All Items 11

Justin Perkins letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1864 January 1

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to Edward Hitchcock in which Perkins says that he should have written him since hearing of the death of his wife (Orra White Hitchcock) but the notices of his poor health made it seem doubtful that any letter would ever reach him. Perkins writes that he is glad to learn that Hitchcock is lecturing in the college and has published a new book. He gives Hitchcock condolences on the loss of his wife and congratulations on his restoration to health. He reports on his own health and his loneliness due to being separated from his wife. He writes about his wife (Charlotte Bass Perkins) and provides updates on his missionary work and the current suffering of the Nestorians from want of food.

Justin Perkins letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1864 January 1
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
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
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
Edward Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1859 February 27

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., in which Edward Hitchcock expresses his regret that Hitchcock, Jr. may be in ill health as a result of chemical poisoning. He also writes that he and his wife Orra White Hitchcock are both unwell as well. Hitchcock includes a long postscript about a porcupine and several other animals he is studying.

Edward Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1859 February 27
Edward Hitchcock letter to Henry J. Van-Lennep, 1863 April 30

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter to Henry J. Van-Lennep in which Edward Hitchcock belatedly expresses his thanks to Van-Lennep for sending him "The Oriental Album." Hitchcock describes his reaction to receiving the gift. He also explains that he and Orra White Hitchcock have both been ill for the past several weeks.

Edward Hitchcock letter to Henry J. Van-Lennep, 1863 April 30
Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1839 January 8

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter to Benjamin Silliman in which Edward Hitchcock discusses some recent health problems, his inability to complete his final report on the geology of Massachsuetts, and inquires about Gideon Mantell's "Wonders of Geology."

Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1839 January 8
Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1863 August 26

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter to Benjamin Silliman in which Edward Hitchcock thanks Silliman for his condolences on Orra White Hitchcock's death and discusses his own ill health. Hitchcock writes that despite his failing health he has been able to edit a book he wrote a few years ago titled "Reminiscences of Amherst College." Silliman has written on the final page of the letter that it is likely Hitchcock's last letter to him "as he is in extreme ill health and over 70."

Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1863 August 26
Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1825

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter to Benjamin Silliman in which Edward Hitchcock says that he has written nothing new for the Journal of American Science, and writes that he is struggling with his professional duties as a minister due to his health. Hitchcock is distressed but says he does not know what else to do or how else to support his family.

Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1825
Edward Hitchcock diary, 1828 May 24

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

Some reflections by Edward Hitchcock on his thirty-fifth birthday in which Hitchcock expresses his wonder that he has lived to thirty-five with his poor health and also how little he has served God. He also describes what he hopes to achieve with his life, claiming he expects to earn only a small living but hopes to support his family enough that they should not be destitute if he were to die. He reflects upon the first of his sons, Edward Hitchcock, Jr., and writes a consecration prayer for him. Hitchcock, Jr., has noted on the final page that these pages include reflections and a consecrating prayer written the day after his own birth.

Edward Hitchcock diary, 1828 May 24
Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1863 May 7

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter to Benjamin Silliman in which Edward Hitchcock reminisces about his and Silliman's early friendship. Hitchcock also discusses his poor health, some work he has recently done for the geological cabinet at Amherst College, lobbying he did to the Massachusetts Legislature for funding for the natural history department, and a stuffed gorrilla with its skeleton he obtained for the college's cabinet. Additionally, Hitchcock mentions that Orra White Hitchcock is ill with pneumonia. The envelope associated with this letter is included.

Edward Hitchcock letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1863 May 7