Abbot Letters to Hannah Rantoul

Elizabeth Abbot to Hannah Rantoul, January 1841

[From Elizabeth in Baltimore, where she was attending school and living with James and Eliza Gould, to Hannah in Beverly. She describes a Christmas party she attended, and her activities in Baltimore; talks more about the lectures by Mr. Burnap; and mentions and asks about various mutual friends.

Addressed to "Miss Hannah L Rantoul, Beverly, Massachusetts." A separate notation by Hannah says "E. B. Abbot, Baltimore, Maryland, January, 1841." A wax seal is still attached, resulting in a missing word or two. BHS ID# 948.001.1236.]

Baltimore, January, 1841

My dear Hannah,

I was extremely obliged to you for your long letters, and I have been thinking that I am becoming ungrateful not to have written you before, but as you say, I have many to whom I ought to write, and besides when one is visiting there is hardly any time that they can call their own. But my dear, you are not forgotten if I have thus neglected you. Often do I think of the pleasant chit-chats we have had together, during our summer walks and evening rambles. Though surrounded by gaiety and fashion, my thoughts often recur to Old Beverly, its scenes and its pleasures. I have wondered in my mind many times whether my friends think of me as I do of them. But after receiving such affectionate letters as I did by Mr. Morrison,¹ how could I think otherwise? I cannot tell you of any thing that could make me more happy, than the consciousness of true, undying friendship.

I have had another visit my dear from Mr. Morrisson and I like him better than ever. He is a very estimable and talented man, and is interesting also in his conversation. He appears to be very fond of music, as he always wishes for some whenever he comes. I told him that you inquired for him in one of your letters, and was obliged to tell him that you were a friend of Miss Lord's.² He appeared pleased, but was bashful on that subject, like all other young persons in his situation I presume.

I received a letter from Elizabeth³ when I did from you, and she says nothing about being married, hardly mentions Mr. P.⁴ at all. I suspect it was one of Mr. P.'s "frieks[?]," but I wrote her yesterday inquiring very particularly about it, and explaining the reception of the card.

In speaking of your father's⁵ portraits, I think as you do about it. However, there is hardly any expression to the daguereotype likenesses, and he would be obliged to tell which of his eyes were painted.

The Christmas party went off very pleasantly. The day was delightful and every thing favorable. Would you know the members of the party. I could make it interesting. What do you think my dear? Just as I had seated myself at the table one of the gentlemen, a great humorist, says, "O! Miss A. We all had selected you from the party to give the dinner at your own house (not Mrs. G's⁶) and you must not eat any before you explain clearly the why and wherefore that you did not. Please commence." I gave them the best excuses in my power. How I had bestowed all my affection on a gentleman whom I supposed every way my superior, and found out as if by magic that he was not my equal in any thing but age, and in that he was altogether too much my superior. You know my dear how wild I am when I get started, therefore it is needless for me to tell you that I dined altogether on frolick. I was sorry that the day had passed, but like many days of our life passed too quickly.

I have attended several other parties since, all of which I enjoyed to the utmost. How pleasant to meet old friends, is it not dear H!!! I am introduced to new faces every day and find them all agreeable, and endeavoring to make my time pass pleasantly. One lady in particular I must mention, Miss Emily Bond now of N. York. When I was here last she resided at Baltimore, where I became acquainted, one of the Christmas party. She is in every sense of the word a beautiful girl, in appearance as well as manners and disposition. She is to return to N. York the middle of next month, and is very desirous that I should pass some time with her there. Would that you could see her and become acquainted, you would value her society so much.

I spend much of my time upon my music, much in visiting, and also read what time I can spare. I am now reading aloud Scott's life of Napolean,⁷ which I find exceedingly interesting. Day after day appears to pass without my having accomplished any thing to speak of. How do you amuse yourself this winter. I am sure you do not waste too much time in visiting, for E. says that she sees you very seldom. I am sorry that you are so far from each other, for it would indeed be pleasant to both, I am sure, to spend more time in each others society.

You speak of your Lyceum as being very interesting this season. Would I could be with you and at B. too, but I could not possibly give up Mr. Burnap's⁸ lectures, for they have been so interesting thus far. There are but three more to finish the course, and I shall then be so sorry. Last eve'ng his subject was the "Education of Woman." He [____] that a lady should be able to cook every thing that can be cooked, mend, darn, make and cut out every article of dress that is worn, and that is not all. She should know the value of every article of dress, furniture &c, and have a good knowledge of mathematics, besides being able to amuse her husband and family by her instructive and interesting conversations. O! my dear H. that is not half he said, but it would take up this whole page to enumerate the things that a woman should be acquainted with, to make her a good wife and mother. He has crowded meetings and a very attentive audience, which is the best proof of good lectures. He has become very popular as a lecturer, and indeed the Baltimoreans have sacrificed every thing, it seems to me, for their improvement this winter.

Indeed I am so delighted that Elizabeth Abbots⁹ is going to walk as well as the rest of us. How strange it must seem to her, after being so deprived, for so long a time. It always appeared to me that it must give her pain, or certainly fatigue her very much, which I believe it did. She will ever bless Dr. Brown, who has been the means of her recovery. I hope she will not attempt to walk before she is strong enough, for it might do her serious injury.

Poor Caroline! If she is restored what a blessing it will be, for she has suffered more, I suspect, than one would imagine. She is a sweet girl and deserves her health, if it is God's will that she should have it.

I do not know where John Lord¹⁰ is, for I am afraid to ask Mr. Morrison, for he will wonder where I found out that there was such a being, and also he is so bashful about the name that I do not dare.

I know Mrs. Whitteridge by sight only, She goes to Mr. B's church, but I have not discovered any young man in the pew with her. Neither have I discovered the two friends that you met in traveling last summer. I cannot find out any thing about them.

What was the matter with Mrs. Jane Rantoul,¹¹ when she said that she was "old ugly & cross." I will not admit that, for I feel that I am interested there. Do not people say that I resemble her? Give my love to her, and say I shall believe no such messages.

So Mr. Patch¹² misses me does he, and goes to see Ellen Leach¹³ instead. Thank him a thousand times. May he find her society agreeable enough to stay always from me. That is little too severe, but you will not repeat it, I am sure.

Have you written to Mary Louisa¹⁴ lately. I intend to this day.

I have ever so much more to say, but have not time to write it, for I have seven letters to send home in this package. Love to your Father and Mother,¹⁵ & keep as much as you wish from

your true sister

Elizabeth

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

Please to excuse my intrusion upon the outside of the letter, for it was a [____] carelessness.

 

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

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