Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2013.106.846 |
Title |
Letter from Frances "Fannie" (Phillips) Emerson to her aunt Harriet (Phillips) Emerson |
Object Name |
Letter |
Dates of Creation |
October 13, 1874 |
Scope & Content |
Handwritten letter dated October 13, 1874 Frances "Fannie" (Phillips) Emerson "in the channel" to Harriet (Phillips) Emerson in York. She writes about headwinds that are slowing/delaying their travel. She spends most of the rest of the letter talking about "spiritualism" as someone she knew became a spiritualist and gave her a book on it. She talks about how she and Leonard detest the idea with Leonard ripping up the book given to her about it. Transcription: Dear Mother, We did not sail last Thursday as we expected on account of head winds but yesterday we set sail, but not with a fair wind. Today is favoring much better and we hope soon to be clear of the Channel. We received yours and Abbie's letter yesterday dated at Stanford and we were very much delighted to learn you were both having a change and that you were enjoying yourselves as I am sure you must. I felt sorry that I did not receive your letter in time to get the gloves and lace for Abbie if it had only come the night before I could have got them. I had already bought two pairs of gloves for her. Brown and Lavender, three buttons. I did not know exactly what shades to get but thought they would go with anything. I wish you had the nice blk silk we have for you, for it is just the time you need it, but its useless to regret it now. I thought Mary Brooks much changed for the better. Mrs. Clapp did tell me that Mary had become a spritualist and that were what was keeping her in San Fransisco and that it was the worst thing that had ever come into the family yet and I expect there was something in it as Mary gave me a little book to be opened after we got to sea and it was the most ridiculous arguments in favor of spiritualism I ever heard or read. Lent tore it up immediately, for I suppose he was afraid I might be influenced as he thinks I am easily influenced, but he never [?] for my becoming a devotee to that creed for I wouldn't have anything to do with them without so much as to go to hear them for curiosity's sake. Clapp hated San Fransisco and so did Mr. Brooks and they were wretched to get home but then Mr. Brooks said "Mary wanted to go to the Geysers for her health, but he couldn't see anything the matter with her." San Francisco is a great nest for spiritualism and infidelity, and everything else that is bad, and not that we are all we should be by any means. Lent and I were often disgusted and hurt by the want of reverence to good things shown by many of the people with whom we came in contact while in that place. My letters were few and short while in Liverpool, but I knew we were coming home and so reserved all I had to say 'till we got home. You must not be anxious about us if we have a long passage, but rest assured that Lent will get there as soon as possible. He thinks of buying Frank's home if he is still disposed to sell and to housekeeping it next Spring. We have bought a few things in expense[?] to that Lent wrote you but he is afraid his letter was misplaced as he has no recollection of mailing it. I've several letters to write so must close with love to each and all. I wrote Emma from San Francisco but have had no reply. She won't care anything about what me I supose[sic]. Am sorry aunt Mary is so lonely. With much love to yourself from both Lent and myself and with the hope that you will both be benefitted by your visits believe me your loving Fannie. [back on the front page] Friday 16th. Have had a very tedious time getting [?] of the Channel and we are not out yet. So don't look for us too soon will you. Love to each and all. |
Collection |
Emerson Family Collection |
People |
Emerson Family Emerson, Andrew Leonard, Capt., 1837-1909 Emerson, Frances "Fanny" Louisa (née Phillips) Emerson, Harriet Jane (née Philips), 1808-1890 |
Search Terms |
York 19th century San Francisco, CA |
Subjects |
Family letters Maritime history Ports Religion Sailors Shipping Ships Spiritualism Travel Weather Women |