File:Elizabeth M'Clintock letter to Richard Hunt, II (e665ea72515845c48e0282336acb0c60).pdf

English: NPGallery

English: Elizabeth M'Clintock

English: Organization: US National Park Service
Role: Curator
Address: Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148

English: Richard Hunt, II

English: “Waterloo 6 mo 23 1852
My very dear cousin Richard
Little did I think, when thy nice letter was handed me, that so long a time would pass by without my answering it and telling thee how very glad I was to hear from thee. I think of thee, dear Richard, very often- far away as thee is from the dear ones at home, so much loved by thee. I wish thee could be nearer to us – but thee must console thyself by thinking it is part of the discipline of life. that thee will find as thee grows older, steps in and, very much against our inclination perhaps, teaches us fortitude, courage and patience. Life thee knows is like a journey – we cannot always travel through pleasant places – sometimes we must go over stones and along rough roads – After years will, I trust, show thee good result of the instruction thee is now receiving and bring thee ample compensation for thy separation from home in stores of Knowledge gathered – in good thoughts and good deeds – I did not expect when I sat down to write, to give thee quite so much of a sermon.
I hope thee may not think it tiresome – Molly, I presume has, before this, given thee a description of our journey home. A very pleasant trip it was, not withstanding it rained part of the time. The crossing on the Hudson was delightful. A thunder cloud came up from behind the mountains, its blackness brightened, at intervals by the quick and flashing lightning – after that passed on, or rather we had passed beyond the region of storm, the moon came quietly up from behind the hills and threw her soft beauty over river and mountains. There is nothing I enjoy so much as the ride up the Hudson – A glorious river it is – I doubt if there is another as beautiful in the world –
Thee asked me if we got home in time to attend the wedding As an Irishman would say We were home just in time to miss it – We came on fifth day – Emmeline was married on third day – From all we have heard they had a pleasant party and the bride and groom played their part very prettily. Em – is nicely fixed at housekeeping – She appears to enjoy herself in the country & bids fair to make quite a wife for a farmer –
Thee says, thee thinks your teacher is rather too strict – Does thou not know, dear Richard, that where a number of boys are together it is very necessary to be “strict”? I guess if you try to obey the rules of the school you will not find him at all harsh – Thee seems to enjoy swimming very much I am glad thee is learning – Every one – both boys and girls should learn – but thee must be careful not to go in along or into very deep water – sometimes the best swimmers lose their lives from the cramps do be careful my dear little cousin –
Thee asks if the Waterloo people succeeded in deminishing the speed of the cars – Indeed they did not – They go through the village like the wind – It is dangerous – yesterday a poor deaf man was killed at Seneca Falls by one of the Express trains – Terrible is it not? One of the trains – the one that goes through here at half past four in the afternoon leaves New York – only think of it – at six oclock the same day & reaches Buffalo in the evening at eight - Thee may think how they fly through the villages-
All are well at home now, I believe. Little George, the new comer, has been sick for a few days past. Mother was up to-night & made us a short call. Does thee hear often from Philadelphia? Aunt Catharine is not [well] and I fear we will not have the pleasure of seeing her here this summer – Now Mary & Anne speak doubtfully of coming I hope they may not disappoint us –
What does thee think of Gen. Scott for our next President? Or doesn’t thee care about such matters?
I have written thee a long letter my dear Richard – If thee cannot make it all out – tell me when thee answers it & I will try to find more time for the next and send it to thee in a more legible style Answer it very soon, please and tell me all about they school-mates you’re sports & your studies & whatever interests thee I shall like to hear all about them – Love from all
Thy affectionate cousin
Lizzie”

English: 1164

English: Content Location: Waterloo, NY; Women's Rights National Historical Park, Seneca County, New York; Latitude: 42.9025993347168, Longitude: -76.8444976806641

English: U.S. National Park Service