Artifacts & Documents: Manuscripts

Edward's Love Note to Orra Suggesting a Tryst

zoomable artifact image here

Dig Deeper

In 1820, when this note was written, Edward Hitchcock and Orra White were courting and would wed in 1821. Here, Edward craftily suggests a late night meeting with a cover story: if Orra is willing, she can say that she is visiting Charissa Dickinson, for "Friend John understands the plot" and will deliver Orra to Edward instead. Orra must have cherished this note, as she saved it for the rest of her life.

Creator:
Edward Hitchcock
Date:
1820
Courtesy of:
Edward and Orra White Hitchcock Papers, Amherst College Archives and Special Collections, Amherst College Library