All Items 10

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
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
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
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
Catharine Hitchcock letter to Mary March, 1848 September 23

Storrs, Catharine H., 1825-1895

A letter to a Mrs. Mary March from Catharine Hitchcock (daughter of Edward Hitchcock, later Catherine Hitchcock Storrs), who at the time of writing was unmarried and signed her name "Kate Hitchcock." Catharine writes about her visit to Mrs. March's home and says she hopes Mrs. March will visit her in Amherst soon. Catharine also writes about autumn in Amherst and describes the difference in fall foliage as compared to the seaside, as well as writing about mutual friends, her more recent travels, and sends her love to Mrs. March and others.

Catharine Hitchcock letter to Mary March, 1848 September 23
Edward Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock and Catharine H. Storrs, 1844 May 12

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter to Mary Hitchcock and Catharine H. Storrs in which Edward Hitchcock writes about his trip to Washington, D.C. for a meeting of the Association of American Geologists and Naturalists. He discusses a recent railroad accident and mobs in Philadelphia, as well as what he has seen of slavery in Washington and other aspects of the city.

Edward Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock and Catharine H. Storrs, 1844 May 12