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Letters by George Abbot

George Abbot, son of William Abbot and Elizabeth Leach, was born 26 March 1791 in Beverly, Massachusetts, and married Nancy Stickney, daughter of Samuel Stickney and Edith Wallis, on 2 April 1820 in Beverly. He died 18 January 1848 in Beverly.

These letters were written by George to his wife Nancy (Stickney) Abbot and other members of his family. Part of one letter, to his son George William Abbot on 13 December 1843, was written by his daughter Elizabeth.

These letters are generally not in very good condition, with brittle paper, smudges, tears, and some burn marks (possibly from the fire that destroyed Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch's house in 1880). In a couple of letters, some words are missing due to tears in the paper. The handwriting is reasonably good, however, and they are not too difficult to read.

  • 8 February 1836. To his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He talks a little about his trip so far, and the weather there and in Beverly, and mentions people there from Beverly. [Transcription]
  • 29 June 1838. To his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He talks a little about his trip; talks about letters he received from home, and hopes everyone is over their sickness; and mentions being detained in quarantine. [Transcription]
  • 12 March 1839. 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. [Transcription]
  • 31 December 1839. To his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He talks about his arrival there, and anticipated work in the next few weeks. [Transcription]
  • 26 January 1840. To his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He says they were delayed in unloading their cargo; talks about how he'll return home, either direct or via Manilla; talks about the Chinese New Year and its effect on the price of tea; describes his health, and the weather; and says he's been away for a long time and wishes to be home. [Transcription]
  • 29 January 1840. To his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He mentions the preceding letter, sent via the Tenobia to New York, and says this short one being sent to Boston should arrive first; says he is leaning toward loading there and heading directly home, but may instead load in Manilla; and mentions his health. [Transcription]
  • 18 January 1843. To his son George William Abbot at sea. He talks about his son's future, and whether or not he chooses to be a seaman; encourages good conduct and character; talks about a letter to George (his son) from Ann Abbot, that she had first sent to him and his wife Nancy for perusal; and mentions a trial for mutany on the "Brig of War Somers," and the ensuing execution of three of its leaders. [Transcription]
  • 13 December 1843. To his son George William Abbot on the ship Eliza Ann, at Amsterdam. With this letter, starting on the same sheet, is one to George William Abbot from his sister Elizabeth. The first part, from his father George Abbot, talks about their disappointment (worry?) over his destination, and winter passage through the North Sea; and gives advice about sticking together with Elisha, returning home or making another voyage, and a possible promotion. The second part, from his sister Elizabeth, talks about the family's disappointment over his change in plans, that he won't be home soon; and updates George with news of people in Beverly. [Transcription]
  • 16 May 1845. To his daughter Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina. This is the third section of a longer letter, with the first two sections sections written by George's wife Nancy and daughter Georgiana. The first part, written by Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, asks about how Elizabeth is doing, and her activities in her new home; says they miss her and hope she'll soon be living closer to them; talks a bit about Elizabeth's wedding festivities; and talks about various people and events in Beverly. The second part, by Elizabeth's sister Georgiana Abbot, talks about how they wonder what Elizabeth's new life is like in the South, and updates her about people and events in Beverly. The third part, by George Abbot, describes how much he misses her; gives her advice on adapting to her new home; and talks about various friends and family members. [Transcription]
  • 7 October 1845. To his son-in-law Joseph Henry Bowditch and Joseph's business partner James Howell in Tarboro, North Carolina. This is a cover letter accompanying some goods sent to Tarboro for sale. [Transcription]
  • 21 April 1847. To his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He talks about his arrival in Philadelphia, his health, and the weather; mentions his son George, who was also there, on a different ship; briefly mentions future plans; describes the beauty of the illuminated city and the crowds; and mentions his children at home. [Transcription]