Online version 1.
Hold this space for succinct statements about editorial principles here and/or link to the website with more detailed editorial descriptions.
- Family Relations (Sedgwick Family)
- Death
- Health and Illness
- Self-reflection
- Travel and Touring, US
- Transportation
- Religion
- Bible
- Social Life and Networks
rsChanning
I don't know to what conclusion you have all arrived concerning me -- but probably that the pleasures of Boston were too much for my brain, and that I have gone mad, and that all fond records are quite wiped out of my memory -- But no -- you have scarcely done me the injustice to beleive that any event could erase them -- and you will all forgive me and sympathize with me when you learn how I have been occupied since we parted -- We had a very pleasant journey up and arrived here Saturday night -- On Sunday morn'g an express arrived from NYork announcing the arrival of our beloved Egbert, in the last extremity -- I immediately left here with my Sister and her husband -- we reached NYork at daylight Monday Morn'g -- and found him living -- and though wasted to a degree of emaciation that it is heartbreaking to think of -- tho' so weak that he could not move his lower limbs, yet his 2 mind was firm and serene -- Never have I witnessed such a union of tenderness and resolution -- he received us without agitation but with that love with which a child springs to the arms of its Mother -- --
His sufferings during his protracted cruel voyage were such as we cannot trust ourselves to think of, and yet endured without complaint -- Surely Gods Spirit hovered over him on the great waters -- -- I beleive he was left alone with Him that his Spirit might be purified and perfected to dwell with Him. I could give you many particulars of his conduct in his preparation for death during the long period of his wasting which would convince you that my praise does not arise from the extravagance of affection in the hour of berevement -- --
Among the notes in his memorandum book which he left for George (his brother) he says -- "I am not conscious of ever having borne ill will 3 against any person excepting ________. Write to him George and ask his forgiveness" -- This ill-will didnot arise from any personal resentment but from his indignation at the unkindness of the person towards a beloved friend of Egberts -- This would certainly have been deemed by most a virtuous sentiment, but there is a fearful scrutiny when the light by which we search our hearts cometh from the other world -- I have mentioned this circumstance my dear friend because to a Mother every strong
Our dear Egbert appears to have left nothing undone that related either to his temporal or spiritual affairs that could console his friends -- His life and his death have gratified his our fondest wishes -- -- He is an irreparable loss to which we wish and strive to be resigned -- His parents have submitted in a most christian manner They acknowledge gratefully all the mercies that have sweetened this affliction -- and they praise God for them -- but, as has been said, 4 "what can take the bitterness from wormwood? 1 -- He expired in his father's arms on Thursday Morn'g at 3 O'clock with these words on his lips -- "Lord have mercy on me, and receive my spirit" -- We brought him here and buried him among us -- -- My dear Friend I didnot expect when I began to fill my letter with this sad subject -- but I find that I cannot turn my thoughts from it -- even to express the gratitude which I deeply feel to you, and yours, for all your kindness and affection to me -- --
May I ask with my love your my dear friends -- your children to contemplate the departure of our sweet Egbert -- He was like them in the springtime of life -- Full of happiness and usefulness -- may they be like him prepared for the great change that certainly awaits them -- Will you remember me affy to your Brother Stephen and his family -- Eliza Mary and Susan 2 know that my heart is with them -- I shall write to E in a day or two --
Is not this melancholy letter a proof that I write to you in the confidence of affection
Lucy R was as you may suppose an inexpressible comfort to us -- Remember me to your Mother and Mr and Mrs Rogers --
Letter
Massachusetts Historical Society
Catharine Maria Sedgwick Papers I
Wax blot and tears; the PS is written across the left margin of page 1
Mrs Susan Channing/No 1 Mount Vernon/Boston
Miss Sedgwick/ July 17, 1825 --
Possibly a reference to Revelations 8:11 (KJV).
Although there are multiple possibilities for the identities of Eliza, Susan, and Mary, we believe that these are the Cabot sisters, Eliza and Susan, and their sister-in-law/cousin, Mary Ann Cabot Cabot -- all of whom were residents of Boston and related to recipient Susan Higginson Channing.