Robinson Family Papers

Mount Holly 8th mo 1st 1859 -

My Dear Friends

Letter of the latter part of 3rd or beginning of 4th month - and the signal of Jenny's safe return to you, from her long sojourn in the South, were duly received; need I say it has been neither from a want of appreciating the first, or a want of sympathy with the latter - that I have not written. I now regard that I had not then said all my heart prompted & replied to some enquiries - which I would now gladly answer if I had it by me to refer to, but owing to a mistake [underline]it[/underline] is now safe in my desk at home - while my memory does not serve me to remember their nature. Thinking that probably a few weeks would bring something more interesting than merely personal matters, was the object in waiting untill after our Y Meeting. - probably some other pen has told thee all, & more than I could have done. It was the largest I remember, - the new house being apparently as much crowded as the old one near fifth street used to be. - It was said that some days there were 3000 women present, - and certainly the quietness and order observed, and the dignity with which the business was generally conducted, did them credit. In one or two instances a little more courtesy was desirable - but the preceding Quarterly Meeting taught its Lesson on christian Forbearance - that was the most excited meeting I ever attended. - the cause Rachel W Moore's bringing a minute from Green[?] M M, seting her at liberty to visit England & some parts of Europe - appointing meeting & &c &c - This brought out her opposers - and no left those in favour of liberal views - foremost among whom was our Friend Lucretia - it was a painful, but intensely interesting meeting. - painful because a few descended to personal language when coming the occasion - which however was met at once, in a spirit so firm - yet sorrowfully indignant, that the same person did not repeat it. Lucretia may

now truly be said to be at the head of our meeting - finally after much speaking - some excellent, one young woman particularly who in reply to a Friend who objected to seting Rachel at liberty because "She was not an exponent of the views of our society, & to allow her to go would be to give false impressions" - said that "it would be difficult to find any one to represent the views of the Society - they differed with the individuals composing it - every mind had a judgment of its own - for herself (begining at the head of our gallery), she did not think exactly with any one of our ministers - not even Lucretia Mott! dearly as she loved her - or with R. W. Moore - but believing she was called to the work of the ministry - sincere & earnest in her desire to do good - she approved of seting her "at liberty." - so did I - not because she is my ideal of a minister of the Gospel - no! gifted! - great as she is at times, I cannot fall down & worship any thing short of the highest - & perhaps all this 'troubling of the Waters' has its use in preventing the too much exaltation of the creature -

Immediately after the Y M we commenced preparing for the Country - having not only to furnish this house, but to arrange that to be left all the summer in case of the cook who provided for Brother & the young men in the Store. - This for two healthy persons would have been no great matter - but for Sister Maggie & myself, quite an undertaking - neither being able to bear much Fatigue. - We came here the begining of 6th mo - Maple Grove we call it, because thickly shaded with silver Maples - as it was only for a Summer home - it is covered with mating instead of carpets (with the exception of my chamber as I am very sensative to cold) this is far less trouble to take care of - and for furniture - what we could well spare from the town house, with some needful additions. How I should like to show thee over it - small as it is - yet very comfortable - a parlour, small siting room, & front porch, with a large

kitchen, & shed to [?] & work in - 5 chambers on 2nd Floor & two in garret - finished - 2 of the chambers are just large enough for a single bed & beaureau. - these the children occupy, & are wonderfully elevated at the idea of a room to themselves - my chamber is furnished with things I used when living here before - so it seems to look very natural. - but I myself am changed - weaker in body & I sometimes feel in mind - more nervous than ever before, - so that I can understand the expression of 'a grasshopper being a burthen" - & have more than ever, had to learn to have patience with my own weakness, which I find quite a different thing from that of having patience with that of others: - but let me not give thee too sombre a picture, [underline]now[/underline] I trust to be stronger - for in measure, too much exertion, had caused prostration of strength: - this was unavoidable, from sickness; first here, (our young woman being quite ill) and then in my sons family, whose youngest - a fair boy of 17 months, has been transplanted to the Garden above - life! and death! are both great mysteries - yet each must be good - or an infinitely benevolent being would not have ordained them. - I do not mourn for the removal of this innocent - but feel for his parents - to them it is a great sorrow. - may it draw them nearer to the source, from which alone strength & consolation are derived. -

My Sister Maggie is much as usual - suffering [deleted] very often with severe attacks of neuralgia. - I do not think coming in the country has benefited her, - but our children are as brown & as hearty as possible - look so different from what they were - when we came here, - and to Brother William it seems a perfect delight to come up & spend two or three days with us, as he does every week - infusing new life & cheerfulness into Sister and myself - who sometimes in his absence get a little dull - the best cure for which I find walking out - (when well enough) and seeing how the world goes with our neighbours - then to call & see my niece &

and nephew, or go with Maggie to her Fathers varies the scene and brings us home well satisfied that we are blessed with so pleasant a retreat- & Oh that we may cultivate a disposition to number our mercies - and gratefully acknowledge all our benefits. -

I was truly gratified to receive thy last letter - to know how thee was circumstanced - and not a little surprised to find thee stll caring for, & instructing the little ones. - what a weight of anxiety & responsibility Jeany's Sister, & thyself must have felt removed - on her return - I trust, with renewed health & strength - may they increase during this warm season, so that the approach of winter shall cause you to enjoy the change, with out dreading the effects of the cold - The Dr. must have found it far more pleasant with his companion, than when absent from his home so long, by himself - no doubt they have formed pleasant acquaintances, & met with incidents which they mutually enjoy recuring to, - and how much I should like to spend the day with you all [underline]together[/underline], and talk over these, and the many other topics which would naturally present - but this cannot be, - & I will think of you all - desiring that you may continue, what I believe you are - mutual helpers & comforts to each other -

And now my dear friend, do not follow my example if thee has ability & inclination to do otherwise - I hope to do better in future - (when shall I ever [underline]do[/underline] any thing but hope?) but in whatever state - believe me

affectionately thine -

Elisa [Smyth?]

(text across) they have been accustomd to listen to the useful words that he uttered, and now not be able to hear or see this kind old man but harder it must be for the widow and the fatherless children. It does seem to me if I was in Mrs Robinson's place, that I could not endure to attend church there now. But so it is death comes like an untimely frost and cuts down the most useful vines in the whole vineyard and all are liable to feel its chilling blast.

Then Ann it is necessary and profitable for us to live such lives as will insure to us the promise given in the Book of books namely; if we re the people of God we shall enjoy the rest that remains for such, and this is not the only grand promise that ere have for the promises of the Lord are immeasurable and I hope we shall both live such lives as to en sure to us the enjoyment of these promises after we are through with our career in this hostile world. I for one Ann have resolved to live a more religious life than here tofore, although it has always been my aim to do what was

(downwards text) Speakers there now! Who are the best ones? Does Hollis take any part in the exercises? I hope he does it will be so useful to him. And he would if he should get once initiated. I can see quite clearly that I missed in not taknig a more active part than I did. Is Blanchard severe as ever this term? Does she lecture as 'much' as common? Is Nettie there this term? if she is give her my respects. Have you heard from Miss Fuller of late? You say you shall always respect her, let others say what they would this is right. I say the same for I think she is a fine woman and a true friend. Do you know whether she and [Gleed] correspond now or not? I hope they do for I had quite an interest in that courtship the only one that I ever cared about. One more question I want to ask about Hollis. Does he make a good appearance at the table and in general? He never has been among strangers to board before and being naturely bashful I did not know but he would be awkward. Have you heard from Ollie lately? If so tell me what if anything good. I am glad to hear that [Dolg] has got back. Do you know where he is to [spring] now?

Ferrisburgh Dec. 9th 1860.

Dear Friend

The long winter evenings have been looked forward to, for a little leisure to devoted social intercourse with our friends both near and distant. We have thought & spoken much of thee during our long silence & felt deeply our indebtedness for thy kindness to us & ours; but the thronging cares that seem to crowd into our life have been suffered to delay the expression of the thoughts that we cherished of thy continued love for us, until we may have seemed forgetful or ungrateful. If this poor epistle can be accepted as amends for the past we will hope to be more faithful in future. I hardly know where to begin the news department of my letter but will first begin at home. Ruth & mother sit by the table with me the former with her needle & the latter with her knitting: little Sara sleep on the lounge until we are ready to go to bed, Freddy is in [bed?] & little Lillis away with her grandmother & aunt in Shoreham. We hardly know how to spare her, but they like to have her with them & she is very happy there. I believe all at present in comfortable health. Mother has been away all summer or from the last of of April till the middle of Sept. She went from Peru in June to Canada & had a very satisfactory visit there with her relatives, & returned home in time to meet brother John & his family here who made us a welcome

visit in Sept. I have been much from home the past season engaged in selling Sewing Machines, which brother John is a partner in manufacturing. As farming has been rather unprofitable the past year this outside business has been a great help. I was in Burlington a few days ago & met Charlotte & her little adopted son "Tommy" . "Willie" was over the lake with his grandfather & grandmother Sattly, & had been gone three weeks. Perhaps thou would be interested to hear the matrimonal news, which I will tell at the risk of repeating what thou hast already heard. Ralph & Roxy Sallty were married a the same time to Lewis Hurlbut's daughter [Lorain?[ & son Hiram. Hannah Booth's eldest son is married to a daughter of George Porter. Sophia Field to a man of the same name, though not a kinsman he lives with the family for the present. Our local news are not very remarkable unless I except one occurrence, that is that Ann Minturn & her children have made us a visit, which was a great surprise & greatly enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to be at home; mother & I were gone. Sara Tobias has been spending several weeks with us to be under Ruth's care she has been very sick this autumn, but has regained pretty comfortable health again, but is very frail at best. Sster Clara's health & the rest of her family good as usual. Our friends in Peru sustaind an irrepairable loss in the death of Catherine Keise; one that was felt deeply by all her acquaintances of whatever denomination. Jane Sopham's health is such that at last accounts she had gone to a Water Cure. How art thou affected by the threatening aspect of our national affairs? It seems to me if the North would be firm in her mentainance of her own rights, but let the South

withdraw peacefully from the union if she choose, it would cause the death of slavery sooner than thing that could occur. But fear that as the Union was cemented in blood it will be so dissolved. I am quite behind the times in regard to what is being done amongst spiritualists generally we have read but very little for the past years but a circular from John Sandon formerly of Rutland Vt. informs us that a movement is about being made towards a reorganization of society. Perhaps thee can tell us something more definite concerning it. We were much interested in the autobiography of Robert Owen contained in the Herald of Progress, for which we are indebted to thee. Dear friend we have been for three years beneficiaries of thy goodness in the receipt of the Little Pilgrim for our children. Freddy will never forget thy kindness, & while [underline]we[/underline] acknowledge it with many thanks we must insist that our obligation be not increased by its continuance, in that regard. We wish to hear of thy health, & all that pertains to thy welfare. Does thee think we shall ever see thee in Ferrisburgh again? If we deserve a letter let us have one as soon as is convenient.

Affectionately thine

Myron Orvis.

A space is left for me; I concur entirely in Myrons letter and wish in vain for the power of extending myself that I might oftener come in contact with one whose sympathy seems so disinterested & genuine. The problem of Life seems very difficult when it cuts us off from many of the gentle graces of existence; putting ban on all but the absolute necesseties & so social intercourse being counted as one of the luxuries is a thing to haunt our dreams oftener than to bless our waking senses; but we two have the good fortune to be in sympathy on all the great questions that interest us, but difference of opinion on general topics enough to keep from stagnating.

P. H. [Thubbart?] told us of hearing from you recently. She is looking in a comfortable condition and they have been adding to the comfort of their home by adopting the use of coal for fuel which keep up a summer climate nearly over their house. She asks me always if I have written to you or heard and is surely one of your very warm friends. I trust her & love her as a sister -.

I do not understand whether you are instructing your friends children, yet - - - I do hope you take good care of your own health. How often we overtask ourselves & forget that we are [sinning?] - The news of the day is absorbing to you as well as us. The [leaven?] seems to work in every direction. Such effervescence must produce a new compound. Perhaps it is not news to you that Rachel [Barker?] More had to walk through steep places on her mission to England Scotland & Ireland that she wrote a deprecatory letter to Lucretia Mott acknowledging her own severity on her when Lucretia stood in advance of her ideas, and how L.'s charity to her in her [sincerity?] now touched her. [?] we go like the patterns of the curious weaver, the work of our color thrown conspiciously up for a time till it shows its design then gives way to another while still it labors beneath all warp all woof in its place, till the Lords patterns are finished

Adieu

[in right margin:]

Ruth Orvis