James Gould to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 24 November 1870

[From James Gould in Forest Hills, Massachusetts (part of the Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston), to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch. He sympathizes with Elizabeth for being "full of trouble," for their loss of property, and in the death of her sister Martha; says they're anxious about Ellen's health; and wonders if going west might offer better opportunities for Elizabeth's family than North Carolina.]

Forest Hills
Nov 24 1870

Dear Lizzie,

Your letter of the 15 October as also one from Georgianna1 I have the pleasure of acknowledging. It grieved me to learn you were "so full of trouble" and I deeply sympathize with you. We must look upon the bright side however as long as possible. The loss of property may be repaired and while you have your health and family well, keep a good heart. I know what it is to lose all & have to begin again but perseverance & strict integrity were my support and enabled me to recover. And so it will you and everyone I hope.

Our mutual bereavement in the loss of dear Martha2 we can deplore. But even in that we believe and hope the change is to her a gain, and that she is only transferred to a higher sphere of usefulness and happiness and to a loving Father.

We are greatly anxious about Ellen.3 Have had but one letter from her and that one immediately after her return. I fear the journies back & forth with the distress and anxiety have taxed her energies too much, or some of us would have been written to. We then learned that Marthas infant4 was very sick but since then no intelligence from there. It will be terrible if Ellen is sick, but we will hope for the best.

I see Fred5 & his family frequently. They are well but also anxious about Ellen. Little Cora6 is as interesting as ever and John7 is with them. Was out walking with Cora when I called a few days since.

I have delayed a reply to your letter longer than I intended, but since Martha's death I have felt so depressed that today is the first time that I have attempted writting except once to Ellen.3

Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving. We have Julia8 sick and some absent which will lessen the pleasure, but there are so many blessings left we will be thankful for them. Our weather is becoming Winterier and your genial south temperature we may not hope for for half a year to come, but we will keep our hearts warm if we can, and feel young, although time should imprint decay upon our persons.

Tell Georgiana1 I thank her for her letter and will reply soon, though in writing to one I write to all. Hope soon to have good news from Ellen. If so will write again.

Did you ever entertain the Idea of going west. It seems to me that is a better opening for your young folks than N. Carolina, but you must be the best judge of that. That is growing and the south is not. Effort is better recompensed there, and will be more & more.

May you have better news for me in your next, and particularly of Mr. B.9 health. Keep up a good heart & all will yet be well I hope.

As ever yours in affection

James Gould

  1. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth's daughter
  2. Martha Eliza Abbot (1835-1870), Elizabeth's sister
  3. Ellen Louisa Abbot (1837-1887), Elizabeth's sister
  4. William Thorndike (1870-1935)
  5. Frederick Abbot (1841-1903), Elizabeth's brother
  6. Cora Whiting Abbot (1866-1889), Frederick Abbot's daughter
  7. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), Elizabeth's brother
  8. Julia Rebecca Weld (abt 1836-1880), daughter of James's sister Lydia
  9. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband