Letter to Esther Emes, May 3 1840

The archives include a letter addressed to Esther Emes of Whitingham, VT. Esther was the daughter of Lucy Clements (1793-1869) (sister of Daniel Clement (1796-1872) and Elijah B Eames (1800-1861). The letter was included with other Clement family documents but Esther is distanly enough related that it's strange it's in this collection.

The signature is hard to read but starts with "L" and also says "...your affectionate sister" so it seems to be Lucy Eames (1814-1847). It was sent from Lowell, MA.

Lucy writes on recent events in her life and the lives of family members, with emphasis on their religious life.

Lowell May 3, 1840

Dear Sister
I have this day received your letter of the 26th. Just returned from unreadable, have been there & to Dracut, to pay my farewell visit, found all the friends well. J & R Clement will return to New Hampton, next Tuesday. I didn't know whether you ever heard of Uncle David's attempt to go to Whitingham last winter, he and his wife started the last day in the year, they had good sleighing about 20 miles after that the roads were very bad, & after going as far as Dublin they thought best to go back. They sent a great deal of love our family. Aunt Coburn cannot tell certainly whether she shall go to Whitingham, if she can have Uncle David's horse and wagon she will go unreadable coming here Election day, to let them know whether he can spare it. Saw uncle John to day, he paid Mary's note a few days since. Rachel was married the 16th of April to unreadble Stephens. Mr. Spaulding has gone to visit, Lucy is going very soon, & thinks of going through Whitingham and Bennington. Frederick Coburn has gone to Salem to work. Clarissa is coming out of the mill in three weeks to go to school. Uncle J's family have moved a quarter of a mile this side of the place they used to live. Mr. unreadable that owned the housethey used to live in, having himself last winter received a letter from Sabrina a short time since, like wise a piece of cake & a sprig of cedar she sent a bushel of love to you. Lots of 'down easters' came back last week. Sarah unreadable goes to the high school this quarter. Our wages have been reduced considerably we have only 16 cts per cart now we used to have 18 1/4.

I went to the meeting in Dracut this forenoon. Mr Merrill preaches there now. This afternoon 80 persons received the right hand of fellowship at Mr. Porters 70 by baptism 10 by letter. Stannel Smith was one of them. Mary Hannah was baptised this morning by Elder Cole. There are revivals in all evangelical churches in the city. There is to be a third Baptist meeting commence next sabbath in the city hall to be supported by the two churches at present. Mr. Porter's house has been filled to overflowing of late. The church numbers between seven and eight hundred. They have divided Mr. Williams class today, some of the older members have had a real cry about it. They have commenced with new questions today. Deacon Poole has resigned the office of superintendant. Mor. Morrill has taken his place. A series of evening conference meetings commenced ths middle of Jan. at Mr. Porter's and have continued thus far & I know not but they will continue to the end of the year. Elisabeth Clement indulges a hope. Sarah unreadable and Mary Blood were baprised last month. Two of uncle Frederick's wife's sisters were baprised last month. (Mrs. Merrill and and Sarah Jane).

I have purchased some veils for you at $3'12 1/2 each some unreadable (invisible green) for $6.82 some silk for $8'00, a plad worsted shawl for 11 shillings that I should like myself if mother does not want it. I shall probably be at home by the middle of June, of before though I cannot tell the precise time. I was astonished with a great astonishment to hear that Jesse Emes had gone to preaching. I wonder if he has mane hearers? Perhaps I shall not send all of toe rest of my papers as I am going home so soon. I received your letter when in Searsburg also one from sister Mary a short time before. I must close by subscribing myself your affectionate sister

Lucy Emes

Notes:

• "Uncle Frederick" is Frederick Clements (1803-1850), a brother of Daniel Clement (1796-1872). The letter also refers to Frederick Coburn, but that's probably someone else.
• "Clarissa" is Clarissa Clement (1798-1870), a sister of Daniel Clement (1796-1872).
• Not sure who "J & R Clement" are. J might be Jesse Clement (1815-1883) (Esther's first cousin), who married Mary Blood (-1858), who is also mentioned. If that's true then R might be his sister Rebecca Clements (1816-).
• "Elisabeth" may be Elizabeth Clements (1819-1889), a sister of the Jesse and Rebecca mentioned above.
• "Uncle David" is David Clement (1796-1887).
• "Aunt Coburn" is Clarissa Clement (1798-1870), who married James Coburn
• None of this pinpoints Esther, however David Clement (1796-1887) had sisters whose family trees are so far unexplored. If Esther is David's niece, one of them is likely her mother.
  • Lucy Clements (1793-1869) married someone named Eames