Martha Abbot to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 13 October 1859

[From Martha Abbot in Beverly, Massachusetts, to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She says she and Nat went to Salem and had pictures taken, which she is enclosing, and that he has gained weight and needs a new coat for cold weather; talks more about the settlement of their grandfather's estate; and talks about the activities of various family members and friends.]

Beverly October 13th/59

My dear Sister,

Nat1 and I have been over to Salem today, and send you the the results. I sat just for the fun of it, and as Nat wants me to send it with his, I consent. I hope you will like his. The one with a hat on I believe he sends to Mrs. Owen.2

He received letters from home this morning from Joe3 and Ga.4 Joe must have had a very pleasant journey, though Nat wished he had written a little more about home. He thinks a great deal of his letters, but does not like to write very often.

He is growing quite fat, eats very heartily of every thing, sleeps well, and is well altogether. He walks over to Salem two or three times a week alone, to fish off Fred's5 Wharf, or rather where Fred is, but is not very successful.6

The weather is really becoming very cold, and he must have an outside coat. His coat is good but he can't get it on. Just about fit Johnny7 next winter. T'is not much longer than his jacket and very narrow across the shoulders, sleeves two inches too short. You will be surprised to know how he has grown. Sarah8 had a handsome green broadcloth cloak. I think he could have a handsome coat made out of it, but it ought to be for a best one. I will have the tailor make it large and t'will do for his best two or three years. Sliding down hill and skating in it would soon ruin it. Nat is just the age now when he will outgrow his clothes before he can possible wear them out. He has gained in roundness a great deal since he came here.

The legacy from Grandpa9 has not come yet. His debts amounted to $996.50. Personal effects sold at auction $183.15. So that at the next court, which takes place in Nov., Mr. Batchelder10 is to ascertain if he can sell Grandpa's quarter of the house. The whole half is appraised at $1200.00. $600.00, the value of 1/4, comes regardless of all debts to the grandchildren, fifteen in number. Each share will be $40.00 if it sells for that much. But at a peremptory sale sacrifices are always made. It is in good repair and a fine situation, so it ought to sell well. I will inform you as it progresses.11

John Giddings12 is at home again. He has not seen John13 for a long time before, three or four years. Ellen14 has gone to Portsmouth to make a short visit at the Peabody's15 and at Mr. Wm. Prestons.16

Nat is going to write now so I will close, hoping to hear good news from you soon. I remain with love to all, your affec sister

Martha

  1. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), Elizabeth's son
  2. Mary Blount McCotter (1811-1876)
  3. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband, Nat's father
  4. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth's daughter, Nat's sister
  5. Frederick Abbot (1841-1903), Martha and Elizabeth's brother
  6. Frederick was working in Phillips Counting Room (see Martha's letter of 13 June 1858), at Phillips Wharf in Salem. Phillips Wharf was originally India Wharf (where India St. is today, along Derby St. between English St. and Becket St.), before it was purchased by Stephen Phillips in 1836, and expanded. The area has since been filled in, and is part of the present-day site of the Salem Harbor Power Plant.
  7. John Abbot Bowditch (1856-1933), Elizabeth's son
  8. Sarah Morse Bowditch (1816-1856), Joseph Henry Bowditch's sister
  9. Samuel Stickney (1771-1859)
  10. Jonathan Batchelder (1793-1872), executor of Samuel Stickney's estate
  11. The estate wasn't officially settled until 7 October 1862. The value of his personal estate was insufficient to pay his debts. Both his personal and real estate (i.e., his share of the half of the house he lived in) were sold, and totalled $767.40 ($234.90 in personal estate and $532.50 in real estate). After his funeral and administrator's expenses were paid, $611.62 was left to be paid to creditors. Claims against the estate totalled $1689.88 (of which $1571.09 was allowed). Each creditor received 38% of the amount owed, totalling $597.01, leaving $14.61 in administrator's hands "to defray future charges." His probate records have no information on sale of his wife's share of the house, the proceeds of which, according to Martha's letter, were to go to the (14?) heirs.
  12. John Endicott Giddings (1830-1895)
  13. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), Martha and Elizabeth's brother
  14. Ellen Louisa Abbot (1837-1887), Martha and Elizabeth's sister
  15. Probably Andrew Preston Peabody (1811-1893) and his family
  16. William Rantoul Preston (1814-1879)