Georgiana Abbot to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 27 March 1846

[From Georgiana Abbot in Beverly, Massachusetts, to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She describes the reaction among family and friends to the news that Elizabeth had had a baby, and talks about the activities of various family members and friends.

Addressed to "Mrs. Joseph H. Bowditch, Tarboro, N. C." and postmarked "Beverly Ms, Mar 28."]

Beverly March 27th, 1846

My dear Sister,

I heartily congratulate you that you are so comfortable after what you have been through. And that little rogue,1 I just long to see him. I didn't believe that I should want too so much before he made his appearance, but my curiousity is very much excited. Who does he look like, what colored eyes has he got, has he any hair, is he tall. I want to hear all the particulars, and could have cried with disappointment when I didn't get a letter today. Have you named him yet. I need hardly ask what it is, for I'm impressed that Charles Henry is his name before now. I thought of that as soon as I read that it was a dear little boy. He is my boy I know. I've hoped all along that it would be a he, for he was born for me and I'm going to take him home the first time I come to Tarboro, tho I hope to see him in Beverly before the summer passes away.

There was quite a stir among the children when I told them that Elizabeth had a baby!!! Just hear how it sounds, don't it, can you realise it yourself. I called Fred2 in, he was out at recess and told him, and charged him to tell Miss Bridges.3 He did, and she told him he might whisper it to Martha4 and Ellen.5 As soon as school was done they both came tearing in to me, saying Georgiana has E. got a baby, as tho twas an impossibility. When I said yes, they looked more astonished than ever. Says I, John6 did you know that your sister E. had a little tiny baby. John laughed, and says no, but I expected it, and took his hat and walked off.

When the letter came I opened it and commenced reading aloud to George.7 The moment I came to the announcement, George says, then read that letter to yourself and then let me. He made no comment after he had done. I told him to take the letter and go up and read it to Grandma,8 then come down to Mrs. Lamsons9 and tell her the news, but not read the letter. He went, read the letter to Grandma, then came down to Mrs. Lovetts. Mrs. Lamson was there. They asked him the news. Nothing special in the letter says he. They wanted to know if you were well. Yes he said. There he staid till Israel10 went home from Boston (on his way up he stopped in here and I told him that I was an Aunt) when he told of it right before George. They laughed at him well for being so bashful. Cora11 says that you are smart, and every body else that they are delighted that you have got through so well. I have had as many congratulations as tho twas me instead of you.

Mrs. Thayer12 came in this afternoon. Miss Jones is engaged to that lawyer that I wrote you about.

Wouldn't I like to see you tending that boy, a cat carrying a kitten.

Ma13 I presume will leave you before this reaches you. How you will miss her. Well I shall be delighted to have her come, I can assure you. We are all well, and getting along very well, but I feel so lonely I don't know what to do sometimes. The children are at school, and George7 is out of the house most of the time. Grandma has been spending the day with me, and Mrs. Mackay14 came down this afternoon. Night before last George invited five of the girls here to spend the eve, and tonight he has gone over to Sarah Ellen's15 to a small happening.

I must send this letter as short as it is. I can't write any more tonight, tis nearly 11 o'clock. I couldn't let the mail day go by without my congratulations to you and Joe Henry16 too. Give my love to him and tell him he is going to lose that boy as soon as I see him. I am going to write Charles17 Sunday. Shall tell him of his Uncleship. Kiss the little dear ten times on each cheek for me every day. Does he cry much? If Ma and Pa18 are with you give a great deal of love to them, and tell Pa that Mr. Flanders19 is very anxious to see him. With much love for yourself, and many wishes that you may remain in health.

I remain your affectionate sister,

Georgiana

P. S. As soon as you can get time, and am able, write me a description of your son.

  1. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), Elizabeth's son
  2. Frederick Abbot (1841-1903), Georgiana and Elizabeth's brother
  3. Alice Bridges (1803-1882)
  4. Martha Eliza Abbot (1835-1870), Georgiana and Elizabeth's sister
  5. Ellen Louisa Abbot (1837-1887), Georgiana and Elizabeth's sister
  6. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), Georgiana and Elizabeth's brother
  7. George William Abbot (1825-1861), Georgiana and Elizabeth's brother
  8. Edith Wallis (1774-1855)
  9. Lucy Whitney (1791-1863)
  10. Israel Whitney Lamson (1824-1885)
  11. Cora (?) (abt 1822-1848)
  12. Augusta Brewster (1808-1884)
  13. Nancy Stickney (1796-1851)
  14. Elizabeth Smith (1768-1849)
  15. Sarah Ellen Whitney (1828-1900)
  16. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband
  17. Charles Elisha Whitney Lamson (1820-1889), Georgiana's future husband
  18. George Abbot (1791-1848)
  19. Charles Worthen Flanders (1807-1875)