Abbot/Bowditch Family Letters

George William Abbot and his sister Georgiana(?) to their sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 23 November 1847

[From George William Abbot on board the ship Newton to his sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch. This letter is in very poor condition, torn in 3-4 pieces with other pieces missing. Two of the pieces match, and are clearly part of the same letter. Another fragment must be from a separate page, since its shape doesn't fit with the first two. This fragment was also written by someone else, based on the handwriting. The type and color of paper is the same as the first two pieces, however. It was apparently an add-on to George's letter by one of his sisters, probably Georgiana based on their ages. A fourth part of the letter is a complete page containing a hymn, in the same handwriting as the parts presumed to be written by George, and on the same type of paper.

The following transcription is presented line by line, with line breaks the same as in the original. For the first part shown below, from George, the missing sections are on the left of the first page.]

Boston Nov 23rd 1847 board Ship Newton, writing by the light of a taller candle. hall probably sail for New Orleans tomorrow. I thought that I could better, than writing to you. I have since a week ago last Monday, & have ce, I came away with the expectation bid any one good bye, & do not expect unity. I am glad that I have got a though I have had a great time this to be employed again, ask Jo no more spying Mary. a first rate fellow) now, but is going Jersey for New Orleans as 1st mate. New Orleans in the Ship Loo Choo, in hose Georgiana1 is in a devil of a way. three shall meet again in N. O. if les Frank2 & Myself. news from Georgiana there would be no if I knew any, so I have told you about other two. tting along in the world? I see from your can walk, talk, & sing. That's what he tion to his other tricks, you know what ot so many darkies about you I suppose the next time you get

[The following continues the above part of the letter, on the reverse side of the page. Thus, the missing sections are now on the right. To the left of this in the margin, in possibly the same handwriting as the third fragment of this letter that may have been written by one of George's sisters, is "Geo Wm Abbot Nov 23 1848."]

a chance, if I ever come to
if I don't. It is now getting late
deck & get a hawser fast on s
it is going to blow. Thick fog
had not been I should have bee
may be detained until Thanksgiv
always happen to sail on or just
event. Give my Love, respect, &
kind to Jo.³ & tell him I hope he
long as he keeps sober so I w

A Good bye &
than I have done to the folks
I suppose Ma,⁴ Pa,⁵ Georgia & the

I'll just say so & rema

Your

P. S. Excuse everything

[The following is the third fragment of this letter. This is very small, with most of the top and left part of the sheet missing.]

of th e they will Choate is re- are getting al said she ced working so that they almost ripe was engaged string any of her ve to Nat6 and he You mention your so that you could come on the health of the children see you. Ma says she shall endea to take good care of Nat

[The following is the hymn on the fourth part of what is assumed to be the same letter.]

Reunion of Friends in Heaven. 471 Hymn

If death my friend & me divide,
Thou dos't not, Lord, my sorrow chide,
Or frown my tears to see:
Restrained from passionate excess.
Thou bidst me morn in calm distress
For them that rest in thee.

I feel a strong immortal hope,
Which bears my mournful spirit up,
Beneath its mountain load:
Redeemed from death, & grief, and pain
I soon shall find my friend again,
Within the arms of God.

Pass a few fleeting moments more,
And death the blessings shall restore
Which death hath snatched away:
For me thou wilt the summers send,
And give me back my parted friend,
In that eternal day.

 

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

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