By Heather Rockwood, Communications Associate
Thinking about Mother’s Day this Sunday, I thought there must be some letters home from sons in the MHS collection, and how nice it would be to read some loving familial words. Many letters I found were much more a declaration of news or the passing along of information, but even in these less personal letters, the closing lines captured my attention. These following are especially affectionate.
With many thoughts of you and constant love, I am your son, E. L. Edes
Edward Louis Edes to his mother, 28 February 1864
I am my ever honoured & revered Mamma your Dutiful & affectionate Son
John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 September 1778
The next type of letter I really enjoyed reading was the kind from sons in the midst of activity who still took the time to write to their mothers to make sure they knew what was going on. The following one especially captures this sentiment.
Mayoralty of New Orleans,
City Hall 5th day of May 1865
My Dear Mother
Gen Banks having taken it into his head that this city requires a little more military government, has today executed a “coup d’etat” by which the Civil Mayor has been decapitated & I am installed as military vicegerent in his place. Half the city is delighted—the other half furious. [ . . . ] but if it pleases you to have another ‘Mayor Quincy’ in the family—soyez en heureuse. I hope it won’t last long. It was a delightful scene this A.M. when I ousted the civil government, backed up by the military arm. The Governor was enraged & has gone to Washington to protest against military despotism. I don’t care—so long as I obey orders I am safe I write in order that you may learn the important fact in advance of the newspapers
Affectionately & dutifully
S. M. Quincy
Col. U. S. V. Acting Mayor
Samuel Miller Quincy to Mary Jane Miller Quincy, 5 May 1865
This one is sadder.
Near Sharpsburg. Sept. 17th 1862.
On the field
Dear Mother,
It is a misty moisty morning. We are engaging the enemy and are drawn up in support of Hooker who is now banging away most briskly. I write in the saddle to send you my love and to say that I am very well so far
Dearest mother,
I am wounded so as to be helpless. Good bye if so it must be I think I die in victory. God defend our country. I trust in God & love you all to the last Dearest love to father & all my dear brothers.
Our troops have left the part of the field where I lay—
Mother, yrs
Wilder
All is well with those that have faith
Wilder Dwight to Elizabeth A. Dwight, 17 September 1862
Although the language in the excerpts of these next two letters may sound less affectionate than the previous letters, they do convey their loving admiration for their mother.
I was in the fort when the enemy came in, Jump’d over the wall and ran half a Mile, where balls flew like hail stones and Cannon roar’d like thunder, but tho I escap’d then it may be my turn next after asking your Prayers must conclude wishing you the best of Blessings, still remain your Dutiful Son
Peter Brown
PS, I wish very much to come and see you, ’tis in vain to think of that now, I desire you to write to me…
Peter Brown to Sarah Brown, 25 June 1775
Dear Mother
I received your letter & bundle yesterday morning & I was very glad to get it I tell you I put on one of the shirts right off & you cannot guess how good & soft it felt they just fit me & are made in good style I am real glad of the little cap you sent how much did it cost. it is gay.
Edward Burgess Peirce to Mary Alden Peirce, 22 October to 24 October 1863
This last letter touched my heart the most, with the son’s loving language, his hope for his mother’s health, and his expression of affection.
Pray write me a Letter. all my happiness Seems in Suspence by the uncertainty of your health. I cannot express the tenderness of my Affection for you. ’tis the Strongest engagement my heart feels to the world. May that Sovereign power who has the Springs of Nature in his hands Spare your Life and crown it with distinguished favours! is the prayer of your
Dutiful Son,
Leverett Saltonstall
Leverett Saltonstall to Mary Cooke Saltonstall Harrod, 12 May 1782
Happy Mother’s Day!