All Items 1,020

Copy of Heman Humphrey letter to the Anti-Slavery Society, 1835 January

Humphrey, Heman, 1779-1861

A letter written by Heman Humphrey on behalf of and by vote of the faculty to the Committee of the Anti-Slavery Society in Amherst College in which Humphrey responds to the letter from the Anti-Slavery Society to the faculty, dated January 1835 and in Box 1 Folder 48 of this collection. Humphrey states that he shared this communication with the faculty and they were happy to find that it was written in the same excellent spirit as that of the memorial written by the Anti-Slavery Society previously. He writes that though the faculty has the kindest feelings towards every member of the Anti-Slavery Society, they agree with the opinion recently expressed by the student body of the Andover Theological Seminary that in the present agitated state of the public mind, it is inexpedient to keep up any organizations under the name of antislavery or colonization or the like in the literary and theological institutions. Humphrey goes on to explain the reasons for this opinion and responds to the society's objections to the conditions previously suggested to them by the faculty. He states that the Anti-Slavery Society must cease to exist just as the college's American Colonization Society has done already. He again states that they hold the members of the society in the kindest personal regard and are confident in their good principles and judgement. On the back of the letter is a note stating that this is a copy of the communication sent to the society.

Copy of Heman Humphrey letter to the Anti-Slavery Society, 1835 January
Dana Clayes letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 June 21

Clayes, Dana, 1792-1877

Dana Clayes letter to Heman Humphrey in which Clayes inquires, per the request of Daniel Blood, about the Collegiate Institution in Amherst. Clayes states that Blood is a beneficiary "of the Academy in this place," presumably Kimball Union Academy. On behalf of Blood, Clayes asks Humphrey about the costs associated with attending the Collegiate Institution and potential financial assistance. Clayes states that if the pecuniary circumstances at Amherst are as favorable as elsewhere, Blood thinks he will apply for admission next fall. Clayes asks Humphrey to direct a letter to Blood with the answers to his questions and writes in a postscript that Blood is a young gentlemen of decided piety and respectable scholarship.

Dana Clayes letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 June 21
Judah Ely letter to the students of the Collegiate Institution, 1824 March 1

Ely, Judah

Judah Ely letter to the students and alumni of the Amherst Collegiate Institution in which Ely writes regarding the death of Zephaniah Swift Moore and suggests an annual essay contest with a monetary reward, in Moore's honor. Ely writes that he had sent Moore a letter and three dollars for the purchase of a prize to go to an essay winner and that he had suggested to essay subject should be "the evil arising from an intemperate use of distilled liquors in the U. States and the best means of preventing them." He explains his plans for the essay contest he had proposed further, and proposes a new plan for a prize essay contest to honor Moore, called the "Moore Prize Essay" for which a "Moore fund" could be raised. He suggests two possible subjects, one relating to the importance of Christianity to national prosperity and happiness and the other regarding the evils of slavery and best means of removing them. Ely then writes regarding his own opinions on each subject, discussing current topics such as a decreasing reference to God in government and the aims of the American Colonization Society. He also states that he is enclosing ten dollars to go towards the Moore fund. The letter is addressed to the alumni of Amherst Collegiate Institution though the salutation of the letter states it is to the students of the Institution.

Judah Ely letter to the students of the Collegiate Institution, 1824 March 1
Student petition for a band and proposed constitution, 1836 March

Amherst College

A student petition to the faculty asking that they be permitted to organize a society called the Amherst College Band under the proposed constitution provided with the petition. The petition is signed by five students: David Sewall Oliphant, Frederick Augustus Fiske, James Hovey, William Thomas Doubleday, and Jonathan Amos Fowler. An unattributed note on the document states "Petition for a College Band- March 1836- Not Granted."

Student petition for a band and proposed constitution, 1836 March
Thomas Shepard letter to the faculty of the Collegiate Institution, 1823 August 20

Shepard, Thomas, 1792-1879

Thomas Shepard letter to the faculty of the Amherst Collegiate Institution in which Shepard introduces Edmund P. Sherwin (Edmund Phelps Sherwin). Shepard writes that Sherwin has been a member of "our Academy," presumably Sanderson Academy in Ashfield, and of the Congregational Church in Buckland, Massachusetts. Shepard recommends Sherwin as a young man of irreproachable character. Shepard goes on to say that should Sherwin's literary requirements be approved, he will make a respectable member of their Institution. Shepard addresses the letter specifically to Gamaliel S. Olds, a professor, and notes Sherwin as the bearer of the letter.

Thomas Shepard letter to the faculty of the Collegiate Institution, 1823 August 20
Albert Barnes letter to Heman Humphrey, 1844 October 8

Barnes, Albert, 1798-1870

Albert Barnes letter to Heman Humphrey in which Barnes responds to the offer made by Humphrey and the Board of Trustees to appoint Barnes as President of Amherst College. Barnes discusses how honored he was by the offer and states that he knows the College has been a great blessing to the land under Humphrey's administration. Barnes goes on, however, to decline the offer and explain his reasons for doing so, primarily relating to his reluctance to leave his current position. He states that he thinks he can foresee that there would be peril to the harmony of the church in selecting another pastor and that the interests of religion in his city would be likely to suffer. He writes that another reason he must decline is that he feels it is his duty to preach the gospel. In closing, he prays that the Board will find a man who is qualified to fill the position and wishes Humphrey well.

Albert Barnes letter to Heman Humphrey, 1844 October 8
Levi Hodge letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1822 May 15

Hodge, Levi

A letter from Levi Hodge of Harvard University to Zephaniah Swift Moore in which Hodge shares with Moore the proceedings of the last annual meeting of the Convention of the Colleges which took place in Boston on May 30 and 31, 1821. Hodge includes a transcription of the proceedings originally documented by Moses Stuart who was acting as scribe for the meeting. Provided are the names of attendees, the institutions the attendees are from, and the minutes of the meeting.

Levi Hodge letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1822 May 15
Jepthah Bacon letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 March 16

Bacon, Jepthah, 1770-1851

Jepthah Bacon letter to Heman Humphrey in which Bacon writes regarding his son Peter C. Bacon (Peter Child Bacon). Jepthah Bacon explains that his son has been at Brown University but has now left and hopes to become a student at the Collegiate Institution. Bacon describes the circumstances of his son's leaving Brown, including a misunderstanding with Brown's president over Peter's need to have time off from college in order to work at a school and make money for funding the cost of his attendance. He goes on to ask that Humphrey receive his son into the Institution and states that he will be accountable for all lawful bills against Peter during his term.

Jepthah Bacon letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 March 16
William George Howard, David Andrews, and Edward Corrie Pritchett letter to the faculty, 1835 January

Pritchett, Edward Corrie, 1812-1892

Letter from three members of the Anti-Slavery Society to the faculty of Amherst College. Members William George Howard, David Andrews, and Edward Corrie Pritchett write that the society has examined and discussed the conditions that the faculty offered them, presumably referring to the faculty's letter dated November 26, 1834 in Box 1 Folder 48 of this collection. They state that after examination of the specific restrictions which the faculty's letter contained, which they feel deprive the society of all that gives value to any association, the society resolved at the last meeting that their duty as men and Christians forbids them from agreeing to the conditions the faculty submitted. The letter states that Howard, Andrews, and Pritchett, as the undersigned, were appointed to communicate this resolution to the faculty body.

William George Howard, David Andrews, and Edward Corrie Pritchett letter to the faculty, 1835 January
Student petition to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1822 February 25

Moore, Zephaniah Swift, 1770-1823

A petition from students in the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes regarding the tutor Lucius Field. The students write to Zephaniah Swift Moore, president of the College, and explain that they are dissatisfied with Field. They include the reasons for their dissatisfaction and ask that Moore take measures to secure another instructor as soon as possible. There are unattributed notes in pencil on this item.

Student petition to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1822 February 25
Francis G. Hopkins letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 June 7

Hopkins, Francis G.

Francis G. Hopkins letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore in which Hopkins, a student of the Collegiate Institution, writes regarding his health and his plans for returning to the Institution. He states that his health was improving during his travels, but since arriving to this place he has become quite unwell. Therefore, he writes that he will not be returning this semester to Amherst, but should he regain his health he will probably return in the fall. He goes on to say that he did not pay his last term's bill, but it is his intention to have it settled soon and he is making arrangements immediately.

Francis G. Hopkins letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 June 7
Zechariah Eddy letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 May 4

Eddy, Zechariah, 1780-1860

Zech. Eddy letter to Heman Humphrey in which Eddy introduces Josiah O. Standish and George L. Holmes. Eddy states that they are both now patronized by the American Education Society and propose to commence studies at Amherst Academy to prepare for entry to the Collegiate Institution. Eddy also mentions Shadrach Atwood and Hilliard Bryant who were introduced to Humphrey by Sylvester Holmes. It has been determined that Zech. Eddy stands for Zechariah Eddy.

Zechariah Eddy letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 May 4
David Sears letter to Heman Humphrey, 1844 December 4

Sears, David, 1787-1871

David Sears letter to Heman Humphrey in which Sears writes regarding a fund, presumably the Sears Fund of Literature and Benevolence. Sears states that he received Humphrey's last letter and will now record the votes passed by the Trustees of Amherst College on June 19, 1843 in Worcester and those passed on November 15, 1843 in Amherst. He writes that based on those votes he understands that his letter to the Trustees from last June and his deed to them from last July, creating a trust, are both in the Records of the College and are to govern the action of the Trustees. Sears goes on to say that this is sufficient and nothing more is required for a clear understanding of his plan and purpose. He writes that he will send the books and sketch he promised in the future and that he is gratified that the Trustees are pleased with the Foundation he has established. He hopes the College will be able to receive the full benefit of the Fund in the future and that in the meantime it may free the College from the embarrassment under which it now labors. Sears states that is believed that the present debt will be paid off in a few years.

David Sears letter to Heman Humphrey, 1844 December 4
Edwards Amasa Park letter to the Trustees of Amherst College with note to Heman Humphrey, 1844 June 28

Park, Edwards Amasa, 1808-1900

Edwards A. Park, a professor at Andover Theological Society, letter to the Trustees of Amherst College in which Park responds to the request of the Trustees to appoint him President of Amherst College. He states that he received the copy of the vote the Trustees made at a meeting on the nineteenth, and he is honored. He writes that he cannot deny that Amherst would be a more agreeable place or residence than about any other place, and discusses the town and the character of its citizens. He also writes positively of Amherst College and states his interest in the welfare of the College. However, Park goes on to say, he does not see how he could abandon his department of Sacred Rhetoric and turn his attention to a different set of studies. He writes that he also believes his physical system is insufficient to sustain the responsibilities of the Presidency of Amherst College. He thanks the Trustees for their offer, but declines it. Following the letter to the Trustees, which is signed by Park (although written in an unattributed hand), there is a brief letter to Heman Humphrey (written in Park's hand) asking that Humphrey communicate the preceding letter to the Board of Trustees along with his assurances that it was a difficult decision for him.

Edwards Amasa Park letter to the Trustees of Amherst College with note to Heman Humphrey, 1844 June 28
Sylvester Holmes letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 April 16

Holmes, Sylvester, 1788-1866

S. Holmes letter to Heman Humphrey in which Holmes introduces S. Atwood and H. Bryant who wish to enter Humphrey's "academy in Amherst," presumably Amherst Academy. Holmes states that the two young men will have the patronage of the "Ben. Ea. Soc," the society of which F.P. Howland and J.S. Clark are also beneficiaries. He writes that he and the other members of this society would be glad to hear from Humphrey regarding the standing and progress of the young men that they have sent or may send to Amherst. He also states that some in his region feel a deep interest in regards to the Institution over which Humphrey presides (the Collegiate Institution) and even if they have no money, they can pray for Humphrey and send him their sons. Holmes goes on to comment on Humphrey's petition to the legislature, presumably the petition by the Collegiate Institution for charter, stating "I do think nothing could have been done for you more for your prosperity than the opposition of enemies and the prayers of friends." It has been determined that S. Holmes refers to Sylvester Holmes and S. Atwood and H. Bryant refer to Shadrach Atwood and Hilliard Bryant.

Sylvester Holmes letter to Heman Humphrey, 1824 April 16
Asa Burton letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 January 6

Burton, Asa, 1752-1836

Asa Burton letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore in which Burton asks for Moore's aid and influence in obtaining subscribers for a book Burton is proposing for publication. He states that he is sending three sheets for Moore to distribute to two named individuals and other gentlemen per his own judgement. Burton states that such a work as the proposed book is much needed and discusses its potential use for students of divinity, theology, and/or ethics. Burton goes on to discuss personal current events for his family and says he is glad to hear that Moore's institution in Amherst, the Collegiate Institution, is prospering. He closes with hopes that they be so faithful as to live near to God and sends his respects to Mrs. Moore and Colonel Graves. The proposed book Burton discusses in this letter is presumably Essays on Some of the First Principles of Metaphysics, Ethics and Theology which was published in 1824.

Asa Burton letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 January 6
William George Howard, Joseph Haven, Jr., and Leander Thompson letter to the editor of the Evangelist, 1835 January 23

Thompson, Leander, 1812-1896

Letter from members of the Anti-Slavery Society to the editor of the Evangelist. William George Howard, Joseph Haven, Jr., and Leander Thompson write on behalf of the society regarding the January 17, 1835 issue of the Evangelist which included a copy of the memorial the Anti-Slavery Society of Amherst College had addressed to the faculty of Amherst College. They write that they were surprised to see it published and that they regret the accompanying editorial remarks which they feel were calculated to deteriorate the reputation of those they esteem as guardians and friends (the faculty of the College). They go on to say that while they don't wish to impugn the editor, they do feel that the publishing of the letter along with the private views of the gentlemen who forwarded it without the knowledge of any of the society members was unfair and unwarranted. They go on to say that it also is not a fair representation of the current state of facts between the society and the faculty. Thus, on behalf of the Anti-Slavery Society, they write that they respectfully disapprove of the course the newspaper took and they provide a public statement saying that the transmission of the document to the editor was unauthorized and undesired. The document, also called the memorial, discussed in this letter is presumably a copy of the letter in Box 1 Folder 47 of this collection.

William George Howard, Joseph Haven, Jr., and Leander Thompson letter to the editor of the Evangelist, 1835 January 23
Copy of Heman Humphrey letter to Henry C. Towner, 1824 March 31

Humphrey, Heman, 1779-1861

Heman Humphrey letter to Collegiate Institution student Henry C. Towner in which Humphrey writes regarding Towner's alleged paternity of the child of Eliza, the maid of Mrs. Moore (presumably Phebe Moore). Humphrey writes that he has received Towner's letter of the 24th and that he has no way of deciding as of yet whether or not Towner is innocent in the matter. He states that he has been told that Eliza has persisted in declaring that the child is Towner's and that as the case now stands he does not see how Towner could be again received as a member of this Institution. However, he writes that should Towner come down and convince the faculty of his innocence, his application for admission would stand on the same ground as other applicants of fair character. Humphrey asks if Towner is member of Williams College as he thinks Towner's name is in their catalogue. He also states that he must be clear that, should Towner fail to satisfy the faculty of his innocence, he should not consider this letter as proof that he can be received at the Collegiate Institution. The letter is noted as "a true copy."

Copy of Heman Humphrey letter to Henry C. Towner, 1824 March 31
Josephus Wheaton letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 May 18

Wheaton, Josephus, 1788-1825

Josephus Wheaton letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore in which Wheaton encloses a petition to the Massachusetts legislature in support of granting charter to the Collegiate Institution. In the included petition, nine subscribers to the Charity Fund from Holliston, Massachusetts request that the Massachusetts legislature grant such powers as are usually given to the trustees of colleges to the Trustees of Amherst Academy. They describe the success of the Collegiate Institution under the direction of the Trustees of Amherst Academy and state that as they understand that said Trustees are about to petition to the legislature for charter, they request that the prayer of said petitions may be granted. The names of the nine petitioners are included at the end of the document. Before the petition, Wheaton includes a note to Moore explaining the enclosure and providing the names of the local subscribers to the Charity Fund who were not included in the petition and the reasons for their exclusion.

Josephus Wheaton letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 May 18
William Barron Calhoun letter to David Mack, Jr., September 18

Calhoun, William B. (William Barron), 1796-1865

W.B. Calhoun letter to David Mack, Jr. in which Calhoun writes regarding loans from the Charity Fund to Sweetser, Boltwood, and Dr. Brown. Calhoun states that he was directed to examine the security of these loans by the Trustees of the College at their last meeting, and he provides details as to the securities of each loan, noting that each is secured by mortgage on dwellings and land. He states that the Overseers of the Charity Fund are anxious regarding these loans, as they are uncertain that in all these cases, and especially in regards to Sweester and Boltwood as they don't think that the properties could be sold for anything like their estimated worth. Calhoun goes on to say that the Overseers feel that all personal loans should be secured by real estate and that all securities should be "ample and perfect." He writes that he's not sure what he can do for them except to report these facts to the Prudential Committee and the Trustees. He also writes that he has made this statement to Mack so that Mack may consult with Dr. Humphrey (Heman Humphrey) as to the proper course forward. It has been determined that W.B. Calhoun stands for William Barron Calhoun, Sweetser refers to Luke Sweetser, Boltwood refers to Lucius Boltwood. The identity of Dr. Brown could not be determined.

William Barron Calhoun letter to David Mack, Jr., September 18