All Items 11

John Nelson letter to the President and faculty of Amherst College, 1852 August 9

Nelson, John, 1786-1871

John Nelson, former Trustee of Amherst College, letter to the faculty and President of Amherst College in which Nelson introduces the bearer of the letter, Franklin O. Stiles. Nelson states that Stiles is a young gentleman of an excellent character who has secured the esteem of teachers, pupils, and all who have known him during his time at Lincoln Academy. He comments on Stiles' uncommon diffidence and self distrust in regards to their potential effects on his examination. The letter is pasted onto another piece of paper with an unattributed note at the top.

John Nelson letter to the President and faculty of Amherst College, 1852 August 9
Experience Porter letter of recommendation regarding Henry Augustus Bridgman, 1818 December 5

Porter, Experience, 1809-1877

Experience Porter letter "to whom it may concern" in which Porter writes as the Pastor of a church and certifies that Henry Augustus Bridgman, the bearer of the letter, is a gentleman of amiable manners, correct habits, sound intellect, good scholarship, and respectable connections. Porter writes that Bridgman journeys to the south on account of ill health and is recommended to the attentions of all lovers of good men. He also notes that Bridgman is a member of the church and is in good and regular standing. The letter is pasted onto a another piece of paper with an unattributed note at the top.

Experience Porter letter of recommendation regarding Henry Augustus Bridgman, 1818 December 5
Jacob Ide letter to Aaron Warner, 1850 August 19

Ide, Jacob, 1785-1880

Jacob Ide, Trustee of Amherst College, letter to Professor Aaron Warner in which Ide introduces the bearer of the letter, Henry V. Emmons (Henry Vaughan Emmons) who offers himself for admission as a member of Amherst College. Ide writes regarding Emmons' father and grandfather, his religious and moral character, talents, and manners. He goes on to discuss the handling of Emmons' potential College expenses. Ide asks that Warner give directions regarding his room to Emmons and that he see Emmons is well accommodated. The letter is pasted onto another piece of paper with an unattributed note at the top.

Jacob Ide letter to Aaron Warner, 1850 August 19
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
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
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
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
Benjamin Morgan Palmer letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 March 26

Palmer, Benjamin M. (Benjamin Morgan), 1781-1847

Benjamin M. Palmer letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore in which Palmer addresses Moore as "President of the literary institution recently established at Amherst" (the Collegiate Institution). Palmer introduces John B. Van Dyke (presumably John Brevoor Van Dyck) as a member of his church who plans to attend the Institution. Palmer discusses Van Dyck's character, aspirations, and financial status. He writes that he has given Van Dyck thirty dollars which he thinks the Auxiliary Education Society will reimburse, and he has advised Van Dyck to apply for aid from the American Education Society for future funding. He asks that Moore give Van Dyck directions on how to proceed in making his application to the American Education Society and expresses his ardent desire for the prosperity of Moore's Institution and Moore himself.

Benjamin Morgan Palmer letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 March 26
Oliver S. Taylor letter to the president and faculty of the Collegiate Institution, 1823 August 19

Taylor, Oliver S.

Oliver S. Taylor letter to the president and faculty of the Collegiate Institution at Amherst in which Taylor introduces Giles Lyman as a candidate for admission to the Collegiate Institution. Taylor comments on Lyman's good study habits, character, and religion in support of his admittance to the Institution.

Oliver S. Taylor letter to the president and faculty of the Collegiate Institution, 1823 August 19
A. Boies letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 March 22

Moore, Zephaniah Swift, 1770-1823

A. Boies letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore in which Boies introduces John B. Vandyke (presumably John Brevoor Van Dyck) as a man of Charleston, South Carolina desiring to unite with Moore's Institution, the Collegiate Institution in Amherst, Massachusetts. Boies states that Van Dyck is a man of amiable character and that the Auxiliary Education Society of South Carolina will probably defray Van Dyck's expenses during his collegiate course. Boies also comments on the success of the Institution thus far and sends his kind regards to Mrs. Moore. A. Boies likely refers to Artemis Boies although his identity could not be confirmed.

A. Boies letter to Zephaniah Swift Moore, 1823 March 22
Epaphras Hoyt letter of recommendation for Edward Hitchcock, 1815 January 20

Hoyt, E., (Epaphras), 1765-1850

A letter of introduction written by Hitchcock's uncle, Epaphras Hoyt, recommending Hitchcock's scientific knowledge and requesting any appropriate introductions to gentlemen. The letter is addressed to "Procter Peirce," which appears to be a mispelling.

Epaphras Hoyt letter of recommendation for Edward Hitchcock, 1815 January 20