Martha Abbot to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 25 September 1859

[From Martha Abbot in Beverly, Massachusetts, to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She says Nat has arrived safely, and that they will be going clothes shopping; and tries to talk Elizabeth into having Georgiana come visit and maybe stay the winter.]

Beverly Sept 25th/59

My dear Sister,

Nat1 arrived here safe and well last evening. John2 and I met him in Boston on his way from Springfield where he staid from Wednesday. He is looking finely, has grown quite tall. He says two inches and a half. Is just as tall as John and wears a pair of slippers that are too large for John which just fit him. He is going to be large and tall like the Bowditch's but he looks like our family.

I have not so far looked over his clothes very thoroughly, but he says he's "Nothing to wear" and that you wrote for him to get a new suit. I shall take him over to Salem tomorrow and buy him jacket and pants. That will do for him to wear now. I think that with a little mending and washing he has a plenty. He has kept them apparantly in very good order, and should think his bump of order3 fully developed.

We have three dogs, which he has already become acquainted with. There will be plenty of fishing and I hope he will have a good time.

Now for Sis.4 We all want her to come on. It is asking a great deal I know to have both, but John says he wants her, and shall not see her again perhaps for a long time. Why can't Joe5 bring her on when he comes. John will go to New York for her if Joe does not come directly through and stay till he goes back. Then Nat could see her and you would gratify us all so much. John says he wishes she'd spend the winter here. So do we all. Think about it seriously and write. I should like the care of her and she could go to dancing school and to day school. I would take as good if not better care than you could because I should not have others beside. A winter North would do her a great deal of good if she wants to come. Do let her, and we should all be delighted. At any rate let her come to stay a little while.

I suppose you saw by the papers that George6 has sailed. We miss him much.

Grandpa's7 estate has not as yet been settled, so no legacy as yet. We are all quite curious to know what each portion will be. About $30.00 I suppose, not much more I imagine.

I am in somewhat of a hurry now, and as Nat has written you think t'will do for now. Love to Joe, kisses for the children. Nat and Fred8 are going to walk this afternoon down to see his boat. He will write again soon. Write about Ga's4 coming. We all want her.

Your affec sister Martha

In reading over Nat's letter I see he has sent for some money. We can let him have as much as he wants till Jo comes without you prefer him to have it.

  1. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), Elizabeth's son
  2. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), Martha and Elizabeth's brother
  3. "Bump of order" is an obsolete term for a part of the brain thought to be responsible for neatness, tidiness, and organization.
  4. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth's daughter
  5. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband
  6. George William Abbot (1825-1861), Martha and Elizabeth's brother
  7. Samuel Stickney (1771-1859)
  8. Frederick Abbot (1841-1903), Martha and Elizabeth's brother