Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Declining invitation to the "presentation of a silver Trumpet to the Empire Engine Co. No. 42." Sends his regards to "that glorious association of disinterested and noble hearts, the Firemen." Promises to come if he is able "and sing you a song or do something or another to assist in enlivening the latter end of the entertainment."

Would like to buy their stock in the Commercial Bank. Inquires if they will trade for bonds of the Champlain & Ogdensburgh Railroad Company or require cash. Remarks on changes in the Commercial Bank Board of Directors (which he conveys confidentially)

Elaborate dream of visitation by dead relatives and friends, where she acted as "an electrical medium." ..."the room seemed transformed into light, and all the Brothers and sisters except Sarah came to us and embraced us, talking and singing of the joys of heaven and the glories of the future existence after this earthly sleep." Has felt a spiritual presence with her and mentions going into an "internal state" where she communes with her deceased father. He has intervened to restore her son's health. "To think that my Father whose loss I have mourned so long should be the guardian of my child." Notes local excitement over spirit rappings and their incidence in her house. "Many believe and many are frightened. We think that great and glorious truths are to be brought to light."

Minutes, agreements, proposals, and accounts recorded by the committee to "superintend the building of a new Alms House on the Farm now owned by the County." Notes decisions about the size and construction of the almshouse. The Committee visited the Trenton "Lunatic Asylum" and the Newark almshouse. Met with Robert Reeves "(Architect & Builder)" and discussed plans. Notes preparing newspaper advertisements and a dispute with Reeves about whether he fulfilled his contract. Includes a copy of the contract and the bill Reeves submitted.

Authorizing Mendenhall as an agent for the Union Literary Institute, "established for the benefit of colored persons." Includes character reference and recommendation for Mendenhall. Signed by David Willcut, President, and other members of the Institute. Includes a paper seal.

Letter written from Oglethorpe College in Milledgeville, Georgia describing college life in general, the "same old round of occupations, pleasures, and duties." Describes a student riot/rebellion (February 1851) including breaking windows, firing pistols, etc. "The others took up, broke the windows of the college buildings, fired pistols & made such a noise that even the Irishmen working on the R.R. were so badly scared that they hardly dared to show their noses." Comments on local vice, including gambling. Mentions his romantic attachment, etc.

Letter from a female student, frustrated with her studies and trying to overcome feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness. "I always expect to be poor, and I never expect to know much more than I do now, for it costs so much to go to school that I can't afford it, I expect to work hard for a living as long as life lasts, to be sick and weary." Trying to cultivate a more optimistic outlook. Comments on her current boarding house, its scant library, and a desire to have more conversation and company. Contemplating moving to the South to teach, noting a young woman who is also considering the move. Mentions a young lady who teaches drawing lessons and has travelled to Europe.

Discusses opinions on the best place to hold the convention. Notes Cyrus M. Burleigh opposing Pennsylvania, believing "we had not strength for such an undertaking." If Worcester is selected, some women who travelled for the convention last year may not be able to attend. Amy Post hopes for Rochester. Her poor health will likely prevent her attendance. "I have been troubled with a constant cough for 6 mo. past, and now have quite a sore throat, occasioned in part by much speaking. Growing years also admonish me to leave some of the good causes of Reform with younger & fresher hands." Enclosing money from the sale of the Proceedings, but sales have been slow. References anti-slavery meetings and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Letter from a schoolteacher to her brother, giving him updates on their family as well as other mutual acquaintances. Comments on sewing and clothing, tending to a sick boarder, and their mother’s intent to get a new set of teeth. Allison is moving to Virginia to work with a rich gentleman on a plantation who promises “to educate him and make a gentleman of him.” Describes the situation that her and Frances are stuck in, being “in servitude, obliged to teach. it makes me sick to think of teaching anymore” Elizabeth hopes that William and John will get rich to allow Frances to quit teaching. Elizabeth expects to be married to Mr. Chase within a year or two depending on if he prospers in California and hopes that she will be able to retire from teaching as well. “I go into school each morning as I would go into a dentist’s room for some operation to be performed.” Describes wanting to have more time to write letters and requests that this letter also be sent to John because she will not have time to write another one for him specifically.

Letter to violin maker in German. No translation.