Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterFinding Aid Authors: Peter Klicker, SCRC Staff.
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Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Minnie A. Hill Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Purchase, 2007.
Processing and finding aid completed by Peter Klicker, SCRC staff, in 2010.
Minnie A. Hill began her tenure at the National Freedman's Relief Association in 1865, receiving her initial commission to serve as a teacher in Petersburg, Virginia. It appears she previously taught at a school in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1866, the Freedman's Union Commission reappointed Hill to another one year term. In 1867, the Commission appointed Hill as principal of a school on Pocahontas Island in Petersburg, where she served until at least 1869. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .
This collection consists of letters from supervisors or sponsors to Minnie A. Hill, a northern female teacher, who was in Norfolk and then Petersburg, Virginia teaching at freedmen's schools in the late 1860s.
Items are arranged chronologically with each item housed in an individual folder within a larger collection folder.
Responding to previous correspondence, pledge of assistance (books, papers, etc.), mention of compensation, description of church.
Answering request for stationery, clothing and books; promise of assistance, words of encouragement.
Instructions for trip to New York.
Certificate of commission for NFRA, description of censure policy, rules and regulations.
Instructions for shipping of clothing, discussion of appropriations, mentions need to consult with Barnes? on legal matter, requests reply, mentions need for M. Whiting? to consult the Committee.
Notification of reappointment as teacher, instructions for trip to New York.
Certificate of commission for AFUC, one year appointment.
Mentions invoice of materials sent to M.A. Hill for herself and Miss Hubbard, discusses W.G. Hawkins proposal for summer employment at "Rippen Hall" near Williamsburg.
Letter of recommendation for M.A. Hill.
Mention of recent visit/interview, discussion of possible land purchase and investment.
Notification of appointment as principal at Pocahontas Va., instructions for trip to New York.
Replying to previous correspondence, discussion of possible living arrangements, words of encouragement regarding upcoming school year.
Mentions correspondences with other teachers, expresses confidence in increase of funding.
Discusses recent visit to school, mentions recent shipment of supplies (stationery, benches, desks, etc.) for new school building.
Letter accompanying check for $90 in compensation; $50 for M.A. Hill and $40 for Miss Spalding, discusses communication problem with Miss J.E.S.
Letter accompanying check for $60; one months salary and two months rent, mentions correspondences with other teachers, provides instructions for shipment of readers and other school supplies, discusses possible shortage in funding.
Letter accompanying check for $50, instructions for care of books, provides instructions for Miss Fanny regarding shipment of books, discussion of personal matters.
Invitation to attend monthly meetings of Petersburg Public School Teachers' Association.
Responding to previous correspondence regarding billing issue, requests reply, expresses condolences over unspecified loss, discusses visit to another teacher's schools.
Explains shortage of contents in box, promises to compensate for deficiency.
Responding to previous correspondence, discussion of common acquaintances and personal matters, description of potential trips, new address for future correspondences.