Addie finally admits that she “loves” Mr. Tines. This does not seem to have an impact on her relationship with Rebecca. Carroll Smith- Rosenberg asserts that in the case of Victorian white middle- and upper-class women, “their heterosocial worlds and their homosocial worlds were complementary.”6 This seems to have been the case with Addie and Rebecca as well.
Hartford Oct. 25 1866
My Dear Sister
[…] I dreampt of you and a friend I suppose it quite encouraging and to know and feel that your pupils improve. Your labors not in vain what a pleasure it is to know that your are a gem to be appreciated. Its rather strange you did not receive your mother letter I hope you will received all my letters [….]
Yes Dear Rebecca I am very glad that I am not married this year I would have to suffer as will as the rest I expect.
[…] I was telling Mr. Tines that John […] wrote to me and he wanted to see the letter so I let him have it. I also told him what you said he wanted to know if I was going to ans the letter I would not give him any satisfaction about it. I said that Rebecca was a fastidious young lady—was indeed she was.
[…] Mrs. Crowell gave me a ticket for the concert at the Allyn Hall on Friday so Bell and I went and was very much please we took a reserved seat I think Camilla played better then she did the first time. It rained the eve and was not a great many there […] circle was full we was the only colored up there Mr. & Mrs. Harris was aging I did not see them I heard he has left the college he was discharge for stealing I think it really too bad I dont know how I will feel if it was husband of mine.
[…] The boat did not commence to run early until Friday 26 so I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Tines twice last week he accompany us as far as State Street on Thursday. I shall miss him very much if your not here I should not care very much he seems to be rather doubtful of my love for him I do love him but not fasinated and never will I shall retain the same feeling as long as he prove true to me [….]
Hartford Nov. 3, 1866
My Darling Sister
I wish I could exchange pen and paper for a seat by your side and having a pleasant chat with thee. It will be many months before I will have that pleasure so I must resort to my pain.
[…] While in church last evening Julia braided Mr. Freeman hair and it stood out and course that set the choir to smiling all surpress their smile but Ella Henry after church Mrs. Clara Mitchell had conciderable to say and would give five dollars to have the choir make up I must smile even now Bell told her before the five dollars came out of her pocket it would […] she did not like that very much.
[…] I understand they had a ball Thanksgiving night. Lydia Jackson and her husband was there and both inebriated. Jim Nott was there and fell down three pairs of stairs and never hurt him he laid so quite that they suppose he was dead. Some of them afraid to go down to him. We ask for his umbrella and that his mother gave it to him and did not wish to have it Mr. Harris inform Bell and I of it as we was going home it really strang that he don’t kill himself it would break my heart if I had a dear friend like James Nott.
[…] Dear Rebecca I dont think I would care to hear those baby and screech owls you have there. Are you not afraid that they will come near them you why should I ask such a fearless young lady as you are such question. As you say your hope I am well and happy and in the best of spirits I am well but far fr[o]m being happy. I should like to see them killed his hogs and seen them cut up. I am quite surprise hear you weigh so much [….]
Mr. Crowell says the turkey was cooked handsome oh I had called fr[o]m your mother that day. Miss M. was so please that I done so well that she gave me a silver dime on Saturday and a pair of gloves think her not kind. I shall have to get something to wear this winter for my neubia7 is about gone I wear my hat yet but it is rather cold. I am please to think you like my picture for I had it taken expressly for you no I was not feeling very well at the time I had it taken why Rebecca I dont think it make any difference about me speaking to them about the working for if I did and they got any one they would deduct my wages and you know it is small.
[…] I read your mother the last letter fr[o]m you what is the matter that the letters has got to be sent to Easton? Nothing very serious is there? I have promise Bell that I will accompany her to the sewing society Wednesday evening I have not been yet not many goes dont seems to have any interest in anything be of any benefit if it was gossip now everybody would be there [….]
Hartford Nov. 4, 1866
My Dear Adopted Sister
[…] I see in Boston the Republican have nominated a colored man for the legislature no one but Mr. Charles B. Mitchell. I am delighted our color will be a people get a few more states like Mass. Mrs. Mitchell smiles more then ever perhaps Peter Nott think he will be nominated too I should like to take a peep at him I expect it will hurt the […] feelings very much to hear of that its the theme of people conversation now.
[…] Mr. Tines says in his letter if the boat does not lay over here Sunday before the river closes that he will take a Sunday here I never said a word one way or the other if he does stop back it will not be by my asking although I should be very much please if he will.
Charles Mitchell, a former resident of Hartford, was elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature, where he served for two years.
Hartford Nov. 11, 1866
My Dear Adopted Sister
[…] Mr. Aker took me to the Allyn Hall Friday. You remember you took me two years ago I did not like them as well as the first did not have very full house quite a number of colored their.
[…] In speaking of Mr. Tines knowing little of your ways perhaps he know more than you think for last week he sent me two of his Sister picture. They both are very nice looking. I cannot write any more so good night[….] The community in all excitement.
The Grand meteorie shower to accur between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 a.m. there bells are going to rung by the police moment the star’s commence shooting so to give every one and opportunity to see them that wish too.
The freedman aid society meet Wednesday evening in the Pearl St. School house.[…]
Hartford Nov. 18, 1866
My Dear Adopted Sister
[…] We have not seen those shooting star yet great many set up for two night to see them the paper had quite a piece in it this A.M. I did not lose my night rest on this account.
[…] The quilt you gave me I fix it today and I shall put it on tomorrow O Rebecca the ring that Henrietta gave me last Saturday I put the tub back in its place and smash the ring all to pieces I am so sorry for I had it so long. Dear Rebecca the clock is striking the hour for retiring rest of the family doing so I will have to follow good night my Dear Sister.
Interestingly, Addie sympathizes with Emily, the young woman about whom Rebecca writes in her letters. Emily twice conceived a child out of wedlock and consequently the Thomases, Rebecca’s hosts, prohibited her from working for and living with them. Here Addie compassionately reminds Rebecca not to be too harsh in her judgment of Emily. Though Addie is often critical of such behavior in Hartford girls, one senses that she also empathizes with the young servant. She seems slightly critical of Rebecca’s regional biases.
Hartfordd Nov. 18, 1866
Dear Sister
[…] So poor Emily is in trouble. You did not tell me exactly but I guess it was something that kind you spoke of her in one of my letter I feel sorry for her but my Dear you must not be to hard on her. You must remember how they regard such things and just think for a moment how the girls act here. They dont seems to have any shame here. I am please to hear the people interested about the Schoolhouse as you say I they will do little more then talked about it you spoke of receiving two papers fr[o]m Mrs. Little once that live were to Aunt Emily if so she was ver Thoughtful.
[…] received a letter fr[o]m Thomas Sand is oblige to remain in NY this winter Aunt Emily she would like to come up here but she is not going to give any incouragement for she will not have his wife up
here I feel sorry for him. I dont think live together many years. I must come to a close I feel very tired the friend send their love to you except my best love and remember me to Mr. & Mrs. Thomas.
I am your affect Sister
Addie
Henry Highland Garnet, renowned African American abolitionist and advocate for black rights, was best known for his “Address to the Slaves of the United States of America” of 1843. The address encouraged slaves to use whatever means necessary to free themselves. Disillusioned with Reconstruction, Garnet accepted the post of American minister of Liberia. He was buried there in 1882.
From here on, Addie will frequently mention what she is reading in the newspapers and seems to be much more informed about current events than she was while living in New York.
Hartford Nov. 28, 1866
My Dear Adopted Sister
[…] Some of them gents of Hartford expect to give a ball night after Thanksgiving Ellen talks about going some think it will be a grand affair I hope it will not to dissappoint those anticipate going I dont know whether Bell is going I have not heard her say.
[…]I saw in the paper Rev. Mr. Garnett lectured[Talcott] St. church Aunt Emily said she went and was very much please I suppose tomorrow paper will speak of it. You remember Julia Woodbrige that attended the Young Ladies night school Miss Primus was the teacher of it several winters ago well I believe she married a Mr. Porter and now she has a daughter [….]
I suppose you have commence your night school have you many I hope you will not forget to tell me your dream you had are you going to preserve it until we meet if so I shall mark the letter so to remind you of it dont you think I had better?
[…] Yes I think they are very kind to get you a chair not only that but very thoughtful we have had little money. Thursday a.m. it snowed a little and also Friday and last night about a half inch tonight is very cold [….]
Rebecca gives an especially humorous description of a local wedding. She also relays the hospitality of the local black community and reveals herself to be a kind, if distant, recipient of their hospitality.
The Royal Oak postmaster, Richard C. Lane (1852-61), a prominent citizen, was Rebecca’s nemesis, who appears to have been a hardcore Confederate patriot.
Royal Oak, Dec. 1 1866
Sat. 10 A.M.
My Dear Parents & Sister
It is a cold, clear, but very pleasant morning, the first of December & no snow upon the ground yet. It has grown cold since Thurs. A.M. and last night & the night before the wind blew terribly, today it is more calm. I was out last night with Mr. & Mrs. Thomas till near one o’clock. There was a social gathering rather a tea, at the house of one their old friends, which was given to Rev. Mr. Cole who has resided among them many years, though not wholly in this district, and who was married to a lady in Balto, last Monday night. It was a very pleasant affair. The minister is a fine looking man, but the bride is the homeliest woman I think that I ever met with, and she has very masculine features, still for all this she may possess many virtues & fine qualifications. I did not discover any however last night. She is said to be a very successful woman in getting up these Good Samaritan Societies. She’s been twice married this making her third husband and she seems to be considerably advanced in years—he is 48 yrs. of age was a widower & is the father of thirteen children, ten of whom died in their infancy. They are to take up their residence in Balto. All of his relatives were present & his oldest child a young woman about seventeen yrs. old. The house was full and it was a very merry gathering. Mrs. Thomas is very lively in company she kept them in a roar of laughter almost the entire eve’g. The Bride wore a light stripped silk.
Thanksgiving day or at least a portion of it, I spent from home. And it’s the first real visiting day that I’ve taken since I came upon Eastern Shore, I enjoyed it too, very much. It was so pleasant Wed. that I told Mrs. Thos. if it was a pleasant Thursday I would walk out & see some of these people where I had not before been, whereupon Mr. Thos. was informed & he made it his business to notify one the party whose house I proposed calling at, he then spread the news & great preparations were made for my reception.
[…] Word came that I was expected up in the neck—every road here is called a neck,—& that every preparation was being made for me. I hurriedly changed my clothes, & attended by a guide I made my way up to the Neck arriving at about one P.M. at the residence of Mr. William Gibson the principal man among our school trustees, where I dined an hour later, & remained till about three o’ck. then with his wife called upon three other families in the neighborhood with one of whom I took supper. The father of this family Mr. Williams has ten children & three of them are deaf & dumb, his wife is a fine looking woman but her health is not good. One of his sons brought me home in his own team. These families are among the most comfortably situated that I’ve ever visited on Eastern Shore, they are getting along very nicely. They were all so delighted to have me visit them, & only wished I had let them known sooner that they could have been better prepared to see me. I told them I’d not purposed to let them know as I was only going to call, but this did not satisfy. These people desire to make a great time over one they like & I did not wish to put them to any trouble or expense for me,—they don’t know me, at least they do not quite understand my ways etc. They seem to labor under the false impression that I’m an uncommon personage—that there’s no one like me, but what should lead them to think thus is beyond my comprehension, I endeavor to make myself very sociable with them all, but I keep them at a certain stand point treat them with due respect & I in return, am rec’d. with deference on every side. I mean to visit more of them too, now I find they are so neatly & comfortably situated & they are so desirous to have visit them, it will not do to slight any. My food Thurs. consisted of cabbage & bacon, Fried chicken, sweet potatoes, apple-sauce, bread, biscuits, ginger, pear & peach preserves which were very nice, and a cup of tea. I relished my food because everything looked so neat & clean.
At the tea last night we, for the first course, had coffee, tea, bread, biscuits, cheese, cold meat & crackers, this we partook of standing around a long table in sets, the second course was passed around an hour later as we were seated, in another room—it consisted of some very nice cake, lemonade, and confectionery, this same course was passed a second time at a still later hour, making a third course I suppose. Before departing the Rev. lined the hymn of “A charge to keep I have etc.” in which all took part in singing then followed a prayer, at the close of which we put on our wrappings & departed to our respective homes.
Mr. Thos. was the only one who saluted the bride with a kiss, & he only did it for mischief—he told me to tell you she was the homeliest woman he believed that lived or ever lived. You should hear him go on about that poor woman, he says if he’d seen how ugly she was before he got so close to her to kiss her, he should never have done it. He says he looked at her head & he believed one half of it has been cut off. They are all reproaching Mr. Cole for getting such a looking woman. I only wish you all could hear them & their expressions, it’s really amusing.
[…] I have written so much I had forgotten to tell you about the little difficulty I’ve had with this poor old secesh Post-master here. It’s all on account of the papers you’ve sent me and which he & his old jebusite wife have taken the liberty to open. Not sending the last to me with my other mail, then he asked if there were no papers, they said not any then afterwards said a bundle of stuff through the office, and adding twas $20 fine to do so & to write anything upon the inside of the papers. He also charge 33cts. postage. Mr. Thos. asked how they could have come without any directions whatever, he replied that he did not know but that they came just as they were then. They had some words with Mr. Thomas & he left them, they are still there and there they’ll remain for all my sending for or paying that postage upon them. He says he’s had more trouble with the d-m niggers papers than have with any one’s else. But I do not intend to trouble them with them hereafter. I wrote a n
ote to the Post Master at Easton to take charge of all my papers & letters hereafter and he sent me word that he would. Mr. Thos. is personally acquainted with him. A friend living near the office has promised to call for my mail & send it to me so you see I’m all right and P.M. Lane & his companion are all wrong. So please do not forget to direct all of my mail to Easton.
[…] Now I will turn my attention to your epistle which I rec’d. with its contents all safe, Thursday while I was dressing for my walk. I am delighted to know that you are all well. I do not think the people ought to be alarmed for my safety here, it is very quiet all around me, and I feel as safe here as any where else. I do not apprehend danger. I hope they’ll all lay aside their fears & feel that I am on the hands of the same Supreme Being that has the charge of us all everywhere. You must not think I’ve had no seat to sit upon at school—ask Mrs. Freeman. Of course I’ve had a seat. I owe Gertrude a letter, I shall try to write to her this week. I am pleased to hear so favorable an account of her Brother [….]
Tell the ladies that are my friends, to arouse up and interest themselves as much as they can in behalf of our school house for its very much needed, & these people are becoming hopeful again.
I hope Nelson’s Pictures may be sold at least a part of them & that he may not be disappointed about coming to Balto. & I hope you will put them in Brown’s store. I don’t see how it is there are so many fairs going on at once.
I should liked to have heard Rev. Mr. Garnet’s lecture, where did he stop? And I’m glad so many came out to hear him.
You must give my love to all of my relatives & friends and accept a very large portion to yourselves. I will not add any more for I’ve already written a very long letter of The Royal Oak postmaster, Richard not weary reading.
Beloved Sisters and Loving Friends Page 16
