All Items 5

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, 1838 December 20

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his father Obed Brooks in which he writes regarding his health and related expenses. He states that he trusts his sickness is about done with, and he now begins to consider himself as well as anyone can expect to be after recovering from this type of illness. He elaborates on how he is feeling lately, and then goes on to discuss the expenses relating to his illness. He discusses particular bills including payment to a classmate, Mr. Hutchinson, who attended to him after Mr. Eaton had left and before Harriet came, doctor's bills, several bills to Mr. Sandford who owns the boarding house, the club bill, and the college bill. Presumably Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Eaton refer to classmates Prosper Kimball Hutchinson and Joseph Eaton and Harriet stands for Harriet Newell (Brooks). The identity of Mr. Sandford has not been determined. There is a typed transcript of this letter in Box 1 Folder 9 of this collection.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1838 December 20
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., 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
John Lancaster 1978 transcript of Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1838 December 20

Lancaster, John, 1943-

A typed transcript created in 1978 by John Lancaster of a letter from Sidney Brooks to his father Obed Brooks dated December 20, 1838. Sidney writes regarding his health and related expenses. He states that he trusts his sickness is about done with, and he now begins to consider himself as well as anyone can expect to be after recovering from this type of illness. He elaborates on how he is feeling lately, and then goes on to discuss the expenses relating to his illness. He discusses particular bills including payment to a classmate, Mr. Hutchinson, who attended to him after Mr. Eaton had left and before Harriet came, doctor's bills, several bills to Mr. Sandford who owns the boarding house, the club bill, and the college bill. Presumably Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Eaton refer to classmates Prosper Kimball Hutchinson and Joseph Eaton and Harriet stands for Harriet Newell (Brooks). The identity of Mr. Sandford has not been determined. This document is a transcript of a letter in Box 1 Folder 3 of this collection.

John Lancaster 1978 transcript of Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1838 December 20