George Abbot to his wife Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, 12 March 1839

[From George Abbot in New York to his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He talks about receiving a letter from Mr. Gould, who says his (George's) daughter Elizabeth's relationship with a suitor had cooled; says Elizabeth is too young to be engaged; and talks about how some "Beverly Gentlemen" wished his mate Mr. Stickney had remained in Boston, as he might get his own ship soon.

Addressed to "Capt George Abbot, Beverly, MSS," and postmarked "Boston Mar 14."]

New York March 12th 1839

My Dear Wife,

Today I received yours by Cap. Pierson1 but did not see him, being out when he called. Shall probably see him this evening. George,2 it seems by your letter, came with him, and George William3 accompanied him to Boston. I wish you had let him come all the way with him, as it happens I cannot get away before the 20th. However you had best not say so to him; I don't know how long he G. P. will stay here, perhaps some time.

I have written Elizabeth4 as you desired, and while sealing it was handed a packet from her for you, and her acquaintances I should suppose, by the size of it. Shall send it by the first good private conveyance, and write you more fully in answer to yours by the same.

Elizabeth writes me "I think I shall be at home by the middle of April, but don't let Mah know it as I want to take them by surprise." You see how agreeable it is to feel beloved, and take our friends by surprise. You had better gratify the wish if you can. She depends so much upon it and anticipates so much pleasure from the inter[__?__]. Mr. Gould5 writes me by the same conveyance as Elizabeth and say the portrait is excellent finish'd. I am glad to hear they are pleased with it. I think myself it is not a bad likeness.

He also says in speaking of Baltimore "every thing remains as when you left us except a coolness either real or imaginary in a certain quarter. Time will show however." If it is so I am not sorry as I do not want Elizabeth to engage herself to any person yet. She is not old enough, particularly for a six years engagement. I should be fearfull of the result. I think it is better it should not be, if he likes her he will find, time & distance will not depretiate the affection.

I don't understand what you mean by the Beverly Gentlemen thinking that Mr. Stickney would have done better than have gone with me. What Beverly Gentlemen? I should like to know, will you write me? Mr. Stickney had some qualms himself on his arrival about going. Said his friends in Boston told him on the day he left for N. Y. that if he should wait five or six months, they might give him a vessel, and if they had known that he would have gone Mate again they would have given him a berth!! I told Mr. S. that I was sorry he had not remained in Boston a day or two and ascertained if they would do anything for him. If they would I should be most happy to release him, and desired him to write them immediately, requesting a speedy answer, and if they would do anything better for him I should be glad, and would give my consent for his returning[?]. He wrote last Tuesday, a week since, and had received no answer this morning. I have not heard him speak of it since, and I believe he is perfectly contented.

You can send for the boys, or send George to them, and inform them they can come on in the Friday or Saturday boat, which ever suits them best, but to come as soon as the Saturday boat, at farthest. My love to all the children that can appretiate it. Kiss the rest for me, and believe me truly

Your affectionate husband,

George Abbot

P. S. When you write always put a wafer under the seal'g wax as I have found one or two of your letters seald in that way without a wafer all but open. The one you wrote by Capt. Pearson had a wafer in it, which reminds me to mention it to you.

  1. Charles Pearson (1787-1862). On 24 February 1839 the ship Hindoo, Charles Pearson, master, arrived at the port of New York having sailed from Mantilla (presumably Manila, the Philippines) on 10 September 1838, and from St. Helena on 4 January 1839; according to the passenger manifest, her port of call prior to Manila was Canton.
  2. George Batchelder Pearson (1823-1883), Charles Pearson's son
  3. George William Abbot (1825-1861), George and Nancy's son
  4. Elizabeth Blanchard Abbot (1821-1902), George and Nancy's daughter
  5. James Gould (1795-1874), husband of George's cousin Elizabeth (Leach) Gould