Eastman, Mehitable 1848
 
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Courtesy: Ohio Historical Society, Lilly Martin Spencer Collection
Transcribed: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Center for Lowell History
 
                               Prisoners Friends Office
                               Boston May 31, 1848
 
Dear Madam
 
                               Today at an annivers-
ary meeting of the N.E. Anti-Slavery As-
sociation Mrs. Folsom handed me your 
letter in which you are pleased to 
inquire for me.  It is true Madam I 
owe you an apology for not answering 
yours but you will excuse me 
when I relate the reason for the de-
lay of its reception.  I was called home 
to Franklin, N.H. on account of 
illness in my mother’s family here 
I remained 4 weeks and when I came 
back I found a large pile of letters 
mostly business to answer and more-
over let me tell you my good friend 
I am [--] been since the rec-
eption yours making preparations 
for marriage I know you 
will excuse me for what must 
have seemed neglect on my part 
your communication.  I gave to 
[--] and it was handed back 
to me & is now in my possession 
the reason you have had no 
paper of late is [--] is 
[--] and & quite doubtful about
it being published again in the 
present [--].  They do say it 
has been a loss my expectation 
of marriage in as much as I have 
not contributed at all for you 
well know I have too much to 
think of to write anything edafying
 
 
 

            Mrs. Folsom wishes me to say 
she has been woeful persuative but 
will ever go on to advocate the 
Right of Woman.  She goes against 
doing the least thing to help the 
present government and so 
declines to send you a 
letter through the Post Office. 
I love Abby but I tell you 
she seems quite [--] 
at times.  She asked me to say 
she cannot agree with your 
friends, [--]  why & before I –
at I have forgotten.
I will retain your communication 
for your brother.  I expect to be 
married next month.  Now
what do you think of this?
 
 

When I tell you he comes to be one 
of the best of men.  We agree [--] 
in all the the Reforms and he is 
truly a Woman’s Right Man 
However, you be pleased to address 
me again [--] - to the 
care of Isaac Child 
Boston Locomotive Works
Lest you might not recognise 
my new name lately presented 
me by legislation.  I gave this 
[--] it for [--] fictitious
name in writing for a long
time past & as Mr. Child approved 
of me doing I thought it at present 
having been troubled with 2 ladies 
of the same name in Lowell.

            About the 4th of July I hope
to receive a letter from you for 
I fancy I would enjoy your 
agreement.  I assume your 
spirit & if rights manifested which 
I have no doubt of will do good.
I am your truly in friendship 
& the persuation of Equal Rights.
             Maria [Mehitable] Eastman

 

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