All Items 9

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1839 April 4

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he responds to a March 19 letter from Obed. He remarks on Obed's comment that it is good to reflect on the past and agrees with him. He discusses the past times in their lives to which Obed had referred. Sidney writes that he, Obed, and Roxana (Roxana Brooks Davis) are all grown up and reflects on memories of the past, their departed mother, how he and Obed behaved when they were younger, and his own regrets. In his reflections he references his Christian beliefs mentioning God, Jesus Christ, and redemption. Sidney remarks on their society and the lack of a minister there. He also mentions the work going on in South Dennis that Obed had noted and discusses his own situation and health. He also writes regarding the current religious situation at Amherst College.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1839 April 4
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 July 19

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he writes that has he has not heard yet whether or not Obed has found a minister. He says that he called Esq. Dickinson, Mrs. White's father, to inquire about the possibility of Mr. White going to Harwich for this purpose. Sidney also writes about how busy he is, the course of study (at Amherst College), and how he spends his days at school. He notes that working late makes him think of their mother who no doubt "injured her health in this way and shortened her days" which serves as a warning to him. Sidney also writes regarding moving to a new dorm room, saying that though he hurt himself rooming alone in Andover and has not been troubled with melancholia since being alone this term. He discusses his somnambulism in relation to the move. Sidney goes on to write regarding swimming and Obed's suggested method of staying healthy. He asks after Obed's affairs, garden, baby Mary, and the interests of their society, presumably their church in Harwich.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 July 19
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1837 November 29

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he writies regarding Amherst and his experiences at Amherst College. He asks Obed to follow him with his disembodied spirit so that Sidney can give him a sense of the place, the College, and his college experiences. Sidney begins the virtual tour at the hotel Amherst House. He describes the town of Amherst including its location, its buildings, the main street, and town buildings that relate to the College such as President Heman Humphrey’s house. He then discusses the college grounds and buildings including some details about what takes place in certain buildings, such as Professor Hitchcock's (Edward Hitchcock) chemistry lectures in the laboratory. Sidney goes on to describe his room in South College and the view from the building, noting features of the surrounding area including Mount Holyoke and the Connecticut River. He describes the course of study and a typical day for students with activities such as chapel, recitations, and meals. On the last page, Sidney includes other notes to Obed, telling him that he likes the baby's name and asking Obed to remind him on what day their mother died. He also notes that it is Thanksgiving and writes of a memory of their mother. There is a typed transcript of this letter in Box 1 Folder 9 of this collection.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1837 November 29
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1839 November 18

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he writes that he has not written to or heard from Obed or their sisters and he does not know if "H. and T." are there now or at home. He discusses how he is doing, writing about his studies and saying that he rejoices now to have a little season of rest. He asks several questions regarding Obed's business. Sidney also writes regarding Amherst College, remarking on its enrollment numbers, instructors, and regulations. He notes that the sophomore class generally does all the mischief and some barbarous customs continue. Sidney discusses his health including his cataract, the health of the people at College and in the town, the number of students from Cape Cod, and the weather. He writes about Thanksgiving and how he feels about his current way of living. He goes on to ask about Obed, the health of people in Harwich, the society, the sabbath school, Harriet, Tamesin, Henry, and politics. In closing, Sidney remarks on their state of religion. H. and T. presumably stand for Harriet Newell (Brooks) and Tamesin Brooks and Henry presumably refers to Henry Cobb Brooks.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1839 November 18
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1841 June 19

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he writes regarding the system of conferring student honors at Amherst College. He writes that he was glad to hear Obed's opinion saying that Obed has hit upon the very things that he believes. Sidney writes that he does not worry on it too much as he sees so much folly and injustice in the management of the system that he feels above it all. He responds to a remark from Obed that Sidney will be the most beloved and respected by the professors, though not honored by them as much as others. Sidney says that he believes he now has sufficient evidence that this is true. In discussing this evidence, he mentions Tyler, Dr. Humphrey, and Prof. Fisk, presumably meaning William S. Tyler, Heman Humphrey, and Nathan W. Fiske. He goes on to briefly mention his classmates and fellow students and to discuss the honors conferred by the societies. Sidney writes regarding his feelings relating to honors, saying that he does not thirst for them but does want to avoid disgrace.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1841 June 19
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1840 November 7

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he writes that he feels he was getting a little unsocial as he has not written often and because he lives alone and does not talk much anywhere. He explains that he feels it is a bad habit he should break and also discusses his plans to write more. He writes that he has made religious duty consist too much in anxious musings and solitary meditation rather than in active duties. Sidney discusses his views on whether or not Saturday night should belong to the Sabbath. He also describes a spot that he likes to visit and the view from that spot, mentioning the Connecticut River, Mount Toby, Mount Sugarloaf, the College, and the village of Amherst, among other highlights. Sidney discusses his thoughts on the passing of their childhoods and of the need to spend their days in the service of God so that they may all meet together in that brighter world where God himself is. In a postscript, he asks Obed to check in with their father regarding schools.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1840 November 7
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 February 3

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which Sidney states that they have just entered a new term (at Amherst College) which they say will be the most laborious of the whole course. He responds to a previous letter from Obed, including remarking on the recent deaths in Harwich. Sidney reflects on a prior conversation in which Obed proposed Sidney take his place and they discussed the nature of happiness. Sidney also writes regarding pranks and incidents at the College including one where a straw man made to look like a professor was hung from a pole. In the following section of the letter, Sidney reflects on the words Obed shared about his present state of mind and contemplates what they should be and do, referencing Christianity and religious beliefs several times in his contemplations.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 February 3
John Lancaster transcript of Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1837 November 29

Lancaster, John, 1943-

A typed transcript created in 1978 by John Lancaster of a letter from Sidney Brooks to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. dated November 29, 1837. Sidney writes regarding Amherst and his experiences at Amherst College. He asks Obed to follow him with his disembodied spirit so that Sidney can give him a sense of the place, the College, and his college experiences. Sidney begins the virtual tour at the hotel Amherst House. He describes the town of Amherst including its location, its buildings, the main street, and town buildings that relate to the College such as President Heman Humphrey’s house. He then discusses the college grounds and buildings including some details about what takes place in certain buildings, such as Professor Hitchcock's (Edward Hitchcock) chemistry lectures in the laboratory. Sidney goes on to describe his room in South College and the view from the building, noting features of the surrounding area such as Mount Holyoke and the Connecticut River. He describes a typical day for students with activities such as chapel, recitations, and meals. On the last page, Sidney includes other notes to Obed, telling him that he likes the baby's name and asking Obed to remind him on what day their mother died. He also notes that it is Thanksgiving and writes of a memory of their mother. This document is a transcript of a letter in Box 1 Folder 2 of this collection.

John Lancaster transcript of Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1837 November 29
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1839 July 10

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he begins by explaining why he is writing on such large paper, saying that he plans to write the letter over several days. He responds to Obed's letter and says that it makes him sober to hear of their father's marriage. Sidney discusses the subject of his brother's preparations to wind up his business in Harwich. He elaborates on how this and other changes in the family circle and home neighborhood make him sad, though he says there is consolation in the religious principle that it is their duty "to be dead to the world and akin only to Christ." Sidney also writes regarding the celebration of Independence Day at Amherst College, including student processions, a band, prayer by President Humphrey (Heman Humphrey), and an oration by Dr. Gridley. He discusses the thunderstorms in Amherst and in Harwich and then writes regarding the disadvantages of college life. He goes on to ask about Obed's plans, his family affairs, Harriet, Henry, society affairs, and sabbath school. Harriet and Henry presumably refer to siblings Harriet Newell (Brooks) and Henry Cobb Brooks. In a post script, Sidney mentions a slave holder preaching in the area, noting that the man was informed of the state of feeling in the College and he declined preaching (there).

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1839 July 10