Last evening the Young Ladies had a dance. They seems to enjoy it more than they did a week ago. Last night I was looking at them sometime. I rec a letter from Miss Lizzie Smith. She told me she would write but I hardly credit it. Don’t you think I write to her while I was in Phila and never got it until I had been home nearly two days and had been open also and she say it was Miss Levinia had done it. Dont you thin that was more meanness? So now she wants me to direct my letter to Mr. James Green, then she will rec them without being open. Miss Lizze dont think she will stay on the boat much longer for it rather too cold. It only heat by steam
[….] I rec a letter from Sarah Cumming last Monday night. She wants me to come and make her a visit this winter. No one will see me unless they come where I am. Mr. Brooks is still paying his address to her. He is feeling quite badly His youngest sister has become a mother—a daughter. Sarah says she feel sorry for him I wonder what ails the girls. Mr. T wants me to have bridesmaid so I shall have Sara Cummings. I have ask her she has promise. We are to be married at 6 PM and leave at 7 whenever take place. Please don’t mention to no one.
[….] I think the school house has the appropriate name. I should like to see it very much. I was quite surprise to hear that you had such a large collection. You done grandly. Perhaps I may have the pleasure of seeing the Primus Institute some of these days.
[….] The young ladies are singing this evening. I have made one piece of garment since I have been out and one of my yokes is nearly done. Dont you think I am getting along nicely? I want to make some skirts while I am here so to have very little sewing to do when I go home.
I am getting sleepy. I have to get up so early now Mr. Sands is gone. Goes very much against me. I can tell you now I must bring my missive to a close.
From you affectionae
Sister Addie
Addie tells Rebecca about her “female lover,” an “English” woman who also works at Miss Porter’s school. (It is more likely she was Irish.) This letter begins the series in which Addie’s discussion of her interaction with her coworkers further reveals the erotic nature of her relationship with Rebecca. It is also evidence of interracial socializing between working class women.
Farmington Oct. 20 1867
My Dear Sister
I am not feeling in the best of spirits today. If my letter is interesting you can account for it I laid down and took a little nap. Has done me very much good.
Last Wednesday evening the grand wedding came off. There was five waiters from Hartford. I knowed two: Harris and Rodney. I did not see them Mr. H sent me word if he had time he would called to see me. Had a band from Hartford. Three of the girls and I went to the house to hear the music. We also saw some of guests. Some look beautiful. We just had a little peep at the bride and groom. He is not as homely looking as the people wants to say. I think I got a little cold standing on the ground.
Your letter was rec Thursday at noon. Also one from Josie on Tuesday. Rec two from Phila. One Mrs. Brown—Josie sister and the other from James Purell. Mrs. B is quite smart and her mother was very much please with picture she sent on to Newport for the other sister to look and I hope they wont get disappointed with me. Mr. Bantum sent for a picture—Josie friend. He said if I had no objection he would let him one of his. 1 sent word I had none. Josie has given me his watch. It was quite a pleasant surprise. I had it while I was in Phila, and while in Hartford some one had the impudent to take it out to see what it was. Mr. Sands return at the time He stated Aunt Emily arrive home the same night that Mr. S went home. Mr. De Silva is there too.
Gen[Sherman] will be in Hartford Thursday. […] I suppose it will be great time that day. [….] No I don’t find it very lovely. I have three rooms. I visit all of the occupants visit me also. Two of them English—one of them I call her my female lover. She is a fine looking girl, quite tall. She take hold of my hands and look at me and hug me so tight she hurt me. She told me last night when she love anyone she love them with her whole heart. I thought first I would ask her if she loved me. I will some day. I am getting along nicely with my sewing. Sometime in Dec. I want to get some skirts. Will you lend me some money then. I don’t want to go to Miss Porter for any [….] I shall come to a close. Hoping to have more news nexe week. Mr. Sands send his love. Except my love from you. Affectionate Sister Addie
While teasing Rebecca with the possibility of giving her “consent” to allow one of her coworkers to share her bed, Addie reassures her with “I am not very fond of White.”
Farmington October 27, 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister
I am in the kitchen entirely alone. Mr. Sands has gone to church. My time would be better spent answering your letter. I rec Friday A.M. I look for it on Thursday. Mr. Brown neglected giving it to me. It was quite interesting. I will answer it before I give you any Farmington news or gossip. I please to hear that your children has not forgotten what the Royal Teacher has learn them It must be a great pleasure to her I presume. You do enjoy the School house very much. If the rest of the teachers were like you maybe comfortably situated like yourself.
You seems to be enjoying yourself very much by all accounts. I am quite surprise to hear the girl so sick last winter in trouble again. I should think her suffering would be enough for her. I think something ought to be done to that Dr. if he think the North is almost as bad as the South. If I was living in Philadelphia and had the ready money I think I should attend the festival. I suppose you would realy like to know what is making low spirited and perhaps you will learn before I finish my letter. Any one would suppose my visit to Phila would leave a very pleasant impression. When I think of that alone it makes me feel quite happy but for all a shade of sadness shed over in spite of all my efforts. Even I enjoy myself more this then I did the last.
The girls are very friendly towards me. I am either in they room or they in mine every night often and sometime just one of them wants to sleep with me. Perhaps I will give my consent some of these nights. I am not very fond of White I can assure you.
Dear Rebecca you would like to know the cause of Thomas and I cease corresponding. Well it with this. I believe I told you that Miss Lizzie had something to tell and also Joseph. After we left you at the cars on our way home I ask him to tell me what that was. He waited until he reach his home and while he was eating his breakfast he inform me what it was and it is this: That I had been writing improper letters to Thomas Sands. I ask him who inform him the news. Miss Louisa Smith said Mrs. Pennington told her so and made him feel very bad about it. Of course I don’t blame him. We had quite a long talk about it. I would not if had of been the only one but several knows it and you know I could not let it rest after I return home. I ask Bell Sands about it. She denied it and said Mrs. Curtus told her that. Bell S went up in her room and told her about it and several other things. I went right home. I tell you I talk well this A.M. I was angre and she told me considerable what Henrietta told her even said the Mr. Tines would never marry me. If he marry would be Miss L. If I had of been on speaking terms with H I would of went to ask about Sarah being in the room while we was talking so what she do but go and told what we said. The day I left Hartford Henrietta came down and also her husband and we had a great time. I will tell you about it should we ever meet again but one thing more I write a very plain letter to Joseph about Miss L. He got to do one thing or the other. Think he was not to go and see her or even correspond with her, if so I should give him up. He could one or the other so he has promise not to have anything to do with her. I will tell the rest some of these days for I am tired and I dont want him to know I told you about it.
[….] Friday evening Mr. B invite two of the girls and I into the cottage and treat us some beautiful grapes and popcorn. We enjoyed it very much so you see I ought to feel happy but sometime I cannot feel so of course you know why I feel so. It time for me to see about dinner. Mr. Sands send his love. Except mine from your Affectionate Sister Addie
you must excuse pensmenship today Addi
e
Farmington Nov. 3 1867
My Dear Sister
[….] Miss Porter head laundress Mrs. Lewis, her older daughter was married six week ago. Has a fine son born Friday. Dont you think she has been smart? Her mother feel very bad about it. It getting a very common thing.
I rec a letter from Joseph last Wednesday. He is not feeling very well. I suppose he is feel little worried. He was disappointed in the [….] He expect to have and several has come after to go on the boat. Mr. Bruce ask he said if had not of promise his mother and I not to go on the boat he would take some of the offers. I believe Miss L must of ask Mr. Bruce to ask him I think she will do all she can to have him near her.
I am glad you have written to J.T. He has spoken of you often. Yes you have told me who made the opening prayer. I thought the Royal Teacher would do so. Yes I do enjoy myself very much this time and time passes very rapidly. I have been here nine months […]
your loving Sister. Mr. Sands sends his love. Except mine yours with a kiss. Addie
Addie mentions both Frederick Douglass and Edmonia Lewis (1843-), the Oberlin-trained artist who was of African American and Chippewa descent. The date of her death is unknown.
Farmington November 17 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister
[….] Tuesday we had quite snow storm—nearly a foot deep. Wednesday night and Thursday AM Miss Porter had a concert in the house for the young ladies. She send to NY for the musician. It was quite a leisure day for me. I had but very little to do. The ladies look beautiful. You think it was a ball.
[….] That was very kind of Fred Douglass to remember his brother in the kind act. I wish there was more like Miss Edmonie Lewis. [….] Rebecca I would never say anything to Mr. Tines about going on the boat again. He can do just as he pleas whatever is my fate I will try and meet it.
Mr. Sands wish me to give his love to you […] I have finish my chemise and drawers now I am making my night dresses that my sister was kind to give to me. I only to get some cloth for skirts and my limited under clothes will be complete. I must close. Bidding a good morning.
Your affectionate sister
Addie.
It is clear from Addie’s next two letters that Rebecca has expressed concern over Addie’s flirtations with her fellow workers at Miss Porter’s.
Farmington Nov. 17, 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister
[….] If you think that is my bosom that captivated the girl that made her want to sleep with me she got sorely disappointed enjoying it for I had my back towards her all night and my night dress was button up so she could not get to my bosom. I shall try to keep you favorite one always for you. Should in my excitement forget you will pardon me I know.
Yes I had opportunity hearing to all the music & wanted too enjoyed it very much last evening. The young ladies was acting. They took some pieces of well. Miss Porter told the help to go back in the study hall and we saw everything very nicely. What pleasure some people has. Great many of the Ladies going to spend the thanksgiving at home. It is a theme of their conversation. It 38 to remain there as their home is too far to go so short a time. Miss Porter is will give them a grand dinner here commence about is Yesterday. I hope to spend mine a little pleasanter than I did last I was at Mrs. Crowell. [….]
Addie
Farmington Dec. 8, 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister:
I have had company nearly all day. It is so very cold that the girls cannot keep warm so they come down in the kitchen. [….]
I thought I told you about the girl sleeping with me. Whether I enjoyed it or not I can’t say that I enjoyed it very much. I don’t care about her sleeping with me again. I don’t know what kind of an excitement I refer to but I presume I know at the time. I can’t recalled. [….]
This letter tells of the establishment of a Union League on the Eastern Shore. This is an important development. The Union League originated during the Civil War as an organization of white patriots who supported the Union. However, in 1867 Republicans began to use the league to help organize black people throughout the South. Eric Foner notes, “By 1867, it seemed, virtually every black voter in the South had enrolled in the Union League or some equivalent local political organization… The local leagues’ multifaceted activities, however, far transcended electoral politics. They promoted the building of schools and churches to collect funds.17
“I really do like fast driving and quick movement, in anybody or anything,” writes Rebecca, revealing a different side of this apparently conservative woman.
Royal Oak, Dec. 8, 1867
My dear Parents & Sister
[….] In the A. M. I took a ride to Easton with Mr. Thomas’ brother who had to go to the mill for some meal. I went up to see Mrs. Armstrong to carry her some large slates & to get some small ones in exchange, also to take her some books. Her mother is with her. She arrived last Sat. or Friday week. She’s a real clever appearing old lady, but Mrs. A. does not favor her in the least.
She likes over here very well, they want to remove their things there.
Last night Miss Smith rode up here for her desk—my old one which she ask me for. She had a long cold ride did not seem to mind it at all. She’s a well disposed young woman & she is getting along very nicely at B’d. [?] ’twas after eleven when she started upon her return, but the moon shone here & beautiful & twas as bright as day. One of her pupils—a young man, brought her up.
[….] I rec’d. your letter from the office yesterday myself. I am very much surprised to hear you had not rec’d. those oysters & I was quite disappointed also for I felt sure that you would get them by Thurs. I really do feel quite discouraged about sending any thing to you or having any thing sent to me. I do think I am a most unfortunate creature in respect to some things, most particularly if I set my heart upon them. I shall certainly get thoroughly discouraged one of these days & attempt nothing only tha which I think I can with a certainly perform myself. I really hope however, that the barrel has reached you ’ere this & that you’re enjoying them & when the next goes some one will go with them. Those oysters are all they’re represented to be & Mr. Tilghman selected some of his choicest. I shall tell him what you say.
I thought Mr. Seyms18 would remember you as usual & I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it. I presume you remembered Jim so that he had his share. Tell him to send ma a letter all about it. Does he lie upon the little girl’s sofa now-a-days? I like those pictures of his they’re taken so dark, don’t forget to give Aunts Em. & Bashy one, also Miss Babcock with my messages. I have given Miss Smith and Mrs. Thomas one & they’re both pleased with it.
My money is not yet forthcoming but I’m not alone for the other teachers are as destitute as myself. Ive written to Mr. Janney about it & he says it shall be sent soon. I’m inclined to think it’s purposely withheld & will be till Christmas to prevent any from visiting the city during the holidays.
I only hope you’ve not wanted your sacque Bell, & that my delay in rec’g. my money had not prevented your getting one. I will make you a fair compensation when I do pay you.
Mr. Thomas has entire confidence in me with his horses. He thinks I do first rate though he says he believes I like to go as fast as I can & want to keep it up—I presume it’s something like my walking. But he is correct in this respect for I really do like fast driving and quick movements in anybody or anything. Still, I really have a great deal of feeling for dumb beasts. I’ll not misuse them I’ll assure you, but his horse does so little eats & grows fat so fast, that when he’s geared up her don’t want go only just as he has a mind. I see Mr. Thos. is sharp with him & I endeavor to act upon the same principle. His name is Sam & he’s a real good horse. Mr. Thos. says if he’s treated rightly he’ll hurt no one & I agree with him.
I don’t know what the people think about the carpet I’m sure but the children have contributed over fifty cts. towards it and now I can tell them all to ask their parents & friends to give something towards it. We, shall get second han
d carpeting if we can, we only want 4 yds. the platform is just six ft. sq.
I shall expect to hear about the spoons in your next and please don’t disappoint me. I hope to be able to send the money in my next.
Mr. Thos.’ hogs weighed 712 lbs. The madam has tried out 12 gals of lard & made quantity of sausage meat, the livers are made into what they call puddings, & are very nice the rest is salted down in its first state of preparation for Bacon.
We have an abundance of fresh pork now & the spareribs are very sweet & nice. Mrs. Thomas has had several of her ducks stolen & she’s so provoked about it she has put up the balance to kill. Her other fowls are thriving; how are Rebecca & Bell?
[…] I shall be glad to hear about that ball for I’ve been wondering what new affair it was etc. Probably some have had their feelings very much hurt thereby. I thought twas among the whites at first. Nelson said Henry was expecting to attend it. I hope they all had a good time that went.
I rec’d. a letter from Josephine yesterday. They’re thinking about having a festival over there & if they do I shall certainly make an effort to go. She is well. I have permission from Mr. Janney to give her my old blackboard. She wants it. Twas so unpleasant Thanksgiving day she did not go out of the house, but on Sat. A.M. she went to Trappe. I presume she walked.
Beloved Sisters and Loving Friends Page 25
