Beloved Sisters and Loving Friends
Page 23
The Addie who refused to patronize a minstrel show also protests the segregated seating of a local Farmington church. Once again she provides evidence of racist practices in the North.
Farmington May 19 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister
Not been long since I have return for A.M. church I dont think I will go very soon again I am no advocate for white churches they have seats expressly for colored people and I do not like them but the rest are very much please they can be for all me. It a rather pretty church and have very good singing.
[…] I have been resting O Rebecca I am suffering with my back I can hardly set still I have had it three days. Mr. Sands think its lifting well what can do. Already he is very kind he help me all he can possible do. […] I am with Mr. Sands in Miss Porter kitchen we are getting on nicely so far he would not let me do very much today. […]
I sincerely hope I will not increase size but I would like to have my face little fully that all.
I did not leave Hartford for Farmington until the 2 of May so you see I was there on Election day. You ask how Mr. T ines bear the loss I can tell you only this much he said he was very sorry to part with me and he hope the day was near at hand when he can imbrace me in his arms say that you are mine until death separate us. Please dont say anything about it you can imagine my surprise at such language from his pen I have more to tell you but preserve until we meet.
[…]
Sister Addie
Royal Oak, May 25, 1867 Sat 9 A.M.
[…] I have 40 scholars now & it’s the largest number of day scholars that I’ve ever had. These new ones are all small & new beginners, & I return from school nearly exhausted every eve’g. so that I’m glad to seek my bed at as early an hour as possible. We breakfast by 6 o’ck. now every morning. The children are getting along finely in learning their pieces. I’ve copied off two dialogues for them. One in which five will take a part & the other for two girls only. There are 30 learning pieces, then I’m also learning them some new pieces to sing. They’ve got “Auld Lang Syne,” “Dare & Do,” & “Sister & Stripes” so that they can sing them well, & they’ve only been practicing them about two weeks. Whatever they like they soon learn & it’s just the same with their lessons.
[….] Old man Moore continues quite miserable & his feet are very much swollen so that he is receiving some benefit therefore I called upon him one P.M. this week & gave him a dollar to get what little necessaries he most needed; the poor old man was delighted, he said ’twould last him two weeks. I wish you could see how thankful & pleased he is when one gives him anything. Mrs. Thomas often sends him his dinner. The people are I believe very kind to him. He is sustained by their charity; his deceased brother’s children do nothing for him, & he says he’s done every thing for them that he could do. These are his only relatives excepting a married sister in Balto. The general health of the colored people continues good, & they are all hard at work.
[….] I think I told you there was to be a bush meeting at Miles River last Sunday. I hear it was largely attended & that it passed off finely. They took up a collection of $16.00 & raised a subscription of $60. A Quaker gentleman there has given them a spot of ground upon which to build the schoolhouse, & he’s offered to take the entire responsibility of it upon himself, until they can pay for the building thereof. I think immediate steps are to be taken to procure the lumber from the government. This is the farm that the famous Lloyd family once owned & where Frederick Douglass15 lived in his childhood & youth. It was so bad a place for slaves in those days, that it has been named Georgia & still retains that name. This old Quaker was one of the delegates to the convention, & at the close of the services last Sun, he made an address relative to the proceedings of it, & also made known to them his gift of the ground etc. He’s a strong Union man and his wife is a bitter Secesh.
Flowers have arrived & I’m beginning to receive my share of them. Two very nice bunches were brought me this week by one of my girls. Then yesterday or the eve’g. before Mrs. Young sent me a few carnations pinks & a large red tulip. I think very much of these little tokens of friendship and regard from these people. [….]
The remaining of our lumber has finally arrived, & we expect the building to be commenced this week. I’m quite encouraged again.
[….] Political & all of the matters appear to be going on very quietly here about now. The teacher’s house in Easton has been commenced, & they were expecting to occupy their new schoolhouse last week, but I’ve not heard whether they did so or not.
Give my love to everybody. Mr. & Mrs. Thos. join me in love to you all. Yours.
Rebecca.
Royal Oak, June 1, 1867
Sat. 8½ A.M.
My dear Parents & Sister,
[….] The ribbon came safely but I think it’s too light to put upon that dark hat, & shall reserve it for some other. It is a very pretty & delicate shade & was very cheap. Don’t send any more for I can make this answer. I am very much oblige to you for sending it.
[….] Old man Moore will be very glad to rec. whatever you may send him. His limbs are better the swelling’s gone down so that he can walk about a little now.
[….] I rec. letters from Carrie, Miss Dickson, & Miss Hoy with yours on Mon. The two latter have been sick they tell me, which has prevented their writing. Miss Hoy sends her love to you & Bell. She informs me that one of our corps of teachers has recently died at her home in Phila.—Miss J.T. Ellender, quite a young person & very pleasant & agreeable in her manners. I was acquainted with her; she contracted a severe cold while discharging her duties last fall, returned home during the holidays & died the 15th of April.
Miss Hoy’s preparing her scholars for an exhibition to take place the 10th [….] Carrie’s been to Balto, again. She’s well, desires to know why you’ve not written Bell. She thinks she shall ask for a dismissal if the asson. require our schools to continue longer than this month, on account of her school’s being to small. She sends much love to you both. She saw none of the Adams family. Mr. Simpson boards at Dr. Hudson’s.
Josephine wrote Thurs. She said nothing about the box. They’re going to have to fair there during the next holidays & she says she’s instructing a few of her pupils how speak some pieces she’s learning them. Their gestures & articulation she deems very important. I should like to be a silent & unseen observer of her mode of instruction. She says “perhaps we’d, all like to come over to the fair.” I shall be oblige to forego the pleasure on account of previous arrangements with Miss Smith. There’s to be an all days meeting there tomorrow, if I could make any arrangement I would go, but Mr. Thomas being sick I can’t very well. I’ve requested her to come to my exhibition. Mr. Thos. says he’ll take me round there by way of Easton before I come home. That will answer every purpose.
The white people are going to give a grand supper at the Oak next Friday night, to raise money to aid in relieving the suffering poor at the South. Admission 50c, supper 50c & all confectionery extra. It’s thought to be rather expensive] by some. I tell Mr. Thos. I guess it’s only intended for a certain class. The wealthy circle are getting up & have exclusive management of the affair. One man has given a whole lamb as his donation.
A little girl baby was born in our neighborhood yesterday. She has two brothers & four sisters—the youngest of these is a two year old baby just learning to walk. It continues to be very healthy among the colored people. Did I tell you in my last that I’ve 40 scholars? 25 are boys.
I must not forget to tell you that I’ve been the recipient of three splendid bouquets this week. Two were brought to me by two of my pupils & the other, one of our neighbors presented. I shall be supplied with flowers now so long as the season lasts.
[….] Late P.M. yesterday I rec’d. a letter from Mr. Janney ordering our schools be closed the 28th inst. It is joyful news I can assure you. I shall complete all my arrangements in the interval.
Mrs. Armstrong has rec’d. the same orders. Mrs. Thos. called upon her & Miss
Briggs. Both are well. Tues. in the holidays, Judge Bond & Gen. Gregory are going to deliver addresses to the col’d. people of Easton.
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas wish to be remembered to you all, accept my best love to yourselves & give my love to all the friends.
From Rebecca.
It’s just begun to rain.
Farmington June 2, 1867
8PM
My Dear & Adopted Sister
[…] Mr. Tines will not be very long there. He leaves for the Springs the 20th of this month. I should like to spend the last Sunday he will have in Hartford. Mr. Sands says I can go if I wish. I do not want to use my money. I want every penny and more.
[….] I have received a letter from Thomas. He like Portland very much. He wish me to tell his father there is room for another druggist. […]
Your mother sent me three shirts to make. Send few lines informing me of the death of Miss Ward. She has gone to her everlasting home where she always will be welcome. She has had her troubles as well as the rest of us. I received your welcome missive Wednesday evening the 25th. I was very much of cause if I had not I would of been much disappointed. I have received them so regular since I came here first part of the week. I am quite surprise to hear you have so many scholars. You are doing remarkable well.
You are worthy of all regards that Miss Booth. I think she would make a grand Procter. I suppose I will have the pleasure of seeing it. Bell making quite a visit in Boston. I don’t suppose she care about Mrs. Jones for she dislike her so very much she has inform me.
[….] There is quite excitement last night. There was a man preaching to the people in the roads. One time he was nearly opposite Miss Porter. I rather think he was a little out of her range. Mr. Sands has let me make a cake turner. I had very good luck. He says I am getting along nicely. I have been here four weeks Friday last and think I have $12.00 and if had been to Mrs. Crowell only $6.00. What a difference isn’t it? Rebecca I suppose by this time nexe month you will be winding your way home to your dear friends. Mr. Sands wish me to give his love. No more at present from your loving Sister,
Addie
When Rebecca here writes “One obstacle with which the col’d. people have to encounter here is in rec’g. cash payments for their labor which makes it very hard for them, & so too they’re kept out of money,” one is struck by the similarities in the position of the freedpeople of Royal Oak and that of Addie Brown in New England. Both struggle to be compensated for the labor they perform.
Royal Oak, Sat. 9 AM, June 8, 1867
My dear Parents & Sister,
[….] That little baby is dead that I mentioned in my last letter.
It took cold I believe, had spasms & died Thursday eve’g. Old man Moore is considerably better, he has changed his residence this week & I’ve not seen him since.
[….] The supper came off at the Oak last night although the weather was so unfavorable & it’s to be continued today & tonight. We are told they cleared $200 last night which was a good sum. Both black & white attended it. I don’t suppose any suffering blacks will derive any aid from it’s proceeds.
Judge Bond & Gen. Gregory are expecting to hold forth again at Easton next Tues. Also a col’d. gent, from abroad, I’ve not yet heard who it’s to be. If it’s pleasant I presume some of the neighborhood will go up to hear them. [….]
Your this week’s epistle has not yet been rec’d. but I expect it this eve’g. Addie’s came as usual, & she apprized me of the death of Miss Ward which was certainly very unexpected intelligence. Poor woman’s better off now & all her troubles are at an end. She continues to get along very well out there she tells me, & I’m really glad she likes so well, hoping she may continue.
[….] Mrs. Thomas has asked me to give her love to you all. She permitted Emily to accompany me to S. S. last Sunday & she wore her new dress, which has made up very pretty indeed. She is delighted with it. She’s getting along very well here. Mrs. T. gets very much tried with her at times, & a terrible commotion follows continuing perhaps an hour or so, & then there’s dead calm again. Emily is pertinent & cares as long as the storm rages, but as soon as it’s fury is expended she is the same Emily again. It’s really amusing sometimes.
[….] I’ve been making out school bills this P.M. of the taxes which have not been settled up. Some keep it paid up by the month which makes it much easier for them, but it don’t seem to be in the power of all to do this. One obstacle with which the col’d. people have to encounter here is in rec’g. cash payments for their labor which makes it very hard for them, & so too they’re kept out of money. Their employers readily give them orders & desire their hands to take up all in orders, but some will not agree to it.
[…] You must give my love to all of my friends & accept the largest & best portion to yourselves. I hope your letter will arrive Mon. or Tuesday.
From Rebecca.
Farmington June 18, 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister
[….] Mr. Tines sent a letter last week asking me to come in before he leaves the boat. I went in Saturday AM and return last evening. I did not enjoy his society as much as I expected and I guess he was disappointed as well as myself. I shall tell you all when you return home. [….] Nevertheless Bell and I went down to see the grand boat called the State of New York. Josie16 return home with us and remain until I took my departure for Farmington which I was very glad to do he has change very much they say and is very dark.
[….] Why should that Mother feel the death of her babe? All of her children are very dear to her even she should be bless with a dozen. You ask my opinion of the man think and if his wife did not have any children he would bear her he is not worthy of any and ought not to have any. Mr. Tines sends his regards to you. He leaves for the Spring the 25th and says he is not going on the boat any more.
[…] Mr. Sands send his love and is looking for your letter to know what you will say about the message he sent about me. Except my love and I shall remain as ever, your dear and loving Sister
Addie
In this letter Addie expresses her disdain for President Andrew Johnson.
Farmington, June 23, 1867
My Dear Sister:
[….] The picnic came off last Friday. Most every person and their grandfather was there. It was a beautiful day. Had amusement of all kind. Dancing, boating, swinging and ball playing. Every one out of the house went but there Miss Wood one of the young ladies and the two was Misses Jane Lawrence and Addie Brown. The latter had a very severe headache kept for bed part of the day. Towards the evening she felt better and then she went to sewing and sew until most ten and I thought she had better retire.
[….] I hear the President Johnson expect to be in Hartford the 26th. I suppose his friends will make a great time over him. I wish some off them present him with a ball through his head. It would be better for him. Well dear sister two more Sundays and then you will be home. How long will it be before I can have the pleasure of seeing you? Now I must answer your very kind and interesting letter.
[….] My fat is all right [….] should I be incline to any other kind of fitness I should not have the opportunity. [….] Do not Rebecca consent to teach another month. O do come home, won’t you? I should think you had quite a large Sunday school. Mr. Sands went to church this AM. I just look out of the window I see he is in his room. I guess he will not go this PM. The bells are just done ringing. I heard Miss Porter is going to close her school the 24th of nexe month.
Mr. Sands wish whenever I write to send his love. He was anxious to know what you said about my fat. He says I did not tell him at all. I am going to dress myself now so I am coming to a close and hoping in the nexe you will tell me when you will be home.
As Ever
Adopted Sister
Addie
Farmington, June 31, 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister:
This is your last Sunday for the present in the southern clime. I have been quite happy since I received your last Thursday letter. You say
you did not expect me to ans the letter but I shall do so and send it to Hartford and shall be waiting for your arrival. I only wish I could be there. I have been thinking the time you return last year.
[….] Mr. Norton [….] has a beautiful place. The young ladies went there last night. Strawberries party one of the young Ladies does not participate in any the pleasure. She expect to get married when she leaves this town. I wonder if her lover is the same—do not indulge in any pleasure. Well nothing like it. [….]
I should think the people was hard to get along with. I have got something to tell you that I have experienced in a few days. I am delighted to hear of the progress on your school house. I hope you will realize all you anticipate. We are well aware that your whole heart is in the work. If all was like you they would be more executed. I have had plenty of berries and cream this year. Not had any cherries as yet. You have been ahead of us. Gertrude has told me she was not fond of doing house work, she is sometimes like me—likes sewing the best.
I am going to lay aside your letter for the present.
Farmington July 7, 1867
My Dear Adopted Sister:
Where are you today? Are you any nearer home then when you was when you wrote my last letter. [….] The fourth was spent very quietly here. Some of the young Ladies help some of the teachers put lanterns in the Arbor. Have it illuminate in the evening but a storm came up about tea time. They had to take them down in a hurry so they will postpone until nexe year. [….]
Wednesday 4PM
Dear Sister I am realy glad that you have return home. I only wish I was at home Sunday. [….]
So Miss Levin has heard from Mr. Tines? Who know but they will get married. You know stranger things happens now a days. I should be much surprised. I thought Bell was going to meet you in NY. I suppose you did not let them know when you expect to leave Baltimore. I think you done nicely at your Exhibitions. Dear Sister I am afraid you expected too much from your pupils you had more strangers than last. [….]
From you