stand. Richard¹³ took a fishing pole, and held on the cover of the pot, while Alpheus took a lobster shell for a "Holder" and tipped up the pot. Was not that a contrivance? Who but a Yankee would have thought of such a thing. Our coffee was made in a four gallon dinner pot!!!! It was clear Hannah, and tasted more palatable. Our table was spread under the awning, and we had a sociable as well as a messy meal. Sarah Jane¹⁴ caught many fish, and Ezekial Webber¹⁵ was so very polite as to take them home to his house, clean them, and send them to her for breakfast the next morning. We also had singing, and we got home about nine o'clock. I did enjoy the day. I wish you could have seen some of the girls cheeks, where the sun kissed them. He left the prints of his kisses for some time after. I did not receive any, but wonder at it much, for I took no care to keep my neck or face from his sight.

Mr. Patch was at home therefore was not with us. I suppose the loss of his bundle detained him some days.

We are to have another Picnic on the 4th of July at Hospital Pt.¹⁶ There will be several of our Beverly beaux at home, Pyam Lovett, Halsey Dodge,¹⁷ George Bennett¹⁸ and Samuel Turner.¹⁹ I shall be glad to see Halsey, more so I think than the rest of them, for I always preferred him to most of our Beverly young gentlemen.

When I was down to see you the night before you started you spoke to me of John Frederick,²⁰ and asked me if I liked him as well as ever, & I told you better. Now my dear sister I would not have you think that I would allow myself to love him. I do no such thing. I never thought of that, but still he is not like most young men. He improves much upon acquaintance. You would like him too had you seen as much of him as I have my dear. Elizabeth talks to me, for she is afraid I will give away my heart before it is time, but she need not fear. I consider an engagement for life sacred, and much caution and deliberation are necessary.

But for the scandal of our little town, I will mention no names, but leave you to infer them, from what I am about to state. A lady of the neighborhood, who has a beau, went to walk on Friday evening about nine o'clock. On her way she met with more of her friends, both gentlemen & ladies. After taking a short walk to Powder House Hill the lady's beau proposed serenading the good people of Beverly. The lady declined (as one would have thought) but he persisted, and told her if she did not join him he would "cut" her now and forever. Therefore fearing the awful consequences she consented, and spent her time from ten till eleven singing under people's windows. Her voice is one that cannot be mistaken. Of course they all knew who sang to them. I do think it is ridiculous. I pity her from the bottom of my heart, for most certainly she will live an unhappy life. May I, if ever engaged, have a lover not a tyrant. You can guess whom it is can't you my dear? Beverly people talk much and loudly, for it is certainly a new fashion for ladies to go about the streets singing.

Have you been to Dover yet, and what is the news there? Is Mary Louisa²¹ in fine spirits, and does she not want to see me. I do her, and would kiss you both could I be permitted. Give a great deal of love from me, if you see her, and ask her to write me word where she is, what she is doing &c. Hannah Lovett told me that she expected Ellen²² in about a fortnight. I do want to see her, for I am remarkably attached to all that family. E. Woodberry would send love if she knew I was writing, therefore you must take the wish for the deed.

Hannah do not stay much longer. If you do I shall be tempted to come on and see you. Do come home, come home. Write me soon, and tell me all about your visit and Mr. Lord.²³ Do not be bashful. I will not betray any confidence you will place in me. I shall expect a letter soon, very soon. My best love to Mary,²⁴ and accept as much as you can desire from your friend

E.

[The following is written at the top of the first page, added after writing the rest of the letter.]

P. S. It is now late at night, as you will judge from the conclusion of my letter. Do not let any one see it. Burn it most certainly.

 

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

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