All Items 20 Collection 1 Archives & Special Collections 20 Contributor 12 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 20 Amherst College 19 Amherst College. Board of Trustees 3 Collegiate Institution (Amherst, Mass.) 1 Dickinson, Edward, 1803-1874 1 Doane, Elisha, -1848 1 Fiske, N. W. (Nathan Welby), 1798-1847 1 Harris, John M. (John Milton), 1806-1877 1 Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864 1 Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863 1 Lockwood, Amos D. 1 Russell, Herbert John, 1855-1934 1 show more 7 show fewer Location 2 Amherst 14 Massachusetts 14 Topic 11 Finance 19 History 19 Educational fund raising 14 Funds and scholarships 14 Correspondence 7 Faculty 5 Salaries, etc. 3 Alumni and alumnae 1 Christian universities and colleges 1 Death and burial 1 Family 1 show more 6 show fewer Part Of 2 Amherst College Early History Collection 19 Edward and Orra White Hitchcock Papers 1 Genre 13 Correspondence 8 Reports 7 Drafts (documents) 6 Form letters 4 Circular letters 2 Circulars (fliers) 2 Manuscripts for publication 2 Plans (reports) 2 Account books 1 Booklets 1 Notes 1 Promissory notes 1 Receipts (financial records) 1 show more 8 show fewer Joseph Vaill memorandum with details regarding subscribers to Amherst College funds, 1841-1844 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, booklet labeled as "Private Memorandum Amherst College" with details regarding subscribers to Amherst College funds and their subscriptions. Included in the booklet are mentions of "Book No. 1" and "Book No. 2," presumably other account books, and there are notes in which Vaill clarifies certain details in those books with information included in this booklet. Details provided include donor names, amounts of subscriptions, notes on donors or their subscriptions such as when he can call on a subscriber again, and often the residence of donors. In a note on the back of the booklet Vaill states that there is little hope of making up their subscription fund unless the times become more favorable. The information in the booklet likely pertains to the one hundred thousand dollar subscription fund. Joseph Vaill memorandum with details regarding subscribers to Amherst College funds, 1841-1844 Joseph Vaill drafts of report as General Agent of Amherst College, 1842 August Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, drafts of his August 1842 report regarding his role as Agent to procure funds for the College. Vaill discusses his decision-making process regarding his acceptance of his role as Agent and mentions his resignation from his pastoral charge in Brimfield. He writes regarding his endeavors as General Agent, providing details on his journeys across the state to secure subscriptions for various College funds. Vaill describes some particular subscriptions, discusses communications to the public to promote the College, describes a period when he was unable to perform most of his duties as his wife was ill, discusses the general feelings in the state regarding the College, and details specific financial expenses and incomes, especially in regards to subscription funds. Vaill also writes regarding an endowment for a professorship for which the alumni are attempting to raise money and notes that he has heard dissatisfaction from alumni regarding the present organization of the board of instruction and discipline at the school. Joseph Vaill drafts of report as General Agent of Amherst College, 1842 August Joseph Vaill form letter to John Milton Harris, 1841 November Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, form letter addressed to John M. Harris in which Vaill writes as the General Agent of Amherst College to advise the alumni of the Corporation's plans and efforts for the College and to ask them for aid. Vaill explains the efforts that the Corporation is taking to relieve the College from its pecuniary embarrassments, including his agency. He discusses particular endowments and subscription funds such as one fund that could possibly be named the Alumni Professorship. He asks for recipients to reply to this communication and in a postscript notes that the communication has been sent unpaid in the belief that those addressed will be willing to save the College the expense. It has been determined that John M. Harris refers to John Milton Harris. Joseph Vaill form letter to John Milton Harris, 1841 November Joseph Vaill letter to Nathan Welby Fiske, 1844 December 21 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and Agent of Amherst College, letter to Professor Fiske, presumably Nathan W. Fiske, in which Vaill writes regarding the recent acceptance by the Board of Trustees of the proposals submitted to them by a committee of the acting professors, a copy of which he states is herewith transmitted to Fiske. Vaill notes that one of the Trustee votes proposes that the immediate adoption of the plan, and he explains the reasons for this decision. In doing so, he discusses the College debts, the current subscription fund, explains why the faculty should make this sacrifice now and effects on President Heman Humphrey, and notes that the successor for the presidency has been chosen from among the faculty. In closing, Vaill writes regarding how Professor Warner (Aaron Warner) may feel about the proposal. The enclosure Vaill mentions no longer accompanies this item. Joseph Vaill letter to Nathan Welby Fiske, 1844 December 21 Joseph Vaill report as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Board of Trustees, 1843 August 8 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, report submitted to the Board of Trustees at their meeting on August 8, 1843 in which Vaill writes regarding his work as the General Agent charged with procuring funds for the College. He notes difficulties he has faced in this role and discusses the monetary amount of new subscriptions obtained this year compared to last year. He discusses his work as Agent since the last annual meeting, describing his travels throughout the state and subscriptions he obtained for the College. He notes specific financial amounts collected and paid and the amount of the subscription for the endowment for a professorship led by the alumni. Vaill also writes regarding specific unnamed donors such as some who have put the College in their wills. He discusses obstacles to procuring donations and states that it us up to the Board to decide how to reduce expenses. He writes that a plan will be submitted by the Executive Committee for their consideration. Vaill also discusses his work as Agent regarding college buildings and grounds. Joseph Vaill report as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Board of Trustees, 1843 August 8 Joseph Vaill report to the Trustees of Amherst College, 1848 August Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and former General Agent of Amherst College, statement read to the Trustees of the College in which Vaill writes that it has now been twenty-seven years since he was elected to the Board of Trustees of Amherst Academy to whom was entrusted the Collegiate Institution (Amherst College). He discusses his history as a Board member and the history of attempts to obtain pecuniary aid, such as subscription funds. Vaill goes on to describe the August 1841 Trustee meeting and writes regarding his decision to accept the appointment of General Agent, his work in that role, and details regarding particular income and expenses. He expresses his joy that the College has now been brought into a state of prosperity. Included with the statement is the General Agent's report on the one hundred thousand dollar subscription fund with details on the amounts of that fund and agency expenses. The donation made by David Sears is among the amounts included. Joseph Vaill report to the Trustees of Amherst College, 1848 August Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Board of Trustees, 1842 December 27 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, statement to the Board of Trustees at their meeting on December 27, 1842 in which Vaill writes regarding his work as Agent. He describes the agency duties set forth by the Prudential Committee. Vaill provides details as to improvements he has helped to make relating to college buildings and grounds and writes regarding his work to secure funds for the College, mentioning particular subscription funds and endowments. He notes details from the last Treasurer's report and writes of expenses and College debts. Vaill goes on to discuss obstacles to obtaining subscriptions and proposes ideas for reducing College expenses and increasing income, particularly noting student enrollment. He mentions the American Education Society, former students speaking disrespectfully of the institution, and the unpopularity of some of the faculty. He requests that the Board inquire into this last matter. Vaill expresses his belief that the College can prosper and grow with effort. Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Board of Trustees, 1842 December 27 Joseph Vaill report to the Trustees of Amherst College, 1847 July 5 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and former General Agent of Amherst College, statement read to the Trustees of the College in which Vaill writes that it has now been twenty-seven years since he was elected to the Board of Trustees of Amherst Academy to whom was entrusted the Collegiate Institution (Amherst College). He discusses his history as a Board member and the history of attempts to obtain pecuniary aid, such as subscription funds. Vaill goes on to describe the August 1841 Trustee meeting and writes regarding his decision to accept the appointment of General Agent, his work in that role, and details regarding particular income and expenses. The text of this document is similar to the report Vaill gave in August 1848 also in Box 6 Folder 12 of this collection, and this document may have been an earlier draft of that report. Included with this document is a statement dated July 5, 1847 concerning the one hundred thousand dollar subscription fund with details on the amounts of that fund and agency expenses. The donation made by David Sears is among the amounts included. Joseph Vaill report to the Trustees of Amherst College, 1847 July 5 Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Executive Committee of the Trustees, 1844 November Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, statement submitted to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees in which Vaill writes regarding his views on the present state and future prospects of the College. He discusses his role serving as General Agent and references the subscription books and the books of Treasurer. Vaill writes about whether or not the agency should be continued and for how long. He also discusses current debts, subscription funds, proposed endowments, and expenses of the College and of his agency. He proposes that a plan must be adopted to bring the annual expenses within the annual income, saying that he has learned that the professors have drawn up a plan presenting the conditions on which they will give instruction for a limited period at an expense that does not exceed the income of the institution. He goes on to discuss this plan and financial future of the College and writes regarding the process of appointing a new college president. A note on the back of the document states "General Agent Statement to the Prudential Committee" and includes the date. Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Executive Committee of the Trustees, 1844 November Joseph Vaill letter to Elisha Doane, 1843 July 15, with circular Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill letter to Elisha Doane written on a circular and form letter. In the handwritten letter, Vaill appeals to Doane specifically as a man of wealth and Christian benevolence and asks him to peruse the included documents and then favor Vaill with a personal interview. In the printed form letter, Joseph Vaill writes as the appointed General Agent of Amherst College and asks recipients to donate to the College by subscription. The form letter is dated October 1, 1841 but a handwritten edit dates it as October 1, 1842. The circular is dated October 1841 and is written by a Committee of the Trustees of Amherst College: Heman Humphrey, William B. Banister, Samuel T. Armstrong, William B. Calhoun, and George Grennell. In the circular, the Committee discusses the financial history of the College including the Charity Fund. They explain current debts and financial needs and ask for aid, noting that the Trustees are attempting to raise a sum of one hundred thousand dollars. Joseph Vaill letter to Elisha Doane, 1843 July 15, with circular Joseph Vaill letter to Edward Dickinson, 1845 April 3 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and Agent of Amherst College, letter to Edward Dickinson in which Vaill replies to a letter from Dickinson and writes regarding Dr. Gridley's subscription to an Amherst College fund and a claim Gridley has upon the College. He notes that he has no recollection of any understanding between Gridley and himself made when Gridley made his subscription. Joseph Vaill letter to Edward Dickinson, 1845 April 3 Joseph Vaill letter to Amos D. Lockwood, 1844 October 18 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee of Amherst College, letter to Amos D. Lockwood including a receipt for Lockwood's one hundred dollar payment of his subscription for the benefit of Amherst College. The receipt is included at the top of the page, and in the letter below Vaill thanks Lockwood for his generous subscription in aid of the College. Joseph Vaill letter to Amos D. Lockwood, 1844 October 18 Joseph Vaill letter to Herbert John Russell, 1841 October 1, with circular Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 A printed form letter in which Joseph Vaill writes as the appointed General Agent of Amherst College and asks recipients to donate to the College by subscription. The circular included is dated October 1841 and is written by a Committee of the Trustees of Amherst College: Heman Humphrey, William B. Banister, Samuel T. Armstrong, William B. Calhoun, and George Grennell. In the circular, the Committee discusses the financial history of the College including the Charity Fund. They explain current debts and financial needs and ask for aid, noting that the Trustees are attempting to raise a sum of one hundred thousand dollars. The letter is addressed to Mr. Russell (presumably Herbert John Russell). Joseph Vaill letter to Herbert John Russell, 1841 October 1, with circular Joseph Vaill draft of form letter, 1843 December Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, handwritten draft of a form letter titled "Further Appeal in Behalf of Amherst College" in which Vaill notes an accompanying circular and addresses the recipients, appealing to them to subscribe to a fund to support the College and thus sustain the interests of evangelical religion. He writes that Amherst College is a college raised for the express purpose of maintaining the cause of evangelical health, sound doctrine, and pure religion. He elaborates on the school, especially in regards to this evangelical mission, calling attention to the pastoral and missionary work of many of its alumni. Vaill ask the recipients to give to the College. Notes after Vaill's signature state "500 copies" and "800 - copies Large." Joseph Vaill draft of form letter, 1843 December Draft of Amherst College Board of Trustees circular and Joseph Vaill form letter, 1843 December Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 A handwritten draft of a circular in which the Trustees of Amherst College make a statement and appeal to the Christian community for aid for the College. They discuss the history of Amherst College, number and status its alumni, campus, course of instruction and faculty, location, and financial history and current situation. They explain that they are attempting to raise a sum of one hundred thousand dollars by subscription and ask for aid from friends of the College. They mention Reverend Joseph Vaill and money raised by the alumni for the endowment of a professorship. They write regarding the importance of raising the remainder of the fund by a certain date as some of the subscriptions are conditional. Following the draft of the circular is a form letter signed by Vaill written in the same hand as the draft. In the letter, Vaill mentions the foregoing circular and asks permission to call on the recipient in due time with the hope that they will donate to the fund. A note on the back of this document states "copy for the printer." Draft of Amherst College Board of Trustees circular and Joseph Vaill form letter, 1843 December Joseph Vaill draft of a plan for the organization of the faculty Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, statement in which Vaill proposes a plan for a new organization of the faculty including the potential new College President. Presumably Vaill proposed this plan to the Board of Trustees. Vaill describes his plan for the organization, mentioning Professor Hitchcock (Edward Hitchcock), various College departments, the College church, and Professor Charles U. Shepard, and Reverend Lyman Coleman. In elaborating on his plan, Vaill gives specific attention to its effects on the College expenses. A note at the end of the document states "Plan for the organization of the Faculty." Joseph Vaill's name is not included on this item, but it is attributed to him based on the finding aid. There is another version of this document with slight alterations also in Box 6 Folder 11 of this collection. Joseph Vaill draft of a plan for the organization of the faculty Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the faculty, 1844 November Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, statement and suggestions submitted to the faculty of the College in which Vaill writes regarding the results of his efforts as the General Agent for the last three years in aiming to procure funds for Amherst College. He references the subscription books and the books of Treasurer and provides details on the one hundred thousand dollar subscription fund and the expenses and salary of the Agent. He remarks on the debt of the College, provides information on income of the College, and discusses the future of the agency and its role in procuring contributions from the public. He goes on to emphasize the need reduce College expenses, and proposes that faculty reduce their salaries, discussing a plan to this effect. In doing so, he mentions Professor Shepard (presumably Charles U. Shepard) and the College President Heman Humphrey. Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the faculty, 1844 November Joseph Vaill draft of a plan for the organization of the faculty Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, statement in which Vaill proposes a plan for a new organization of the faculty including the potential new College President. Presumably Vaill proposed this plan to the Board of Trustees. Vaill describes his plan for the organization, mentioning Professor Hitchcock (Edward Hitchcock), various College departments, the College church, and Professor Charles U. Shepard, and Reverend Lyman Coleman. In elaborating on his plan, Vaill gives specific attention to its effects on the College expenses. A note at the end of the document states "Plan for the organization of the Faculty." Joseph Vaill's name is not included on this item, but it is attributed to him based on the finding aid. There is another version of this document with slight alterations also in Box 6 Folder 11 of this collection. Joseph Vaill draft of a plan for the organization of the faculty Jonathan Strong subscription promissory note, 1827 November 21 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 Jonathan Strong promissory note in which he subscribes to the fund commonly known as the Thirty Thousand Dollar Subscription. Strong pledges to pay the Trustees of Amherst College twenty five dollars either in one year from September 1, 1827 or in two years from that date with interest after one year. It is noted that this subscription is towards the raising of thirty thousand dollars in aid of Amherst College and that this obligation is void should the full sum of thirty thousand dollars not be subscribed on or before June 1 next year. It is also noted that the document is signed and sealed in the presence of Joseph Vaill, whose signature is on the item. Jonathan Strong subscription promissory note, 1827 November 21 Joseph Vaill letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1863 June 17 Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869 A letter of condolence to Edward Hitchcock from Joseph Vaill upon the death of Orra White Hitchcock. Vaill expresses his grief for Hitchcock, knowing how much he relied upon Orra for support. Joseph Vaill letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1863 June 17
