Letters between Erastus Franklin Dashiell and in-laws, Daniel and Elizabeth Hull, 1856

The collection is organized chronologically. The letters are divided between those to and from Caroline Hull Dashiell and her husband, Reverend Erastus Franklin Dashiell. It contains correspondence between members of the Dashiell family, predominantly between Caroline and her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Hull. The letters discuss daily concerns, such as the weather, housekeeping, health, and childrearing. Caroline often writes about the various remedies she uses to treat her family’s illnesses. She also relates her struggles to find household help and her interactions with her African-American maid. In her letters, she talks her children’s wellbeing, health, and development. She often refers to Elizabeth and Caroline by their nicknames, Bessie and Carrie. She also calls her husband Franklin or Frank, rather than Erastus. Erastus also corresponds with the Hulls, writing about similar issues. Also of interest are documents pertaining to his appointment in the Protestant Episcopalian church.