Sherry Chapmanby Sherry Chapman
First published in June/July, 2004, Volume 1, Issue 3 of The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.
Dear Abby,
I am writing to ask your consent to come to your home and visit Miss Bridget Sullivan, preferably on the first free Thursday afternoon she has. I would be most indebted to you, as I would like to see her very badly. – Hosea Knowlton, Marion
Dear Mr. Knowlton,
I have tried to be as kind and as patient with you as I know how with every letter you have sent. If I hadn’t promised my boss that I would answer every letter sent to me, I would not be answering this one at all. No, Mr. Knowlton, you cannot come to see Miss Sullivan. I think you are being quite forward with such a request. I have done some checking – oh, yes, Mr. Knowlton. As they said to the Lincoln conspirators back in ‘65, you have come to the end of your rope. I found that you are married, sir, and I am making it publicly known in this paper. My most sincere wish is that your wife reads this. You will please not write me again.
Dear Abby,
Is it true that your step-daughter, Lizzie, once gave you an engraved silver cup? – Fall River historian
Dear Historian,
Yes, it is true. Some doubt it when they see the cup, as my name is mis-spelled. But poor Lizzie – she never did do well in school.
Dear Abby,
Some day when our town has its own historical museum, what would you like them to have in there about you and Mr. Borden? – Orrin Martins, Fall River
Dear Mr. Martins,
I’m not sure. But I hope that there would at least be some piece of our lives in there.
Dear Abby,
Is it true that your step-daughters don’t speak to you in the home? And if not, why? – Mrs. P.B., Second Street
Dear Mrs. B,
I don’t know. They haven’t said.
Dear Abby,
I must commend you on your working for this publication. You not only do this job, but you take care of your family and household at the same time. You are a model for future working women everywhere. But do you ever feel as if you are overwhelmed by it all and you may not get everything done as it should be? – Corset Burner in New Bedford
Dear Burner,
Thank you for your letter. I do not seem to have any problems, as long as I keep my head on straight.
Confidential to “Bride in Fairhaven”: Yes, you must put a stop to your husband’s behavior at once. It can cause several maladies, including blindness! Goodness, anyone who goes into a lumber mill without goggles on is just asking for it.
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