Abbot/Bowditch Family Letters

James Gould to George Abbot, 9 November 1841

[From James Gould in Baltimore, Maryland, to his wife Eliza's cousin George Abbot. He talks about sending George two barrels of potatoes, and thanks him for sending halibut; thanks him for taking care of "the old mansion"; mentions George (William) being in Boston; and expresses disappointment that they were unable to invite Georgiana to spend the winter, apparently because they were thinking of moving.

Addressed to "George Abbot Esq, Beverly, Massachusetts," and postmarked "Baltimore, MD, Nov 10."]

Baltimore Nov 9th 1841

Dear George,

I have sent as above two barrels of Potatoes and hope you may get them this time. I asked him why he did not deliver both last year as I had paid for them but he said he could get but one, and that he went ashore & dug himself. He expects to sail tomorrow and you will please look out for his arrival. Accept our thanks for the Halibut. We enjoy it very much. After soaking, it is very nice, and makes a capital relish and better than all reminds us of you all, and the kind feelings toward us that prompts the present, and which we would fully reciprocate to all.

Until within a few minutes I had not received cousins letter by the vessel, the capt. & mate hunted for it in vain, but I have now got it and will write in reply by first private opportunity. It contains much of interest. We were surprised to learn that Capt. Woodbury¹ was dead, not having heard of it. Also, Sam² & Lucys³ intention of going to Boston to keep a Boarding house. Alas! How change is written upon every thing in this world, and how little we can anticipate what a few years will effect.

We are glad to find the old mansion appears so well and that you have applicants enough for it. Tell me when I shall send you some money and how much and it shall be forthcoming, with many thanks for your trouble in superintending it. I hope we may see it next August but dare not promise ourselves that pleasure yet.

It is gratifying to learn that George⁴ is pleased with his situation in Boston and we wish him every happiness. Have no doubt he will make a good merchant in due time. But a Parent naturally will have many anxieties, and we must hope for the best, knowing we have done our part.

It has been a great dissapointment to us that we could not invite Georgianna⁵ to pass the winter with us. But circumstances rendering it then probable that we should break up housekeeping, we were afraid it would not be in our power to make her time pleasant. But should we come on in August may we not hope then, that she will return with us, for before that time we shall determine whether to break up or not. The prospect now is, we shall continue as we are. Eliza⁶ finds it quite as well to let the servant do many things she thot no one but herself could do as well. And yet she is always busy about something, never has any time to visit or walk out hardly. What she would do with your family I know not, but necessity might work wonders.

Please send a half Peck or so of potatoes to Aunt Mackay⁷ with our kind regards. If we thot she could use them, we would send some to her, but a remembrance is the motive and we think is all she would care for.

We are all well and with Lydias⁸ family unite in love to you, and other friends often enquire about you with a seeming pleasure and interest. Your thanksgiving is close at hand. Would that we could drop in and share the plum puddings and the mental Feast. Please ask Alfred Tittle⁹ to make me a pair of Boots, and I will send the money by private hand. He can send them by some Salem vessel perhaps. He makes a good Winter boot, better than I can get here or I would not trouble [_____].

Love to all from Yours truly,

Jas. Gould

 

Copyright Charles Towne. Usage of this work is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0
Compiler: Charles Towne

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