Sallie Darlington to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 16 March 1861

[From Sallie Darlington in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch. She agrees with Elizabeth's decision not to send Georgiana north to school, due to their move and all the unrest in the country (the impending Civil War); talks about various friends in Tarboro; and mentions she was thinking of going to Europe in May, but probably wouldn't.]

West Chester
March 16th 1861

My dear Mrs. Bowditch,

Nothing but my many engagements must be my excuse for allowing your letter to remain so long unanswered. I presume by this time you are quite unsettled, if not entirely moved, and I hope you will be comfortably fixed for the summer. I agree with you in thinking it best not to send G'a1 from home at present, as all is so unsettled2 that she would feel uncomfortable and perhaps be more likely to be homesick than if every thing was going on smoothly at home. We have never realized here that there is any real trouble in the country, for all goes on as usual, and were it not for the newspapers reminding of the fact, we should altogether forget the excitement that seems to prevail in some sections of the country.

Please to tell Miss Bella3 that I am sorry to say I cannot recommend any voluntaries,4 such as she wants; that was a want I always felt myself, and was obliged to take some solemn tune as a foundation and from that make a voluntary for the occasion. A musical friend of mine searched through Phila. and New York, trying to find me some such voluntaries, but failed to do so.

I regretted extremely Mrs. Pittman's5 death, for I took much interest in her, but I am very glad she proved to be so fine a woman. I always thought she had the making of a fine character.

You spoke of Emily Palamountain being very ill when you last wrote; I hope she did not die; please tell me concerning her when you write again.

Is the town you speak of going to near your new home? When you get fixed there, do drop me a few lines, if you have time for no more. I shall direct this to Tarboro, supposing that anything will be forwarded to you. I am sorry that your little Fred6 is not well, but trust however that he is by this time. In a large family of children there seems never a time when all are quite well, and how wearing it is for the mother, both in health and spirits.

I talk a little of going to Europe this summer, to remain till next Spring for the purpose of studying, but the party has not yet been made up entirely, and I scarcely think it will be. I do not enjoy traveling, and should not go for that purpose, but in consideration of the benefits to be derived from a sojourn of several months in a country, I would be willing to undergo the inconveniences. Close confinement to duties has also impaired my health somewhat, and I do not doubt that a change of scene and circumstances would benefit my general health. Still I scarcely think it probable I shall go; if I do, it will be in May, and of course I will write to you before starting. Give love to G'a1 and remember me to Mr. Bowditch.7 Do not forget to write to me when you get fixed and tell me your post office address.

Ever yours truly,

Sallie

  1. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth's daughter
  2. Things were "unsettled" not only due to the family's move from Tarboro to Yancey Co., but also to the impending Civil War. Seven states had already seceded, and the Confederacy had been formed.
  3. Arabella Clark Parker (1831-1912)
  4. A voluntary is a piece of music, usually for organ, that is played before and after a church service.
  5. Mary Ann Streeter Pittman (1838-1861)
  6. Frederick Darlington Bowditch (1859-1920), Elizabeth's son
  7. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband