Letter to Moses Cartland, Walnut Grove, Lee,
New Hampshire from Martha Osborne Barrett.
Danvers. April 27, 1852 - …Have been at home in the
quiet press of the time. Have attended lectures and have read
considerably, and thought some.
Have been quite interested in
Phrenology.
Indeed I have been for a long time but my interest has had a revival.
L. N. Fowler had given series of lectures here and in Salem. I
like him very much both as a lecturer and a man. Have had my head
examined. Come to Danvers and see my chart. He gave me a
large Cautiousness as you use to. Told me to “shave a dower a foot.”
I wish I might. As to my reading, it has been ..?.... One my
table now, R. W. Emerson’s “Representative When”, Carlyle’s “Life of
Starling” and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. Now Moses, if you have not
already done so – do break your rule, and read one novel, even this.
Now do. You will certainly acknowledge that you are repaid.
'Tis a most thrilling thing and so true to nature, and will do much,
very much good. It is such an exposition of the slave system and
will be read by those who would not receive anti-slavery matters in any
other form. What a noble race the Beechers. Would there were
more such families to do battle for the rights. Emerson and
Carlyle I read in any clearer moments, when my mind can better fathom
their deep thoughts...
Letter to Moses Cartland, Walnut Grove, Lee, New
Hampshire from Martha Osborne Barrett,
Danvers, June 7, 1852 …. I received your note
on my
way home from seeing Kossuth. I wanted to sit down and reply
immediately but could not, and the next morning flitted off to Boston to
make a visit, and have been on the wing ever since.
Now I am in
the midst of the hurry, bustle and confusion of preparing for our great
Centennial Celebration.
Diary of Martha Osborne Barrett
Attended several phrenology lectures. "Said I have a dense brain.
My organs are sharp and
quick, active, lively. Like to see things done up. Am a great
care taker! And will prefer to do the work of my family myself. There is
nothing lazy about me. Am cautious, ambitious, wish to excell, and if I marry
and my husband does not do as well as I think he might, or does not come up to
my ideas of excellence I shall push him along. Am known for my strong love
of my friends.... When she marrys it will be more from sympathy and friendship
than mere love. Will let judgement and reason influence her. For her
love is more spiritual than physical. - Is a little snappish!
