Older America A GIRL'S REVELATION OF A COLONIAL AMERICAN HOME ' 69 W47 opy 1 —Printed and circulated by White & Tyler as a contribution to a closer knowledge of earlier Amer- ican customs and home life. Organizations and in- dividuals desiring to circulate this ^riking letter may secure rates per hundred or thousand from AVIHITE & TYLER 414 Wesley Roberts Building, Los Angeles, Calif. Phone 14028 Tied to the table, and each guest was provided with one of her silver porringers — also cream and lumps of sugar. The Captain talked to me before dinner, and I told him, before I knew I was getting confidential, how you were all in the wilds. He said that was what the new country needed, and that it was not best to have Nantucket peopled entirely with Starbucks. That I was one of them was plain to be sure, if my name was Wentworth, and he looked pleasantly around the circle of Star- bucks. I suppose I do resemble them all. I saw Aunt Esther looking so sharply at me, that I remembered she had often told me that it was unseemly for me to talk with men, and presently I became discreetly silent. But when dinner was announced, the Captain took me out and made me sit by him. After Grandpa had asked a blessing on the food. Aunt Content said to her son and friend, "I have made a dish of tea for you, but am fearful I have not prepared it as it hath need, and would like to have your opinion." "Whereupon, my Cousin made answer, "As my beloved Mother desires my opinion, I must tell her that a teaspoonful of this beverage would nearly kill any of us here at the table." The Captain then said laughingly that Aunt could keep the decoction for a dye to color woolens. He further said, he would, if she so desired, instruct her how to draw tea him- self, "And this young lady," he continued, turning to me, "shall make the first dish of the beverage used in Nantucket." Dinner being over (but they all remained at table, except Captain Morris and myself — for Aunt Content bade me to assist him as he should direct), we searched for a suitable vessel wherein to draw the tea. At last I saw Uncle Nathaniel's large gray stone pitcher, into which our guest instructed me to put as much tea as I could hold be- tween my thumb and forefinger, for each per- son, and an additional pinch for the pitcher. Then he told me to pour upon it, boiling hot water, sufficient for us all, and set the pitcher on the coals, and let it remain until it came to a gentle boil. The tea was then poured into the tankard, which Aunt Content had made ready, and the Captain carried it to the table for me and helped me pour it into the porringers for the guests. He was so kind as to say it was the best dish of tea he ever drank. We had a wholesome dinner, and an enjoy- able one withal. Cousin Nat told stories and sang songs in which Captain Morris joined, and the happy New Year's greetings took place of good-byes, and our neighbors left for their respective homes. My Cousin's friend still lingers for the shooting, and there is not much spinning or weaving done, it takes so much time for the cooking and eating and visiting. He is very agreeable, and calls my Grandfather the Miles Standish of Nantucket. I heard him tell Uncle Nathaniel that we had good blood, and that ever since he be- came acquainted with Cousin Nat, he had conceived a great admiration for the Nathan- iel Starbucks, and he said something about a wife. Perhaps he remains here so long on Aunt Esther's account. But dear me! she is so prim — (I write with all respect dear Mother) and he is such a jovial gentleman, I do not see how such a union could be har- monious. If he has regard for her, it must be on account of the Starbuck blood. Oh, my dear Mother! how can I tell you? It is not for love of Aunt Esther that Captain Morris remains — ^but me, — your own little daughter! And all the Starbucks, saving indeed Aunt Esther who declares I ought to be put back in pinafores — have given their consent that I shall be married and sail away v^rith my husband, in my husband's ship, to foreign parts, to see for myself all the beau- tiful and wonderful things of which I have heard so much of late. But I will not give my consent till I have my Father's and Mother's first, as there is a company being made up to go with my Cousin Nathaniel and the Captain, through the Win- ter snows, to your far away home; and after all, it will be the new friend of whom I have written so much who will take this letter to you. I am sure, dear Mother, that you, who know my heart so well, will not think it unseemly for me to hope that the Lord will guide your heart, and that of my Father, to feel kindly disposed toward this gentleman: for, indeed. A Letter of 1 784 PiERSON W. Banning This remarkable letter, written nearly 200 years ago, was discovered by Frederick M. Steele, of Chicago, and read by him before the Mayflower Society in that city. It gives a most inlimnle and charming glimpse of the life of a young lady in early colonial times in America. By contrast with conditions to- day, the young women of our generation cer- tainly have nolliing to complain about in spite of the constant clamor for still greater priv- ileges, all of which is lending farther and far- ther away from that real home life upon which the welfare of this country in its final analysis is based. No one can read liiis letter without becoming fascinated willi the remarkable delicacy of language and thought expressed therein : Starbuck Plantation, Near Maddeket, Nantucket Island, Sept. 20, 1748. My Own Dear Mother: It seems a very long time since you and my honored Fatiior and my beloved brothers and sisters started for your new home. I sup- pose you have not at lliis writing reached your destination. I think of you every day and all day long, as niarcliing. marching, marching: following t!ie lonely trail llirougli the inter- minable forests, and sometimes I am tempted to repine in that my Father thought best to remove to that distant settlement. But my Grandfather tells me liiat the entertaining of that sentiment is unworthy the daughter of a pioneer; and since it was thought best for me to remain behind for a S(>ason, I must improve my time to the best advantage. This I try to do cheerfully, and Aimt Content is so kind as to say I am of some service to her in our .-, ': iH:t ..,'•■ s;->ai«tjr MAY J? I9?2 'J household duties and in spinning and weaving. Preadventure my letter should seem a puzzle to you, I hasten to say that I indite a para- graph or two at a time, at leisure, and when anything comes into my mind that I desire you to know, I strai,'i;htway go to Uncle Nathaniel's desk and set it down. I do this, dear Mother, that you may share in my pleasureable thoughts, and may know of my daily life; and also that my brothers and sisters may in a measure partake of my enjoyment. The principal news I have to write is that my cousin, Nathaniel Starbuck, Jr., has re- turned to Boston after his late long voyage to China, and is now hourly looked for here. There are divers preparations being made for his welcoming. My Grandfather walks rest- lessly up and down the roadway by which our traveller must come. Uncle Nathaniel says with pride, "The boy will have many stories to tell." Aunt Content flits about the house with a smile on her face, and anon, tears in her eyes, concocting her favorite dishes of which her son used to be so fond. Dear old Grandma knits and knits, "because" — she says — "Thaniel never yet wore any stockings but of my own making, and I have a good supply for him to take with him on his next voyage." I, even I, am to have a new blue gown made of Auntie's last web which is the finest, softest flannel ever made on the Island. My cousin has come! He is tall and lithe, with handsome hair and eyes; but his com- plexion is brown with ocean winds and East- ern suns. He says it is like a fairy tale, that I am the same little dumpling of a cousin that he used to toss up in the air when he was home last. He is much grieved to find you all gone, and is planning a hunting expedition whose objective point will be your far away settle- ment. The neighbors all congregated around the kitchen fire to hear his wonderful stories and adventures, which he was relating all day long, and far into the night. For all he has trav- elled all over the world, he is as pleased as a little boy to be liome again on the dear old Nantucket plantation. We are all as happy as can be with our divided hearts, and we all have a frequent thought for the wanderers. Grandfather remembers you morning and evening at the Throne of Grace. My cousin has brought a great many curi- osities and presents for us all. One is a silken, creamy shawl for me, em- broidered in beautiful flowers. Another is a gown of fancy Canton crepe, as white as snow, and they are so pretty I am sure I shall not dare to wear them. Grandpa says they shall be kept for my wedding! But Aunt Esther says it is unseemly for such thoughts to be put in a maiden's head. Yet Aunt Content gave me the other day a whole piece of linen from the Fall bleach, to be kept, she said, against a time of need. At all events, my foreign finery is packed away in foreign gums and spices, in a foreign box; and is not likely to turn any silly maiden's head at present. Cousin Nathaniel has returned to Boston, and yesterday he sent, by a trusty messenger, another sea chest, — in it is a large box of tea, the first that was ever on the Island — real Chinese tea, which Nathaniel himself pro- cured in China. It is of a green color, with little shrivelled leaves, and when eaten dry, has a pleasant spicy taste. Perhaps, when I have an opportunity to send this letter, I can enclose a sample quantity, that you may see what it is like. He also sent by the same hand, a letter saying that when he returned to Nantucket, the owner of the ship in which he voyaged. Captain Morris, will come with him from Boston to pay us a visit. We are again making master preparations for visitors, and if you will believe it, the large parlour, which has not been used since Aunt Mehitabel's wedding, is to be opened. The floor has been waxed and polished, and we have spread here and there, beautiful mats and rugs, which Cousin Nathaniel brought from foreign parts. With the many curious and handsome things whicii are hung upon the walls, and spread upon the tabic and man- telpiece, and the hugh fire of logs which the sharp weather renders necessary, you have no conception how fine the room appears. WQien I was admiring it this morning, Aunt Esther rebuked me, saying: — "The bright th)n;^5 of this world are of short duration." But. dear, gentle Grandma obsei"ved with a smile: "It is natural and right for the young to admire beauty"— at whieii Aunt Esther seemed displeased. 1 sometimes think she dislikes me because I am young; but that cannot be. Yet I sometimes wonder how, being my own sweet Mother's sister, she can be so unlike her. We have just liad tidings that Cousin Na- thaniel and Capt. Morris intend to arrive on tlie 31st of December. Uncle Nathaniel says he will liave a tea party, and invite Lieut. Marey's family. Kdw'd Starbuck's family, and a few others, to n\eet our distinguished guests, and to waleh ihi- old year out and the new year in. We cooked a beautiful dinner, and our guests all came. 1 wore my blue gown, with some lace at the neek tliat Gituidiua gave me, and my own dear Motlier's gold necklace. I tied back my curls — that Cousin Natluuiiel will not allow me to braid — wilii a blue ribbon which he bought in London. Aunt Esther says that men dislike to see girls look so brave; but (Mandma kissed me and called mo "Bonnie Blue Bell." Aunt Content has been nnich pestered in mind because she knows not how to cook and serve the tea, and after our neigidiois had assembled, she confided to them her perplex- ity. They all gathered about the lea ciiest, smelling and tasting the fragrant lu-rb. Mrs. Lieut. Marcy said she had iieard that il ought to be well cooked, to be palatahh-: and Mrs. Edw'd Starbuck said a lady in IJoslou wiio had drunk tea, told her it needed a good quantity, steeping, which made it ex|)ensive. So Aunt Content hung the five gallon bell- metal kettle on the crane and |)utting a two quart bowl full of tea in il, with plenty of water, swung it over the fire. Aunt Esther and Lydia Aim Marcy stayed in the kilchen to keep it boiling. While 1 was laying the table, I heard Lydia Ann say, "I have heard that when tea is drunk, it givcF brilliancy to the eyes, and a youthful fresh- ness to the com[)lexion. I am afraid that my sister-in-law failed to put in a sufiTicient quan- tity." So Aunt Esther put anoth(;r bowlfu' of tea into the bell-metal kettle. When thi tea had boiled for an hour, my cousin am' Captain Morris arrived. The lea, which wa' boiled down to about a gallon, was poure''. into Grandma's large silver tankard, and car Tied to the table, and each guest was provided ■H-ith one of her silver porringers — also cream and lumps of sugar. The Captain talked to me before dinner, and I told him, before I knew I was getting confidential, how you were all in the wilds. He said tliat was what the new country needed, and that it was not best to have Nantucket peopled entirely with Starbucks. That I was one of them was plain to be sure, if mv name was Wentworth, and he looked pleasantly around the circle of Star- bucks. I suppose I do resemble them all. I saw Aunt Esther looking so sharply at me, tliat I remembered she had often told me that it was unseemly for me to talk with men, and presently I became discreetly silent. But when dinner was announced, the Captain took me out and made me sit by him. After Grandpa had asked a blessing on the food, Aunt Content said to her son and friend, '"I have made a dish of tea for you, but am fearful I have not prepared it as it hath need, and would like to have your opinion." Whereupon, my Cousin made answer, "As my beloved Mother desires my opinion, I must tell her that a teaspoonful of this beverage would nearly kill any of us here at the table." The Captain then said laughingly that Aunt could keep the decoction for a dye to color woolens. He further said, he would, if she so desired, instruct her how to draw tea him- self, "And this young lady," he continued, turning to me, "shall make the first dish of the beverage used in Nantucket." Dinner being over (but they all remained at table, except Captain Morris and myself — for Aunt Content bade me to assist him as he should direct), we searched for a suitable vessel wherein to draw the tea. At lait I saw Uncle Nathaniel's large gray stone pitcher, into which our guest instructed me to put as much tea as I could hold be- tween my thumb and forefinger, for each per- son, and an additional pinch for the pitcher. Then he told me to pour upon it, boiling hot water, sufficient for us all, and set the pitcher on the coals, and let it remain until it came to a gentle boil. The tea was then poured into the tankard, which Aunt Content had made ready, and the Captain carried it to the table for me and helped me pour it into the porringers for the guests. He was so kind as to say it was the best dish of tea he ever drank. We had a wholesome dinner, and an enjoy- able one withal. Cousin Nat told stories and sang songs in which Captain Morris joined, and the happy New Year's greetings took place of good-byes, and our neighbors left for their respective homes. My Cousin's friend still lingers for the shooting, and there is not much spinning or weaving done, it takes so much time for the cooking and eating and visiting. He is very agreeable, and calls my Grandfather the Miles Standish of Nantucket. I heard him tell Uncle Nathaniel that we had good blood, and that ever since he be- came acquainted with Cousin Nat, he had conceived a great admiration for the Nathan- iel Starbucks, and he said something about a wife. Perhaps he remains here so long on Aunt Esther's account. But dear me! she is so prim — (I write with all respect dear Mother) and he is such a jovial gentleman, I do not see how such a union could be har- monious. If he has regard for her, it must be on account of the Starbuck blood. Oh, my dear Mother! how can I tell you? It is not for love of Aunt Esther that Captain Morris remains — but me, — your own little daughter! And all the Starbucks, saving indeed Aunt Esther who declares I ought to be put back in pinafores — have given their consent that I shall be married and sail away vi^ith my husband, in my husband's ship, to foreign parts, to see for myself all the beau- tiful and wonderful things of which I have heard so much of late. But I will not give my consent till I have my Father's and Mother's first, as there is a company being made up to go with my Cousin Nathaniel and the Captain, through the Win- ter snows, to your far away home; and after all, it will be the new friend of whom I have written so much who will take this letter to you. I am sure, dear Mother, that you, who know my heart so well, will not think it unseemly for me to hope that the Lord will guide your heart, and that of my Father, to feel kindly disposed toward this gentleman: for. indeed. he is of good repute, and is so good as to be very fond of me, and I feel that if I had your consent and that of my honored Father, to- gether with your blessing, I shall be very ^^PPY) aiid take an honest pride in being his honored wife. The Captain declares laughingly that I am sending him off on a quest like a Knight of old, to prove his love. I cannot help thinking it strange, his want- ing to marry me, and when I said so one day, he replied gravely, that it was all on account of the tea, which got into his head, and, in- deed, it may be so, for I was flighty and hardly able to close my eyes to sleep all night after partaking of it, and even Grandma says she would not answer for the conse- quences of what she might be led to do were she to make use of it every day. I send along with other small things, a quantity of the famous tea, and a bit of the crepe that I shall, if it seemeth best in the honored judgment of my honored Father and dear Mother, wear in good time, as a wedding gown. I remain, as ever, Your dutiful and affectionate daughter, Ruth Starbuck Wentworth." Copyrighted 1921 , Society, Sons of the Rev- olution, Los Angeles. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 012 962 8 # A GIRL'S REVELATION OF A COLONIAL AMERICAN HOME F 69 .W47 Copy I —Printed and circulated by White & Tyler as a contribution to a closer knowledge of earlier Amer- ican customs and home life. Organizations and in- dividuals desiring to circulate this ^riking letter may secure rates per hundred or thousand from >VHITE & TYLER 414 Wesley Roberts Building, Los Angeles, Calif. Phone 14028 he is of good repute, and is so good as to be very fond of me, and I feel that if I had your consent and that of my honored Father, to- gether with your blessing, I shall be very happy, and take an honest pride in being his honored wife. The Captain declares laughingly that I am sending him off on a quest like a Knight of old, to prove his love. I cannot help thinking it strange, his want- ing to marry me, and when I said so one day, he replied gravely, that it was all on account of the tea, which got into his head, and, in- deed, it may be so, for I was flighty and hardly able to close my eyes to sleep all night after partaking of it, and even Grandma says she would not answer for the conse- quences of what she might be led to do were she to make use of it every day. I send along with other small things, a quantity of the famous tea, and a bit of the crepe that I shall, if it seemeth best in the honored judgment of my honored Father and dear Mother, wear in good time, as a wedding gown. I remain, as ever. Your dutiful and affectionate daughter, Ruth Starbuck Wentworth." Copyrighted 1921 , Society, Sons of the Rev- olution, Los Angeles. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 012 962 8 # LIBHAKY UK (JUNCiKbSb 014 012 962 8 Hollinger Corp. pH 8.5