All Items 29

Amherst College in 1821: South College

Hitchcock, Mary, 1824-1899

A drawing of Amherst College's South College by Mary Hitchcock, possibly pencil and featuring some ink wash, depicting South College, the old church, and horse sheds, with two trees in the center of the image and fenced fields. Caption is in Edward Hitchcock, Jr.'s hand. The sketch is housed in a mat for conservation.

Amherst College in 1821: South College
Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1847 April 1

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward and Orra White Hitchcock to their children, addressed to their daughter Mary Hitchcock. Edward Hitchcock has written the letter and has signed it for himself and Orra White. The letter explains their plans to leave New York for Philadelphia on their way to Richmond, Virginia, describes the weather in New York during their stay, and asks Edward Hitchcock, Jr. to pass along information about his medical treatment to the doctor in Amherst.

Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1847 April 1
Edward Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward Hitchcock to his children in which Hitchcock writes about his and Orra White Hitchcock's trip from Scotland back to London. He describes Edinburgh and the countryside between the two cities in detail, and explains their plans to travel on the continent and when they may start their journey home. He also describes several scholars he has met and writes that he is weary of traveling and wishes his children could switch places with him. On the final page he writes a poem about being separated from loved ones.

Edward Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12
Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children in which she writes about how she imagines the Amherst College commencement went and that she longs to hear more about it. She admits that she has not ventured onto the streets of London much in the past few days and expects that her children would take greater advantage of the experience of travel and she hopes that someday they will have the opportunity, at an age when they are not "so nearly worn out" as she and their father are. She describes her experience at the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in Edinburgh, which she enjoyed more than she expected, and notes that she attended all of the public meetings and heard many of the papers. She comments on the notable scientists she saw much of at the meeting, including David Brewster, Sir Roderick Murchison, Professor [Robert] Jameson, and Dr. [Gideon] Mantell. Orra also inquires about things at home and remarks that both she and Edward are cheered by the prospect of returning home, although they dread the voyage across the ocean and "try to feel that the same Almighty power is able to carry" them back safely.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12
Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1849 July 16

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Mary Hitchcock in New Lebanon Springs, New York in which Edward Hitchcock writes about Mary undergoing "hydropathic treatment" and discusses some of his recent travels and potential travel plans. Orra White Hitchcock describes in detail a cactus plant of Mary's that is blooming and the hot weather and severe drought in Amherst. She shares some neighborhood news, and mentions a party the Hitchcocks attended at the home of James Kellogg. Orra goes on to also describe a visit she and Edward had from an Ojibwa couple, who attended chapel with them in the morning. In the afternoon the husband of the couple, Cawshawgance, lectured on temperance.

Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1849 July 16
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock, 1850 July 28

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children, directed to "Mary and Jane in particular & the rest in general." Much of the letter is devoted to expressing her desire for more frequent letters and news, no matter how mundane, from her children. She also offers each of her children advice and direction about their individual endeavours. She reports on their father's ill health and her hope that the weather will be warmer when they reach "the continent." Orra inquires about things at home, initially scolding Kate for not writing, but relenting after receiving a letter from her a couple of days later. Orra describes her travel with her husband(accompanied, at times, by their friends the Tappans) throughout Ireland and Scotland in great detail, focusing especially on Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. She writes extensively about their modes of travel, the landscape, the people, and the houses and dress. She shares her method for dealing with the many persistent "beggars" she encounters on the streets of Ireland, which is to go out with food in her pockets and when asked for money give out pieces of bread. She ends with a brief description of the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science which she and Edward attended in Edinburgh. The letter was begun on July 28, 1850, with portions added over the next few days, with the final portion being written on August 1, 1850.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock, 1850 July 28
Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 23

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children, addressed to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. She writes about the many "inconveniences and perplexities" they have experienced as a result of not knowing the languages spoken in the countries they have traveled through. She goes on to describe her and Edward Hitchcock's journey across the English Channel, through France and Belgium and into Germany. Although noting the "continual trouble & vexation & imposition & extortion" they have encountered, Orra acknowledges that the countries they have traveled through have "in general been truly delightful." She goes on to describe the cathedrals and convents they visited, and remarks on the beauty of the scenery on the Rhine. She ends with birthday wishes for her son Charlie.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 23
Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1843 August 22

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward and Orra White Hitchcock to their children (except for Jane, who traveled with them until Charlemont), addressed to their son Edward Hitchcock, Jr. Edward Hitchcock has written the letter and has signed it for himself and Orra White. The letter informs their children of their travels from Amherst, Massachusetts to Saratoga Springs, New York, commenting on their time in the Massachusetts towns of Charlemont, Zoar, and Florida, and describing their time in Saratoga Springs thus far.

Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1843 August 22
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1843 September 23

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Mary Hitchcock in Troy, New York, in which Orra White Hitchcock primarily inquires about Mary's journey from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Albany, New York. She also writes about a visit from Professor [Benjamin] Sillman and his daughter, and everyday news from home.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1843 September 23
Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1848 August 18

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward and Orra White Hitchcock to their children, addressed to their daughter Mary Hitchcock. Edward Hitchcock writes of their experiences in Maine, both in Wells Beach and in Newburyport. He complains of the cold weather noting that he has "put on all the winter clothes" he brought along but still cannot get warm. He requests they send copies of pamphlets relating to the new cabinet and observatory of Amherst College, both to him and some other people mentioned. Orra writes that she is glad of cooler weather and describes an excursion to Plum Island and "the greatest frolic you could imagine" in the water. She also mentions her wish to collect some seaweed specimens to bring home.

Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1848 August 18
Orra White Hitchcock and Catharine Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1843 December 18

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Mary Hitchcock in Troy, New York in which Orra White Hitchcock writes about everyday matters, sharing news of members of the family, the health of Orra and her husband Edawrd, Kate's (Mary's sister Catharine Hitchcock, later Storrs) participation in the "juvenile sewing circle" and her own weekly meetings with the "sewing society," as well as Mary's upcoming visit home. She comments positively on several of the acquaintances Mary has made in Troy, but notes that Mary has not discussed whether or not the family she boards with are "pious people." Orra encourages Mary to continue with daily prayer and if ever in the company of irreligious people to remain steadfast in her belief and show that she regards it the great "object of living to prepare for eternity." Kate adds a small portion to the letter in pencil, requesting a letter from her sister and Mary French soon.

Orra White Hitchcock and Catharine Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1843 December 18
Emily Jessup letter to three Hitchcock sisters, 1863 June 4

Jessup, Emily, 1824-1893

A letter of condolence from Emily Jessup to three of Edward and Orra White Hitchcock's daughters upon the death of their mother. Jessup comments on the kindness Edward and Orra White Hitchcock showed to her, comments on her own health and on how some mutual friends are faring, and inquires after Edward Hitchcock's health.

Emily Jessup letter to three Hitchcock sisters, 1863 June 4
Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 September 18

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children in which she explains how tired she has become of travel and sightseeing although she remarks on the splendor of Mont Blanc. She briefly mentions some of the other sights she and Edward Hitchcock have visited in Paris and their plans to visit more. She writes of her longing to reach home and dread of the return trip by boat.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 September 18
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, August 2

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Mary Hitchcock in which Orra White Hitchcock discusses travel arrangements for Mary's trip home to Amherst from Westchester, Connecticut.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock, August 2
Hannah Tappan letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1863 June 20

Hitchcock, Mary, 1824-1899

A letter of condolence from Hannah Tappan on the behalf of herself and her husband, John Tappan, to Mary Hitchcock upon hearing of the death of Orra White Hitchcock. Hannah and John Tappan were good friends of the Hitchcocks and traveled with them in Europe, and Tappan notes their long friendship in the letter. She sends her sympathies to Mary, Edward, and the rest of the family, and expresses her concern for Edward Hitchcock's poor health. The letter is signed "H. Tappan." It has been inferred that this refers to Hannah Tappan.

Hannah Tappan letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1863 June 20
Emily Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock

Terry, Emily Hitchcock, 1838-1921

An undated letter to Mary Hitchcock (Edward Hitchcock's daughter) in which her sister Emily Hitchcock (later Emily Hitchcock Terry) writes a few lines about being on vacation from school, about visitors the family has recently had, and about her brother Edward being sick. Emily also inquires into how Mary is doing in Boston.

Emily Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock
Mary Hitchcock botanical scrapbook and calling card to Sarah J. Cowles

Hitchcock, Mary, 1824-1899

Two items sent by Mary Hitchcock to Sarah J. Cowles in Amherst. One item is Mary Hitchcock's calling card with a pressed plant that appears to be seaweed. Along with her name, "Hanover, N.H." appears on the card. The other item is a booklet of pressed plants (again, all apparently different types of seaweed), tied together with yellow ribbon and folded accordian-style. One of the specimens appears to have a starfish at the bottom of it.

Mary Hitchcock botanical scrapbook and calling card to Sarah J. Cowles
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Mary Hitchcock, 1847 November

Hitchcock, Mary, 1824-1899

A letter from a Mr. Harrison(?) (whose first name is illegible) to Mary Hitchcock. The sender writes from Andover Theological Seminary, writing mostly about the suicide of Mr. Bennett (the Reverend Joseph Bennett) and its terrible impact on his children, Joseph and Mary Bennett. He also discusses Mary's sister Kate (Catharine), asking Mary to make up with Kate for him, as he has apparently offended her in some way. He also describes his rooms at the seminary and discusses religious subjects.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Mary Hitchcock, 1847 November
Sarah Tuckerman letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1864 February 29

Tuckerman, Sarah Eliza Sigourney

A letter in which Sarah Tuckerman expresses her sympathies to Mary Hitchcock for the loss of her father.

Sarah Tuckerman letter to Mary Hitchcock, 1864 February 29
Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Nahum Gale, 1838 September 10

Amherst Academy (Amherst, Mass.)

A receipt of payment from Nahum Gale to Edward Hitchcock for Mary Hitchcock's tuition at Amherst Academy.

Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Nahum Gale, 1838 September 10