Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 11 February 1880

[From Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch. She sympathizes with Elizabeth on the loss of their house and belongings (in a fire); sends a bundle of clothes, etc.; mentions some blue flannel she will send to Georgiana for making a dress; and asks if they had given any thought to moving west, where opportunities might be better.]

Somerville Feb 11, 1880

My Dear Sister Lizzie,

I got your letter this morning and I went right upstairs and picked up what came to hand. A mixed bundle you will think, but when one has nothing to begin with, I know all must work in. The stockings I would have mended but you know my hands are lame & I can do very little work. I remember how dexterous you always were with your needle & so I feel it is safe to leave them to you. As soon as you get these do write me so that I shall know they have come all safe and I will send some more.

Of course you know how sorry I must be to hear of your loss & all you have gone through. I got a letter from Mother1 yesterday telling me about it, what she heard from Hannah Rantoul.2 I thought about you through the night whenever I was awake and wondered where you were & if you were suffering and I prayed for you. I could do nothing more and I knew God was all powerful to take care of you & provide for you houseless and homeless. And this morning your letter came so cheerful and so like you. I wanted to hug you in my arms and kiss you over and over. I can't bear to think of your being shut out of the world, up on those mountains, but I thank God that as you are there, He has given you the heart and the courage to endure and go through all you do. I hope He may so order that we may be permitted to see each other again in this life but if not, time is wearing on and fast bringing the other life near, where there will not be the separations and trials we have here.

Now that your house is gone does not Mr. Bowditch3 feel that you might get along just as well or better at the West? The homestead law would give you land and with all your boys could you not do better there where there would be a market for your produce and where you would be nearer civilized people, and nearer your brother4 & sister?5 You might leave your farm just as it is, if you could not sell it to advantage, and then if any mines were ever found on it you or your children would get the benefit of them. I hope you will think this seriously over at this time & may God direct you to do that which will be for the best. Your boys are growing up. Will they be willing to stay where you are after they come of age and feel they are there own masters and want to be getting along in the world? & you yourself dear Lizzie will not be able to work and do as you have done many years longer.

I was so sorry to hear you had been sick. I never think of you as liable to sickness, you were always so well.

I sent you a letter just about the time you wrote your last, which I suppose you have got before this. Did you get my picture - burnt up I suppose. If so I will send you another.

I have some navy blue flannel I am going to send to Ga.6 for a dress, but I must pattern it and get some more, and then I think it will make her a warm comfortable garment.

I am glad John7 was with you. Love to all. From your own Lizzie.

Perhaps when I hear from this bundle I can send something for the boys. Do not hesitate if you need something that nobody sends to let me know & perhaps I can get it for you.

  1. Nancy Howe Lincoln (1800-1886), actually Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story's step-mother
  2. Hannah Lovett Rantoul (1821-1898)
  3. Joseph Henry Bowditch (1818-1900), Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch's husband
  4. Frederick Abbot (1841-1903), Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch's brother
  5. Ellen Louisa Abbot (1837-1887), Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch's sister
  6. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch's daughter
  7. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch's brother