James Gould to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 28 February 1872

[From James Gould in Forest Hills, Massachusetts (part of the Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston), to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch. He reminisces about letters she often sent him from Beverly; sympathizes about their loss of property, and tries to encourage her; says his health isn't as good as it was, and that he's been to Boston less often than usual; and talks about his niece Mrs. Bradly, and getting a letter from Ellen.]

Forest Hills
28 Feb 1872

Dear Lizzie,

A letter from Georgiana1 which came yesterday reminded me of my remissness in not replying to your letter of last month. Not that she said anything about it, but conscience did, and now tho tardily I thank you for it. Let us recall old times when every week brought me a letter from you at Beverly and often crossed, page after page, and read and reread until indelibly fixed on the memory. I should not say indelibly for I am sure that I can remember but little of them now. But the general tenor of them was affectionate, and their memory pleasant, as were the times we passed together in Baltimore with those we love. But "Tempore Mutantus," and what changes.

I learned thro' John2 of your loss of Property and of Mr. B.3 misfortunes, and sympathise with you truly. How unfortunate that your property had not been secured to you. But unavailing regrets will not restore it and with your children so well grown it will lessen your anxiety for them.

I have known adversity, and the entire loss of all my property, but with Eliza4 to cheer me, began at the foot of fortunes ladder and crawled up again, twice thru no fault of mine, but had the pleasure of earning & paying every debt, principal and interest, but worked hard & long. So don't be discouraged, but hope on, hope ever.

I think it hard for you sometimes that you should be immersed so in the Country, almost out of the world, and that dear Georgiana should be deprived of intellectual companions and the refinements of life. But no lot is free from ills, and we must think that the all wise and all good knows best what is good for us, and make the best of it. You have your children preserved to you and no wealth could be compared to that. I hope that we may soon learn of your continued health and improved prospects.

I have seen very little of John2 or Fred5 lately, except calling at the Office on Fred. They are I believe all well. Called a few days since upon Mrs. Fred,6 but she was going out and I did not see her.

Have been less in Boston this winter than usual. My health tho' generally good has not been quite, and I have been confined to the house occasionally. Then again my niece Mrs. Bradlee7 who I use to go to see in Boston has removed to the Boston Highland, which is nearer to us, and I seldom go beyond that now. She has been an Invalid so long we can hardly expect a perfect recovery, but we think her removal to the country has benefited her health. She rides out in fine weather, and seems gaining but is subject to relapses, some quite severe.

I had a letter from Ellen8 recently. She writes in good spirits and seems fond of the children. What a kind Providence to provide such a friend to them. Ellen invites me to come there this summer. I should like to go but do not expect to. Oh how I should miss dear Martha.9 It now seems as tho' I had only said goodbye for a time, but to go there and not see her would make my heart ache.

How cheering and precious the hope of reunion in that future to which we tend. I shall welcome it whether soon or late, and expect you, or meet you there. Should we meet again here it would be the matronly woman, but if there, it would be the Lizzie of early years and bloom of youth. Let us hope so.

Tell Georgiana1 that I thank her for her letter, am glad the Paper was acceptable, and that she remembers me kindly. I would write to her now, but she may take this partly to her with my best wishes. Tis more of an effort for me to write. I mean physically, as you may infer from this scrawl.

All well here & with love to all, ever yours,

James Gould

  1. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth's daughter
  2. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), Elizabeth's brother
  3. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband
  4. Elizabeth Leach (1797-1859), James's wife
  5. Frederick Abbot (1841-1903), Elizabeth's brother
  6. Emily Lynde Whiting (1843-1928), wife of Elizabeth's brother Frederick
  7. Julia Rebecca Weld (abt 1836-1880), daughter of James's sister Lydia
  8. Ellen Louisa Abbot (1837-1887), Elizabeth's sister
  9. Martha Eliza Abbot (1835-1870), Elizabeth's sister