Mary Diana Harper Letters, 1800-1818, MS. 430

Descriptive Summary

Mary Diana Harper Letter [book], 1816-1819

Letters of Elizabeth Ann Seton to Mary Diana Harper, 1817-1818,

(2 items)

26 August, 1817

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Mary Harper is no longer at Emmitsburg; Mother Seton offers brief advice on life. She asks that Mary keep control of your quick feeling. Seton also implores: Mary dear, do not let your beloved soul be buried in this low world, look very often above.

9 December, 1817

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Seton writes a letter of consolation and comfort to Mary Harper. Evidently, Harper left St. Joseph's for travel and schooling in Europe. Mother Seton reassures her former student that going abroad will provide a thousand advantages you could never meet in our American schools.

Seton speaks of the death of Mary's friend Bee, ending with, God will be a faithful God to you if you are faithful to him.

She mentions Elizabeth, Mary's sister: a sweet little girl [with] your own temper when she is disciplined. Mr. Harper recently visited.

Seton's son William just entered the Navy; he speaks of Mary with brotherly affection.

Finally, she briefly comments on the growth of her order. Our establishment increases continually... a good settlement of Sisters in New York... have charge of a multitude of Poor children [Seton also mentions work in Philadelphia].

Letter of Elizabeth Ann Seton to Robert Goodloe Harper, 1818

(1 item)

5 April, 1818

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Seton reacts to the news of both Mrs. Harper and Mary being in ill health. Your sweet Elizabeth wept abundantly when we read your letter together. [a brief postscript, by Elizabeth Harper, is featured in this letter.