Search

Temperance meeting at Newark. Fire Department and ladies from New York sing. Would like the address of abolitionist Mr. Foster and to know if Mr. Weld has sent the "Scottish Journals." Notes from children: they have not been saying prayers as much as when mother is around.

Financially struggling widow. Sale of a slave. Financial debts given less leniency due to her gender.

Opinion of Natchez. Thoughts on slavery, especially household slaves. Mentions wedding tours, visits from beaux, and forming a sewing society. Temperance lectures. Attitude toward southerners.

Worried about acquaintances who are over-due to return from Florida. Comments on housekeeping: “it is hard work, even if you have good help. I hope you will not find them so good for nothing- as I have.” Discusses the impending ocean travel of one of Cornelia’s family members. Received a letter from Sylvia, who would not accompany her husband to the [lumber?] camp. Comments on housekeeping at the camp and the children visiting the men. “…the children are perfectly delighted- and appear so happy- the men are delighted to see them- as they are company for them.”

Financially struggling widow. Sale of a slave. Paying for her children’s schooling. Copy of the bill of sale for a slave, Billy.

Acknowledges she has been treating people poorly since the death of Abby [Bridgham] (1803-1840) and her husband, [Samuel Willard Bridgham], (1774-1840). “…I feel condemned- I wish I was any thing but a lump of Clay—but I am nothing but a walking automaton of what I once was- my mind is a void.” Went to stay with Eliza and fight “the Battle of our state—I went through the horrors of war- but thank God there was no blood shed” [possibly referencing the Dorr Rebellion]. Remarks on one man joining who had never fired a gun, men leaving their business in Providence, the failure of newspapers to cover the subject, and the return of law and order. Discusses the death of a baby from whooping cough, her own suffering health due to asthma and dysentery, and a failed attempt to treat her illness by going to the mountains. Stayed with her son Sam[uel Willard Bridgham] (1813-1870) in New York to help tend to a new infant, for the mother is feared to be too “unsophisticated.” Has trouble being in her old home, “so identified with those I have loved so dearly…every thing about it is so dear- that to part with it would be like another funeral.” Notes deaths in Martha’s family and wonders if she will adopt her brother’s child.

Caroline and Mr. Leeds’ wedding was beautiful. Life in Utica. George Leeds talks about family and housekeeping.

Comments on religious revivals, "What joy is greater than to live & breathe in the atmosphere of a Revival?" Experiencing poor health and many business demands, including trips to New York and Boston. Mentions the "great Bunker Hill celebration," the Bunker Hill monument, and Fourth of July festivities, including an oration by John Quincy Adams. Saw General Tom Thumb and the "fat girl," remarking on their bodies. "She visited Tom while I was there & he politely escorted her around the room & kissed her, thus showing he was no puppet." Leaving it to the recipient's discretion to decide if it is proper for them to continue a correspondence, acknowledging "it is so common for the world (and sometimes for the parties themselves), to suppose that if a young lady & gentleman correspond, it must be a love affair."

Will be heading to New Orleans, as the cheese market is doing poorly in Cincinnati. Nervous about his "exposure to sickness & sudden death," questioning his readiness to die and whether he has been faithful enough. Attended a local church, noting that "3 Missionaries were ordained 2 to western Africa one to the Sandwich Isl[an]ds." Sold his mother's cheese at Lane Theological Seminary, "it was snacked at by the faculty like hot Cakes & all sold in les[s] than 1/2 an hour." John Q. Adams (1767-1848) is expected to arrive in Cincinnati shortly. "...the Ladies make a great Tea party for the old Hero of equal rights & appropriate the avails to the benefit of the poor in the City."

Letter of introduction for Mr. Nichols, an agent for her publishers. Reflections on her divorce and on a drop in school enrollment. [Original located in the Duane N. Diedrich Collection]