William F. Hutchinson Letterbook, 1865-1867: Finding Aid
Published in July 2013
Summary Information
- Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
- Publisher Address:
589 McNair Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
Phone: 410-293-6917
https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php - Call number: MS 371
- Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
- Title: William F. Hutchinson Letterbook
- Dates: 1865-1867
- Size: 0.04 linear feet
- Container Summary: 1 folder containing 1 volume
- Creator: Hutchinson, William Francis, 1838-1893
- Language(s) of material: English
- Abstract: William F. Hutchinson was a doctor who served as a surgeon in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army for the Union during the Civil War. 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.
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