All Items 65

Justin Perkins letter to Edward and Orra White Hitchcock, 1843 July 28

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to Edward and Orra White Hitchcock in which Perkins shares thanks from him and Mrs. P. (Charlotte Bass Perkins) to the Hitchcocks and other friends in Amherst for the box and contributions therein. He says that the letter in the portion from the north part of their parish was mislaid and he cannot remember the name of the writer, so Perkins asks that the Hitchcocks send them a note. He writes about the clothing contributions and goes on to discuss their journey back to Persia and current situation. He mentions Miss Fisk (Fiske), notes mineral specimens he has picked up which he will forward, and remarks on the damage to Khoy from an earthquake. He also thanks them for the letter and copy of Hitchcock's Geology sent to the Prince. In a postscript he provides updates on the health of their little girl and mentions the bishop.

Justin Perkins letter to Edward and Orra White Hitchcock, 1843 July 28
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Eunice Huntington, 1856 February 11

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her niece Eunice Huntington (whom she addresses as "my dear cousin"), in which Orra White describes the details of her journey back to Amherst after visiting her daughter Catharine in Cincinnati. Orra White mentions the bad weather which delayed their train, the places they stopped along the way, and the snowy weather in Amherst on her return. The corresponding envelope is included.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Eunice Huntington, 1856 February 11
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, Jr. letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1845 March 4

Hitchcock, Edward, 1828-1911

A letter to Orra White Hitchcock in which Edward Hitchcock, Jr. writes about his room at Williston Seminary and his studies there. He also describes in detail some shell specimens he "found in the canal" that he plans to send home and hopes that C.B. Adams [presumably the naturalist Charles Baker Adams], who Orra had mentioned would be coming to Amherst, will be able to identify.

Edward Hitchcock, Jr. letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1845 March 4
Orra White Hitchcock letter to unidentified recipient

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to an unidentified recipient [possibly a couple with the last name Caldwell] in which she inquires after Miss Caldwell's health and expresses concern that the "ride in the stage" was too much and that she wishes Miss Caldwell had waited a few days to depart, in order to travel with a Mr. Adams, with whom Miss Caldwell could have "talked phrenology all the way down." The letter is written on the back of a form letter about the charity fund at Amherst College, which includes a printed lithograph of the college, by Pendleton's Lithography in Boston, and describes the college and its costs. Orra White tells the recipient that if they would like similar images of Amherst College she will use the same type of paper in the future.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to unidentified recipient
Edward Hitchcock, Jr. letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1844 November 11

Hitchcock, Edward, 1828-1911

A letter to Orra White Hitchcock in which Edward Hitchcock, Jr. requests that his mother settle his school bills and discusses local politics, personnel changes at Amherst College, his improved health, and speculates about his grades for the term.

Edward Hitchcock, Jr. letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1844 November 11
L. Chapin letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1824 March 30

Chapin, L.

A letter of condolence from L. Chapin to Orra White Hitchcock upon hearing of the death of Hitchcock's 22-month-old child, Edward Hitchcock. Chapin quotes some lines that he or she believe Orra White may find comforting, which appear to be drawn from John William Cunningham's "The Velvet Cushion." Chapin also inquires after mutual acquaintances.

L. Chapin letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1824 March 30
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1853 January 10

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. in which Orra White Hitchcock writes about having heard that Edward is not feeling well, offering some advice on what he might do to feel better advising that if her suggestions are not effective that he make "a journey home." She also asks him to possibly get her some dark "wrist furs," preferably made of Siberian squirrel. She writes about other everyday matters as well.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1853 January 10
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 Edward Hitchcock, Jr.

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. in which Orra White Hitchcock writes primarily to pass along a letter the family received from his sister, Catharine Hitchcock Storrs. Orra comments on the family news and requests Edward's copy of the Saturday Springfield Republican if he still has it.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr.
George Harrison Newhall letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1849 March 6

Newhall, George Harrison, 1825-1853

A letter to Orra White Hitchcock in which George Harrison Newhall requests that Orra write to Mary Lyon on the behalf of Miss Harriett Frances Lindsey, an applicant to Mount Holyoke Seminary. Lindsey would eventually attend Mount Holyoke and also become Newhall's wife. Newhall also discusses a suggestion from Edward Hitchcock that Newhall preach in Deerfield, but he writes that he would prefer to stay in Prescott. Newhall calls Orra White "Mother Hitchcock" and signs the letter "Yr aff 'son' Harrison".

George Harrison Newhall letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1849 March 6
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Orra White Hitchcock, 1852 October 30

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Orra White Hitchcock from an unidentified correspondent whose initials appear to be C.A.B. The correspondent writes about his trek in the woods through New York as part of a company. He discusses whether or not he plans to continue in the field of engineering, and describes his experience in the forest, contrasting it to some descriptions he has heard about in Joel Tyler Headley's "The Adirondak: or, Life in the Woods."

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Orra White Hitchcock, 1852 October 30
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 a Hitchcock daughter, 1850 June

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to one of her children describing her and Edward Hitchcock's journey in Great Britain thus far. Though it is unclear which child the letter is addressed to, the content of the letter suggests that the intended recipient is either Mary Hitchcock or Catharine Hitchcock [later Storrs]. Orra White discusses Edward Hitchcock's appointment to the board of commissioners for creating an agricultural college in Massachusetts and describes the visits he must make to similar institutions in Europe as part of that board. She indicates that the trip is becoming "irksome," due in part to the effects it is having on Edward's health. She passes along messages to her other children, Emily, Charlie, Jane, and Edward Jr. saying she hopes her youngest, Emily, will benefit from Orra's absence. Orra comments on local events back home and implores her children to write and share the news. The letter is continued on "Friday morn" with descriptions of the bells chiming in honor of the anniversary of the queen's coronation. Orra goes on to describe the news she heard at the breakfast table about an incident that had taken place the evening before at Buckingham Palace in which a "respectable looking man" hit Queen Victoria with his cane. She also describes various recent social engagements including lunch at the home of Lady Lyell, wife of Sir Charles Lyell. The letter appears to be incomplete.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to a Hitchcock daughter, 1850 June
Edward Hitchcock, Jr. letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1844 July 11

Hitchcock, Edward, 1828-1911

A letter to Orra White Hitchcock in which Edward Hitchcock, Jr. writes about being sick again and inquires about his future, specifically whether he will go to college in the fall or will instead become a farmer.

Edward Hitchcock, Jr. letter to Orra White Hitchcock, 1844 July 11
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1850 November 18

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. in which Orra White Hitchcock responds to an inquiry from him about selling his two coats to get a better one. Orra advises him that the two coats will serve him better. She also informs him of his father's upcoming travel and notes that she has invited his uncles Charles and Henry Hitchcock and their wives for Thanksgiving, along with his aunt Emilia Hitchcock Billings and her husband Charles Hovey Billings.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1850 November 18
Orra White Hitchcock and Emily Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1853 February 13

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. in Boston from Orra White Hitchcock and Emily Hitchcock [Terry]. Orra writes about Edward's approaching return home, and suggests that he should make arrangements with his sister Jane to bring her home at the same time as well. She reports that "the revival in North Amherst" is of unprecedented strength. She also asks Edward to inquire about getting a picture frame, and tells him to invite the Hales [with whom Edward was staying] to visit. Emily Hitchcock adds a brief note requesting songs from a book called "Gems from the German" and suggest that Edward read an article in the February issue of Putnam's Monthly.

Orra White Hitchcock and Emily Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1853 February 13
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Deborah Fiske, 1834 May 9

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Mrs. Nathan W. Fiske [Deborah Waterman Vinal Fiske] in which Orra White Hitchcock writes about her travels with her husband from Amherst to New York City, including the weather along the way, the place they are staying, the people they have met, and how Edward Hitchcock's health is faring on the journey. Orra notes that she is anxious to receive Mrs. Fiske's letter, and sends her love and regards home to her children and friends. Orra began the letter on May 9 but added to it on May 12.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Deborah Fiske, 1834 May 9
Orra White Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1852 May 1

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. in which Orra White Hitchcock writes about everyday matters, such as the repairs she made to Edward's stockings, their May Day plans, and a recent trip to Vermont. Edward's sister Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock [later Putnam] then takes over writing, informing him of the news about the Amherst College library and about some recent disputes in the town of Amherst surrounding the construction of a train depot. She also reports on a visit by the phrenologist L.N. Fowler [Lorenzo Niles Fowler] and his assessment of the character of their mother and sisters as well as Jane. Jane also writes about some mutual acquaintances and speculates about how the Hitchcock daughters might support themselves when their father, Edward Hitchcock, retires from the presidency at Amherst College.

Orra White Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1852 May 1