James Gould to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 9 June 1867

[From James Gould in Baltimore, Maryland, to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch. He says he expects to see her husband Joseph any day, on his way north to buy goods; wishes he would bring their daughter Georgiana with him, to stay with him for a few days, but worries his age and now-quiet life has little to offer as an inducement; notes that he includes his photograph; says he has letters relating to Nathaniel's release from prison camp that he will give to her husband Joseph; and mentions some family members and friends.]

Baltimore June 9th 1867

Dear Cousin Lizzie,

Since receiving your letter of May 15th I have been waiting expecting to see Mr. Bowditch1 every day, as you thought he would come this way on his visit North for goods. I hope that he has not passed through without calling on me. And if he has not yet started, ask him to try & induce Georgiana2 to come with him and remain with us, if only until his return from New York. It would be very agreeable to us, and we would try & make it pleasant to her. Make a little effort and I dare say you can effect it.

How I should enjoy any traits in her, that would remind me of you, and surely there must be many. Like makes like, and tho' you may you may be wholly unconscious of them, others would recognise them directly. It would seem to recall many happy hours, and awaken memories that long have slept.

Oh! The spring time of life, when every hue is roseate with beauty, and a charm of hilarity is contagious. When the present is full of geniality of friendship and affection, and each succeeding day unites our hearts in social enjoyment that after life reverts to with pleasure, but cannot repeat. May the calm contemplation of them make us thankful but willing to let the present youth enjoy something of our experiences. So let that be a plea for Georgiana to come.

Tho' I am forgetting how little I could now minister to her comfort or enjoyment without dear E.3 And at 72, poor Old man, what a dream to suppose any inducement I could offer would be sufficient to interest her. Where are the balls, the theaters, the parties, the friends, the acquaintances that interested you, and sought your society. They are of the past, and whose memorials are only in memories. I could not offer them again however much I should wish it. But now simply a quiet home and a warm heart welcome.

Tis rather an unfair request I fear. The pleasure would be all on my side. Tell her to think of an Old fellow, who can't even read without spectacles, and whose dancing days are over, and who ignores Balls & Theaters, and gay life generally (tho his heart is young as ever), and then if she will make the sacrifice and gladden my heart even for a few days, I will be very thankful. Some few young friends would be visiting us occasionally, but otherwise we are alone, and as quiet as mice. Not so once, was it dear coz.

At your request I send a Photograph. Is there still lingering any lineaments of your Old Friend. Oh! What changes time has made, bleaching the hair, furrowing the cheek, and crow footing the Eyes. Like the trees we wither and pass away. Like them may we renew our life in a better land & with all dear friends meet to part no more.

In speaking of Nat,4 you say that Martha5 said he was in a sad plight when she saw him. What would she have said to have seen him as I saw him, poor fellow, he must have suffered terribly. I have the letters relating to his release waiting to be given to Mr. B.1 I think you may be interested in them.

You ask of Hannah Lytle.6 She is well & we see her often. G. P. Kane7 has never returned from the South. I hear that he is in Lynchburg interested in some way in Tobacco. Ellen Gilman8 we never see. The last time I met her on the street she did not choose to recognise me, and I survive it.

My niece Sarah Weld9 & four of her six children have just left me after a weeks visit. We enjoyed them much & they seemed pleased. Her sister Eliza10 has never married. Her intended died.

With love to all. Still as ever yours

Affectionately

James Gould

  1. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth's husband
  2. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth's daughter
  3. Elizabeth Leach (1797-1859), James's wife
  4. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), Elizabeth's son
  5. Martha Eliza Abbot (1835-1870), Elizabeth's sister
  6. Hannah Lytle (1815-1899)
  7. George Proctor Kane (1817-1878)
  8. Ellen Gilman (1833-1913), Joseph Henry Bowditch's cousin
  9. Sarah Abby Weld (1829-1911), daughter of James's sister Lydia
  10. Eliza G. Weld (1834-1871), daughter of James's sister Lydia