Martha Abbot to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 31 October 1859

[From Martha Abbot in Beverly, Massachusetts, to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She announces her engagement to William Thorndike; talks about Nat's clothes and what he still needs; mentions the farm Elizabeth's husband Joe has purchased.

The letter is dated "Oct 31st," without a year. Someone at a later time has written in pencil "1859?" From the contents of the letter, in particular the continuation of talk about Nat's clothes, that is most likely correct.]

Beverly Oct 31st

Dear Elizabeth,

I intended writing you yesterday, and if you read Nat's1 letter first you will understand why I did not. Yes I'm engaged, and to one of the best fellows living, Wm. Thorndike,2 a Physician settled here. Joe3 saw him when here last October and told me then that he could see that something was coming from it. I did not give him credit for so much penetration, although I knew he was my choice. So it is and the thing is settled. I can't realize it at present but suppose I shall calm down and be like other people soon.

All our family are very much pleased, also Nat who had become quite attached to him. He being fond of children has taken a great deal of notice of Nat. I hope you will become acquainted with him one of these days, and then I know you'll like him.

Now about Nat's clothes. I am disappointed in that cloth of Sarah's.4 I first sent it to a tailor, who said a coat could not be made from it as t'was all cut crossways. I took it away and gave it to Polly Farris5 thinking she would get it out if possible, but no it can't be done. So she is to make him a handsome jacket which will be his best. Polly also tried to get another jacket out of his old coat, but he has grown so large it takes nearly as much cloth as for a man.

I shall buy tomorrow a coat, one thick jacket, two pairs of thick pants. There are some things which he will not need till after Joe comes, and suppose t'would be better to get them out of the store, such as a good thick woolen tippet.6 I will buy his undershirts and he also needs some woolen stockings, but Nat says you were going to bring him some from home. His shirts are all rather small for him, but you can get them cheaper in New York. Boston work is very dear. His cotton flannel drawers are in good condition, and will not need any more. His shoes I will buy and send the number. Nat says he wants socks.

Give my love to Joe.3 Tell him Nat will have all his summer clothes here for him to take home. So Joe has really bought a farm large enough to build a large city upon.7 Kiss the children and accept love from all.

Yours in haste,

Martha

  1. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), Elizabeth's son
  2. William H. Thorndike (1835-1887)
  3. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband
  4. Sarah Morse Bowditch (1816-1856), Joseph Henry Bowditch's sister
  5. Mary Farris (1797-1880)
  6. A tippet is a long shoulder cape or scarf.
  7. This would be the 3000 acres of land he purchased in Yancey Co., in the mountainous region of western North Carolina, where the family moved in 1861.