TNGenWeb Project/TNGenNet, Inc., (a Tennessee nonprofit public benefit corporation). "The Howard-Smith Collection" Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved. The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville. This file is in text format. Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page. ********************************************************************************* To: Eleanor (Spurrier) Rand From: Eleanor (Rand) Howard-Smith , Bridgeport ----------------------------------------------------------- Call to Washington Heights Bridgeport Monday April 3rd 1854 I had written nearly two pages to you, dearest Mother on Saturday, in the midst of the usual din-but having some news to tell you-began again with another than the same old story. There were three gentlemen in church yesterday-having come for the purpose of hearing Howard preach-with a view to an invite to other parishes-one was from Troy-with a letter of introduction from Dr: Dyer-the other two are from one of those places on the Hudson road just out of New York-They came home with Howard after church in the afternoon-having given him an earnest call.-They were empowered by the parish they represent to do this-a more generous way of acting than to invite him on to preach on trial as some do. They have sought him on Dr: Tyng's suggestion--& he has spoken with the unqualified earnestness that he is wont to when acting for those that he is really interested in. Howard forgets the name of the place-it is 9 miles from the City Hall- Mr: Monyketlep, one of the committee of two-is a merchant in N. York & goes out at 3 o'clock-the church is small but they hope to build another soon--& the salary is $1600. Howard is to go down on Wednesday-to look around & make his decision-spending the night at Mr: Monyketlep's. We feel very thankful that the kind Providence of our Heavenly Father has opened this place of refuge to us & that the call is so earnest & cordial. It may be among a people who will more readily receive the Gospel-than these around us now. Howard could work with more heart elsewhere, at any rate--& we may hope a larger blessing would rest upon his labors. How thankful I am that the call has come from a place nearer home rather than from the far South or elsewhere Now when dear Father has business in N. Y he need not go hunting up lodgings any more-how delightful it will be to have good long visits from him--& you will not be afraid to come often, dearest Mother, I hope, when only four or five hours from home--& Emmie & her good man-all of you will come to us oftener & for much longer visits I hope. These are bright anticipations-"clear shining after rain"-- I feel ashamed of having ever given way to depression under our difficulties-but I trust I have not been glomily anxious; knowing by precious past experience the goodness & willingness of our gracious Lord to provide for us-I have felt comfrotable about our earthly prospects. At times, my spirits sink from over-fatigue & confinement with these dear little ones, but it is such a mercy to see them well--& to be well enough to take care of them, thus I have no cause for anything but thanksgiving. One only source of anxiety presses heavily upon me-I have not yet strong enough faith to be free from that-the thought of those so very very dear to us-still without hope in the Lord & of these little ones-not knowing whether they will surely walk in His ways-this weighs upon me habitually. But if I were less anxious, I should perhaps pray less-I would not be less intensely earnest in my longings for the salvation of our beloved ones-but more trustful-more believing, more hopeful. "Low, increase our faith!" We had the dear Baby baptised yesterday afternoon-of course he had to have a name at last-Allibone Howard-We all went-leaving an empty house-Did'nt I think what a comfort it would have been to have dear Mother or Emmie to help me with the four babies. It required a good deal of management as you may suppose. Margaret took the baby, Maria took Marion & went to the vestry room Thetie & Sperry going with me to the pew. I left Thetie & took Sperrie up to the chancel: he roved about a little-but on the whole they all behaved remarkably well--& I tried to get above the worry & fix my heart on the solemn, beautiful service in which we consecrate our little one to Him who gave him. All stayed until church was over. Robert preached in the morning a very impressive sermon on "Be thou faithful unto death & I will give thee a crown of life" & in the evening there was a missionary meeting-a crowded church-deeply interesting addresses, I am told--& a collection for Africa of $76 or $77-We expected some ministers to tea & prepared, but only Mr Paddock came. A gentleman was to have come on Saturday to spend Sunday with Robert-but he did not appear for which I was thankful. We are not well arranged in our heating apparatus for entertaining strangers-the bedroom is cold & Baby is uncomfortable whenever restricted to it: we must try to plan better in another house. Robert is going with Howard on Wednesday a vessel is to said from Baltimore soon & he wishes to send his boxes etc. by it. The ladies have made up 40 garments in the sewing society for the ladies of the mission & have asked me to write the letter of presentation. Howard hoped to be able to go South to see Robert off-He is perfectly wrapped up in him-morning, noon & night, they are almost inseparable. And now let me turn again to your precious letter, dearest Mother with its home pictures. You have had a heavy share of difficulties & perplexities of late, so wearing to the spirits-I do feel for you & with you through it all dearest Mother. How glad I shall be if you secure Mr Burr's girl & get Ellen back again-you do need well-disciplined servants in such a household as you have now, I am sure-May our Heavenly Father give you a double portion of strength & grace to bear these heavy cares. The box I am afraid has been an extra trouble to you-I have more than once repented having troubled you about the things--& you & dear Father, in your unwearied kindness have added. Many-many interruptions-but you can guess it all out-dear Mother. I did send $7.00.