Abbot/Bowditch Family Letters

Martha (Abbot) Thorndike to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 24 November 1865

[From Martha Abbot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Yancey Co., North Carolina. She talks about receiving a letter from her for the first time in four years, due to the Civil War; urges her to move back north for the sake of her children's education; says she and her husband are boarding until his medical practice is established; talks about her son Paul, then age 2; describes the current fashions, apparently in response to a question from Elizabeth; and talks about the activities of various family members and friends.]

Milwaukee Nov 24th 1865

My dear Sister,

I have just had a letter from Ellen¹ enclosing yours, Nats,² & Ga's,³ in which she tells me that Jo⁴ is in Beverly, and will perhaps remain long enough for a letter to reach there for you, if I write directly. I am glad to hear from you so directly and only wish Joe's visit had been earlier so that I might have heard all about you from his mouth. Letters are very satisfactory in a certain way, but one cannot go into detail on paper. However, that we are able to hear from you at all is very delightful, which for four long years, we were denied the privilege.

I really hope Jo will do something about moving North. You have a family of fine healthy children, and their education should be your duty. I saw how much Nat had suffered. He was in a good school and was taken away at the very time when he would be really learning more than ever before. He used to talk with me about it in the summer and regretted it as much as we did. The little ones too, their whole future depends upon it, and I know you feel the same about it. It may be easier to talk about it than for you to act. You will of course do the best for them you can.

If I were in Beverly I should urge one of them coming directly. It would do Ga ever so much good just to spend a winter if no more. Beverly is a very quiet place, but it is in the world, and seeing people is what she wants. But I suppose you would hardly part with her, for she must be a great comfort to you all.

I would like so much to see you and think a move North would be agreeable to all. I have moved even farther from home than you are, but very differently situated. Milwaukee is a very busy growing place of about 60,000 inhabitants. Wm's⁵ prospects are good. Of course as yet he is doing nothing, but hopes to begin a lucrative practice soon. It takes a long time for a Physician to get fairly started, but he came here, was introduced to many of the first people here and they all promise him success. I am contented if it will only prove so.

We are at present boarding, which is not a satisfactory life by any means, but housekeeping is out of the question till Wm has made a beginning, when we shall avail ourselves of the first opportunity. Then I shall be delighted to see my niece or nephews, if they think it worth while travelling so far.

Nat has told you of our boy,⁶ but if he doesn't talk to you any faster than he did to us, I doubt if he has told you all yet. He is a fine boy, but doesn't get any of his beauty from the Abbots. He promises to be as great a rogue as I always heard George⁷ was when young, full of mischief and fun, but rather hard to manage. The truth is we don't manage him, quite the reverse. But we console ourselves in thinking he'll come out all right. He calls me "Miss Thorndike" and his father "Wm." I wish you could see him. The picture you have does not do him justice. I think he was about a year old when it was taken.

I don't know as I can tell you about the fashions. Joe's⁴ eyes and Ellens¹ talking to him will be of more service. Boys wear little plain jackets, just fitted to the shoulder and a little loose gathered into a band, and trowser buttoned on a little cambric ruffle in the neck. Ladies wear plain waists points, small coat sleeves, standing collars. The fact is we are getting to dress more and more like the gentlemen, tight fitting coats, and young ladies wear round hats, so that you have to look twice before you can tell whether it is a boy or girl. White linen is worn almost entirely for collars and sleeves or cuffs, instead of muslin. Joe used to have an eye for all such things. Probably four years of farming has not entirely changed him. Ellen writes that he looks and seems as of old.

I just missed seeing Mr. Gould,⁸ who made a flying visit to Beverly. I would write him if possible, for he exerted himself a great deal for Nat, and as he has often said, did it for the love he has for you. I could have done little without him. I hope Joe will see him, and Mr. Bowditch⁹ of Boston too. He was entirely disinterested.

Since I came here I have seen in the papers that Isaac Story¹⁰ was going to Colorado. Ellen has not mentioned it, but Joe will I hope see Elizabeth,¹¹ as she has always been eager for any news of you.

Hannah Rantoul¹² has done more for the war than any other three, yes six, women in Beverly. She has often asked of you, but secretly dreaded to know your sympathies, whether for the North or South. But it is all over now.

And I must leave you. Give a great deal of love to Ga³ and tell the little ones that they have a little cousin way out in the West who would enjoy a frolic with them all. Write again every opportunity. Wm⁵ sends his love to you all as I do, accompanied with kisses.

Affec yours,

Martha

 

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

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