Beloved Sisters and Loving Friends
Page 24
Sister Addie
Although Rebecca has returned to Hartford for the summer, Addie remains in Farmington. Consequently, while there are notes from Addie to Rebecca, there are none from Rebecca to her family. However, during her time in Hartford, Rebecca apparently gave an address about the work in Royal Oak, and the text of that address follows Addie’s last letter of the summer of 1867.
Farmington July 18, 1867
Dear Sister
I feel rather tired and I feel as I like to be[e]mbrac[ed] in your loving arms once more. Perhaps I would get rested. You are aware by this time I have taken Mr. Sands place. I have got along very nicely. This woman that has my work to do is very pleasant and kind to me. What do you think, I made some ice cream for Miss Porter today and also some biscuits for tea. They all think they are very nice. I hope I will continue and as soon as Mr. S return I will bid farewell for the present. Rebecca if you have no company when Mr.
S come back and you are quite well, will you come out here and return home with me? That is if you don’t intend come before, if so come right along for I long to see you.
[….] I think those Shetland shawls are very pretty. What bonnet are you wearing for Sundays? [….] O Rebecca one of the young ladies plaing beautiful piece. It bring your spirit near to me. Give my love to your mother. Tell her I shall let her have the shirt very soon. I did expect to send them this week. Under the present circumstances I am afraid not. Now Dear Rebecca I am going to close now I have got considerable to do. Remember me to all except my best and cherish love and ever think of my beloved and only sister.
Addie
Farmington July 25, 1867
My Dear Sister:
[….] The school is close and I am delighted. 28 left Tuesday PM and the rest Wednesday AM and now it very lonely. The house is very quiet. Sometime nexe week we are going boating. One of the men propose taking Mary Reedy and I with his family. I am anxious to go as I have become very fond of the water through the influence of my Sister.
The Talcott Street Congregation, circa 1930 Church Mother Rebecca Primus Thomas is in the second row, seventh from left.
Your very welcome missive came safe Tuesday in company one from Thomas Sands. I was expecting it as usual. I suppose you do not feel the effects and working and other duties you are with that as your and with other things heart and soul [….]
Addie
Farmington July 28 1867
My Dear Sister
[…] How kind and thoughtful it was to write me last night. I did not expect it until tomorrow. I would really like to be in the first of August. I will have to resign to my future as you do yours. [….]
I am very much please to think your Mother thought I done the shirts nicely. I feel quite encourage. You say you are keeping close quarters. Are you waiting for me to return home so that I can accompany you? I will be at your demand entirely nothing to call me home. It will be quite different from last summer.
[…] I have no explanation to give you for I have not interfered with Mr. Tines correspondence. He need to make me for excuse for not writing to you before.
[….] Good night from your loving sister
Addie
Farmington August 5, 1867
My Dear Sister
[….] We have had a great deal of rain. Wednesday eve we all went a boating and a delighted time. We was gone just one hour. I was thinking of you and wishing you was along in company. We anticipate going again this week. This eve Aunt Emily and I expect to take a walk. Perhaps we go down to the river. Not having her bonnet she oblige to remain from church. I have been absent for a while. Mrs. Edge call me to go with her to her room to see the people go to church. Wish to run my mind several times to be in Hartford. [….]
Rebecca, I have got to get something to wear outside, what do you think it is best to get and also a bonnet. I shall have it trimmed with blue I think. Miss Porter has her brother family here. One of the Daughters she is very pretty looking young lady. [….] Except my best love
I remain Your
Affec Sister Addie
Having been asked to make a few statements this eve’g. relative to my mission south during the past two years, I thought perhaps It might be interesting to my friends to do so, & therefore have taken up my pen to make the attempt.
I began my labors upon the eastern shore of Maryland the 11th of Dec. 1865 by opening a day & night school in the church under the auspices of the Balto. Asson.—an organization formed solely for the moral and educational improvement of the col’d. people of that state.
I began with 10 day & 26 night scholars. The number soon increased to 75, including persons of all ages. The adults attending the session.
But few, very few could read, others only knew the letters or a part of them. Yet, the greater portion know nothing about them. In a remarkably short time many learned them, & able to read in “Sheldon’s First Book” quite well, Now they’re using “Hillards Third Reader”, can spell well, study Geog. & arith. & are learning to write. The children can make figures repidly & write upon slates legibly.
The actuary of the Asson. has visited the day school twice & expressed himself well pleased with the proficiency they had made.
We have a flourishing & a very interesting Sabbath School in operation numbering between 50 & 60 members who seem to take great delight in attending it. Two thirds of them read in the Testament & answer questions therefrom with readiness.
They take great delight in perusing the S.S. papers that have been sent them from this school & by others in the city, being something entirely new to them. They’ve ever been rec’d. with evident satisfaction. I have distributed them once a month but having now nearly disposed of my stock, unless I can obtain a fresh supply I shall be unable to gratify them with them very much longer.
I have also occasionally sent them to other schools where they’ve also been rec’d. with the same gratification.
We are now building a schoolhouse 34 by 24 ft. which is expected to be completed by the first of Oct. It is of wood & is being fitted up as comfortably and as nicely as other schoolhouse. It will probably cost a little of $400.00. We’ve already paid over $300 & $200 of this sum were furnished us by our Hartford friends & sympathizers. The recipients know not how to fully express their gratitude for this munificent gift. They are all just beginning life as it were for many of them were made free by the Emancipation Act -for which they revere the name of “Abraham Lincoln.” But they are industrious, & hopeful of the future, their interest in the school is unabated & many of them deny themselves in order to sustain it.
The government has promised to assist in defraying the cost of the building etc. so that we hope to have no expenses upon it after it is finished.
The Primus Institute of Royal Oak, Maryland, circa 1973-
I have now given a sketch of’ my work South, which I hope may be approved, I for want of time I close.
Rebecca Primus
Hartford, Sept. 1, 1867
Upon her return to Royal Oak, Rebecca finally gets her schoolhouse.
Royal Oak, Sept. 30, 1867
Mon. 9 A.M.
My dear Parents, Sister, & Brother,
[….] The family are all well. A lady from Balto, is visiting them. I’ve rec’d. a warm welcome from everyone. They all say they’re so glad I’ve come back to them. I’ve distributed the gifts. You can better imagine their feelings & expressions of thanks than I can describe them. I will say more about them hereafter.
Our schoolhouse is looking finely. I only wish you all could just take a peep into it, the desks are to be forwarded today or tomorrow. I called on Gen. Gregory. The Govt, has taken the balance of our expenses upon itself & it will soon be entirely paid for. It is surrounded with a neat fence which has been whitewashed. The house is to rec. another coat of whitewash both inside & out. Next Sun. we propose to have it dedicated. Mr. Thos. is going to Balto, tonight to make arrangements for it. Gen. Gregory, or Prof. Day will come over I expect. I spoke to both of
them about it one or the other is expected; an extended notice of it has been circulated through the county already. Bishop Wayman is to be here also. I resume there’ll be a large gathering if the day proves to be a pleasant one.
Yesterday it was fine and very warm also. A bush meeting is being held here now, which is to continue a week. I attended yesterday P.M. Seats are arranged in the woods & a preacher’s stand. At night the meeting was held in the church. I tell them I think it’s too late in the season to hold these out-of-door meetings. This A.M. it is very windy here & quite cool in the house but the sun is very warm.
[….] Carrie came to see me I went to see her. She’s very well she sends love to you all also Mr. Mason. I had the pleasure seeing the whole family—all of whom are very fair & very clever, but it’s very evident they do not live in much style. The son that’s expecting to be married soon has just opened a shoe store in the city, & two other sons are in their father’s store. I guess they’re smart but not much for showing off, for the house is very plainly furnished. Carrie starts for her school this morning, it’s in the same county in which she previously taught but at a much pleasanter place. She said she would write to you soon. Her sister was in the city also, enroute to her school. She goes by the way of Washington. She has far more zeal in the work than Carrie has.
[….] It is very doubtful about the city schools now. Judge Bond & some other state (Union) men are about to be removed, & conservative men are to be placed in office; ’twill be a sad change to the col’d. people. It is feared, however they’re to make the best of it.
[….] Give my love to all. The family join me in love to yourselves. I’m not going to write any more now & whatever I’ve omitted in this I will enclose in my next Mr. Thos. will mail this at Balto. Direct your letters to Easton.
From Rebecca.
I’m going to write to the Independent today.
It seems Addie finally got to Hartford during the last weeks of August and was able to spend time with her beloved friend Rebecca. For the remainder of 1867 there are fewer letters, most having been written from Farmington during October. In September Addie made a visit to Philadelphia that seems to have solidified her decision to marry Mr. Tines. In the letters that follow she speaks of him with a great deal of affection, at times even referring to him by his first name and her nickname for him, Josie. Perhaps this is because he has promised to cease his correspondence and flirtation with the mysterious other woman. Addie’s letters are now more mature and self-assured, and less anxious.
Philadelphia, Sept. 30, 1867
My Dearest and Adopted Sister
It is only 7 oclock and I am the only one up. I don’t think we will have a very pleasant day. It is quite cloudy this AM I have had lovely weather since I have been here and only wish that you was here too. Friday PM I went out to Fairmount Part—quite pleasant but nothing compare to Central Park NY. On our return home we made two calls. One was on Mrs. Adams. They all appear very glad to see me. They made quite a time. I remain at home on the evening. I was very tired. I retired about half past 9 and Josie went out to see the torch light procession which he was very much pleased to see. Saturday I spent nearly the day with Amelia. Had quite a nice time. She said she would like to have seen you very much indeed. She has a fine babe only seven weeks old. I also went around to her brothers. I have not seen him for 9 years. He had not forgotten me. I would quite like to remain in Phila this winter.
Josie is going to New York to stay the winter. I had a talk with him last night about Miss L. Has promise not to be so friendly and cease correspondence with her. I think he will keep his word. Josie sister has a fine son and is doing nicely. Her mother still wait on her. It realy to much for the old lady to go up and down so much. One of the Neighbors is very kind and comes in two or three times a day.
[….] Josie will call for me to go to church in the PM. I then shall take tea here and attend church in the evening. It will depend on the weather. I am very much afraid I will have to remain in the house. We will leave tomorrow morning in the first train. I say we for Josie is going to accompany me as far as N.Y. which I am delighted. I have pen all about myself now I shall return to you. I hope you arrive safe to Baltimore and found some of the teachers there waiting. I suppose you are now in Royal Oak and thinking of attending S.S. this AM I hope you found Mr. Thomas family and please do take care of yourself. I shall come to a close for some of the family are up. So good morning my darling Sister
Addie
Whereas in the past Addie wrote only of missing Rebecca, now she tells of missing Mr. Tines as well.
Farmington Oct 6, 1867
My Dear Sister Rebecca:
A week ago today I was in Philadelphia having a delightful time and now where am I now. Here in my lonely room thinking of my two absent friends. I am sorry I did not rec your first letter in Phila. So thoughtful and kindly to send it to me. Mrs. Tines sent on to Joseph. He forwarded it on to Farmington.
I shall tell you how I spend the Sunday in Phila. I accompany Mrs. Micks and Mrs. Scaden to the Episcople church. I return home with them and dine with Mr. Parnell family. Amelia father. Mr.
Tines called for me and we attend the Central Church where Rev. Mr. Reaves is the Pastor. He had an excellent sermon. Church was well attended and very good singing. I did not see but one or two that I was acquainted with in my childhood and they had forgotten me. Mr. T had a friend of his to stay to tea. We did not attend church in the eve but made several calls and then took a little walk and then return home and spent the rest of the evening in talking about the future. We have postpone our marriage again. I was thinking it all over. I cannot afford to get anything for winter as I would like to have and the Spring will suit me best. Don’t you agree with me my Sister?
His father is going to have another room built on for us. They was talking about it in the presence of me Sunday evening. I am very much pleased with his family and they seems to be likewise with me. Mrs. Tines desired my picture I promised I would send it on I had some taken the same day I arrive home. That was on Tuesday. I shall send you one on and also one to Josie. He ask me for one. I would not promise. I shall surprise him. Further we left Philadelphia Monday 8 A.M. and arrived in NY a few moments after 12 and then he got me a lunch to the house he has a room and then went on to see the Albany boat called the Dew. It is superb. I only wish that you was with us. I then took the City Hartford. I had quite a pleasant time. All the Chamber Maids was very kind to me. Mrs. Seymes gave me a state room. Little Mary Asher came up the same time as usual. The City got a ground at Pratt Ferry so the passengers took a tun boat and arrive at Hartford 15 minutes.
Thusday I came out to Farmington. Mrs. Jefferson was married at 11 AM at the church. She look very nice indeed. A blue silk and white shawl and purple stripe and a white bonnet and veil. Not as many out as I expected to see Mr. R Mitchell and Mr. Douglass stood up with them. They all look very well considering being young folks.
Now I must lay aside my pen a few moments I am writing down in the kitchen—too cold in my room. I tell you a good Are feel comfortable. Miss Porter has 14 young ladies and I believe not all come yet. She is getting her winter provision. Her brother sent on from Washington three barrells of sweet potato we are going to have nearly a bushell for dinner. Two barrels of Cranberries and apples. Mr. Sands made ice cream for tea last evening. Very good. Young ladies had a dance last night. Miss Porter allow them two evening in the week. Now I must tell you a little Farmington news. Going to be two weddings this month. One party’s be courting 15 years. I think they ought to know each other well and the other the gent was waiting on the mother and she get all ready to be married and left and court the daughter and now she ready to be married the 16th of this month. What do you think of that. It rather dangerous to place your affection on anyone nowadays.
A white woman married a colored man here sometime ago we received introduction to her at Mrs. Tyler and since I have been gone she has invited Mr. Sands and his wife out to see
her. A party to be given at her husband family in Plumville so she extended invitation to Mr. Sands and his Lady. Cook Miss Brown I gave one of those smiles when he told me.
Now I shall return to your letters. One that was write in Bath you will not have any one offer an objection now perhaps not in the future I am sorry you had to cross the bay alone at night too. I see disappointment still follow you. I think you felt the low spiritness sometime before you left home. I hope you will have spirits ever up.
[….] Rebecca I would inform you how long I should stay in Philadelphia if I had of known it depend on Josie and his family I would have staid until Wednesday if Mrs. Brown had not been sick. They did not have anyone and it was too much for Mr. Tines to do so I thought it best to shorten my visit. I presume you having grand time in Royal Oak today. I should like to be there to the dedication
Now it time for me to part for dinner. Mr. Sands send his love. Mr. T wish to be remember to you and wish you to direct your letters to 101 Lawrence Street New York. Except my love,
From Your Affectionate Sister
Addie
Once again, Addie is having difficulty receiving the wages that are due to her. This time, Mr. Sands is the culprit.
Most important, however, here Addie tells Rebecca of her plans to elope with Mr. Tines. Surprisingly, Sarah Cummings, not Rebecca, is to be her bridesmaid.
Farmington, Oct. 15, 1867
My Dear Sister:
I am writing to you in the kitchen for it is very cold in my room. I am entirely alone. Mr. Sands has gone home for a little visit expecting his wife & cousin to arrive last evening. I hope he wont be disappointed if they did not. I think they would but I will know when he returns. Before I proceed any further I must tell you some meanness. You with the rest of us thought I ought to have been paid extra for my work when Mr. Sands was gone and since I return, Mr. S. was telling me that Miss Porter paid him more than he expected. I thought then that she had paid him for absence impulse of that. I told him he said I guess not. I never thought any more about it until yesterday A.M. Miss Porter brought him down some money. He has been back just two months so she told him there was two mon wages and the last time she paid him up to August the n which of course he was paid for the weeks he was not here. So I told him about it and I said I would never stay and work as I did and get nothing for it. He did not like and we had a few words about it. I was speaking to Aunt Emily about it when she was out there and she told Mr. S what I said. I think it mean. I must expect it. I always been treated mean by some. If he stay or nay a week I should speak to Miss P about paying me extra if only stay few other days not say anything about it. I had Mrs. Griswald to help me this A.M. and she has promise to come this P.M. I can do it alone but I will not as I will not even get thanks. Rebecca I have not felt like myself since I have been out here. I am feeling low spirited more or less since I have been here.