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My Dear Child,

Your Brother got home yesterday, & says he left
you well; I pray God to preserve your health & to
keep you from every evil; I am glad you are So well
accomodated in a family So agreeable where you may
learn many excellent things, & Especially that which
is virtuous: Give mine & your mothers Compliments
to the good Collonel & his lady and in our name
thank them for yr kindness in admitting you to take
lodgings with them: I hope you will improve your
time to learn every thing to make you more
amiable in your life; but Shun every thing that
is Sinfull and that Savours of pride & haughtiness:
be upon your guard against every temptation;
learn to be frugal amidst an abundance, & moderate
your desires whilst a thousand things court your
fancy; and if you will learn the vanity of all earthly
glories, & that happiness is no where to be found
in the most flourishing circumstances you will do well
I would have you write to us every week, your mother
has been not So well as usual the week past; but is Some
thing better, the rest of us are in our usual health;
we all remember you most tenderly: from your
affectionate Father
Jonathan Ashley

Deerfield June 18. 1760

Miss Dolly Ashley

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Expressions of love and concern, as well as pious admonishments commingle in this letter from the Reverend Jonathan Ashley (1712-1780) of Deerfield, Massachusetts. He was writing in 1760 to his eldest daughter Dolly (1743-1833) who was living at the time with a family in Boston. The minister wanted Dolly to learn the graces suitable to her social class and knew that she needed more worldly knowledge than was available to her in Deerfield. Like all parents, he was concerned also about Dolly's safety and morality in an unfamiliar environment.

 

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Letter to daughter, Dorothy Ashley

author   Reverend Jonathan Ashley (1712-1780)
date   Jun 18, 1760
location   Deerfield, Massachusetts
height   9.75"
width   7.25"
process/materials   manuscript, paper, ink
item type   Personal Documents/Letter
accession #   #L99.099


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See Also...

Letter to daughter, Dorothy Ashley in Boston

"Geographical, Statistical & Historical View of the Town of Deerfield"

"The Young Ladies Book: A Manual of Elegant Recreations, Exercises, and Pursuits"


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