William F. Hutchinson Letterbook, 1865-1867: Finding Aid

Biography of William F. Hutchinson

William F. Hutchinson, was born in October 1838 in New York State. Hutchinson joined the United States Navy in 1863 and was appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon, 28 April 1863, Acting Passed Assistant Surgeon 4 August 1865 and was honorably discharged 3 July 1868. He served aboard the U.S.S. Genesee (Side-wheel steamer) and the newly recommissioned U.S.S. Onward (Clipper-ship). In addition to his service in the U.S. Navy, Hutchinson also served as a surgeon in the U.S. Army with the rank of Major.

Hutchinson, and two other military surgeons who, like Hutchinson, were Union veterans of the Civil War, founded the Rhode Island Grand Army of the Republic, Arnold Post No. 4 (chartered 1879). William F. Hutchinson was the organization's first Post Commander (1879) and was also Commander in 1880, 1889 and 1890. Following his retirement from military service, Hutchinson also authored works on traveling in tropical climates, including Under the Southern Cross: A Guide to the Sanitariums and Other Charming Places in the West Indies and Spanish Main. William F. Hutchinson died September 30, 1893.

Description of Contents

The William F. Hutchinson Letterbook covers the period of 16 August 1865 through 10 May 1867 and consists of Hutchinson's official correspondence during his tenure as the Acting Passed Assistant Surgeon aboard the U.S.S. Onward (Clipper-ship) which served as storeship with the Brazil Squadron and the South Atlantic Squadron. The correspondence notes the Onward as briefly at the Navy Yard, New York, then stationed at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, returning to the Navy Yard, New York in the spring of 1867. Much of the correspondence concerns requisitions of medical supplies, physical exams for enlistees, medical surveys of U.S. Navy personnel and appointments to U.S. Navy medical posts. Also included among the correspondence are U.S. Navy hygiene regulations for tropical climates.

Arrangement

The entries within the William F. Hutchinson Letterbook are arranged chronologically.

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The William F. Hutchinson Letterbook is the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Harris and Margaretta Colt in October 2001. Accession No. 01-23.

Related Materials

Related Archival Material

William F. Hutchinson's military personnel file may be available at the National Archives and Records Administration.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

William F. Hutchinson Letterbook, MS 371

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Mary R. Catalfamo in 2004. Finding aid written by Mary R. Catalfamo in 2004 and edited by David D'Onofrio in July 2013.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Hutchinson, William Francis, 1838-1893
• Onward (Clipper-ship)
• United States. Navy -- Medical care
• United States. Navy. South Atlantic Squadron

Genre Terms

• Letter books
• Manuscripts