Correspondence, 1878-1886.

ArchivalResource

Washburn, John D. (John Davis), 1833-1903. Correspondence, 1878-1886.

Correspondence, 1878-1886.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/207177522

Most of the letters in this collection were written to Worcester doctor Thomas Hovey Gage (1826-1909) who was the personal physician of John Washburn. The letters pertain to Washburn's recurring bouts of mental illness. The earliest letters were written by Washburn's wife, briefly describing her husband's condition and asking for advice. Evidently Gage prescribed long trips as therapy and there are several letters pertaining to a trip, 1878-1879, to Havana which Washburn undertook escorted by several friends. The letters dating from April through June 1884 were written by Dr. Lemuel Fox Woodward (1857-1931) of Worcester who supervised a similar trip for Washburn to California. Washburn and Gage served as trustees of the Worcester Lunatic Hospital and there is some correspondence from Washburn to Gage pertaining to hospital business. There are also a few letters written to Stephen Salisbur (1835-1905), who was a good friend of Washburn, and there is a small envelope of 1878 newsclippings announcing Washburn's illness and departure for Havana.

1 folder (58 items)

American Antiquarian Society