Georgiana Abbot to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 28 December 1847

[From Georgiana Abbot in Beverly, Massachusetts, to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She talks about trees shipped to Elizabeth by their father George Abbot; mentions a dance she went to; describes their Christmas and the cold weather; and talks about the activities of various family members and friends.

Addressed to "Mrs. Joseph H. Bowditch, Tarboro, N. Carolina" and postmarked "Beverly Ms., Dec 29." The letter is dated 28 December 1840, but this is clearly an error. From the content, it's clear that it was written on 28 December 1847.]

Beverly Decbr 28th, 1840

My dear Sister,

I received your long and welcome letter just one week ago today. You had not received my last one when that was written, but suppose that you got it in good time. I forget the date of it.

My intention in writing just at this time is to tell you about the trees that Pa1 sent you. He wanted me to write this eve if I hadn't time to say any thing more, and fill a sheet another time. You have probably received them before this letter will reach you. You will notice that he has sent five of each kind instead of four as you sent for. The fifth one of each kind he would like to have you give to Mr. Williams unless you have some one in particular that you would prefer to give them too. He says that he didn't see them after they were packed, but presume they were in good order as the man told him that he might depend upon him. Those other things were not sent on account of the vessel sailing a day or two before it intended to. Pa had barely time to get the trees out on board. He will send them at some other time. The vessel sailed from Boston a week ago Saturday.

How is Thanny2 now. I am glad that he is so much better than when here. I presume that you are not quite as well as you were then, by your judging that I am not, but you are mistaken.3 I never looked healthier or felt better than I've done since you went away, and no one suspects anything either. I have no aches or pains, neither any sickness or faint feelings.

Last Thursday eve I went to a cotillion party in Bells Building, and danced nearly every cotillion from seven till eleven. What is the reason that you can't dance? These cotillion parties are weekly, there are about sixty that attend. Tis a very pleasant way of passing an eve. The Lyceum takes up another evening of the week.

You have learned by my last that Charles4 was still at home. George5 has arrived at New Orleans and will be at home again in about a month. John6 has also arrived at Manilla. There were no letters from him.

Today is Martha's7 birthday, and she is very busy arranging a party for tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon.

What kind of a day was Christmas with you. It was snowy with us. We dined with Pa. After dinner I came home and had the children in here to spend the afternoon. We have had bitter cold weather the last two or three days. It seemed hard after enjoying so much warm weather as we have done this fall. Saturday is the commencement of another year. If I enjoy it as much as I've done the last year I shall be contented. I wish you a happy one.

I have just written these few lines as I told you before, to tell you about the trees, and as it is late and I must have it in the office tonight, I will close with a great deal of love. Charles, Pa, and Ma8 also send theirs with happy New Year wishes. Good bye dear E.

Your affectionate sister,

Georgiana

  1. George Abbot (1791-1848)
  2. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), Elizabeth's son
  3. Georgiana and Elizabeth were both pregnant.
  4. Charles Elisha Whitney Lamson (1820-1889), Georgiana's husband
  5. George William Abbot (1825-1861), Georgiana and Elizabeth's brother. The ship Newton arrived in New Orleans 12 December 1847 after passage of 14 days from Boston.
  6. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), Georgiana and Elizabeth's brother
  7. Martha Eliza Abbot (1835-1870), Georgiana and Elizabeth's sister
  8. Nancy Stickney (1796-1851)