| Description | Lord Carlisle to Sir Strickland: encloses the following letters written by Charles Sumner of Boston
1) Mr Sumner to Lord Carlisle: informs him that F Strickland left Boston to tour the White Mountains, suggested to him by Prof [Agapy?], T B Curtis and Professor Felton. Encloses a letter received from F S Crawford (keeper of an inn on the mountain, Tremont[?] House keeper will look after his effects. Frederick Strickland visited Longfellow wished to see Prescott. Signed C Sumner
2) F S Crawford, Notch House, 22 Oct 1849
Describes Frederick Strickland's arrival and plans to climb Mount Washington using Fabyan's route but without a horse. He was warned snow might be too deep to go on foot. He had not reached Fabyan's but his tracks showed he'd left the road in full view of Fabyan's house. Following his tracks to the Ammonoosuc River they found his trousers and underwear in the river. They returned home. Following morning they found his body 1 mile further down the river. He was not wearing his overcoat or woollen gloves anymore. He was last seen by R L Carpenter from Bristol. His remains have been buried at Fabyan's. Thinks he may have been insane as he appeared 'strange'. He did not heed the warnings from the locals about the mountains. They walked 7 miles in total, 2 miles were easy, 1 mile of bad walking. Possible he slipped into the water and took off his clothes to avoid freezing. Thomas S Crawford
3) Mr Heywood to Sir G Strickland
Encloses letter from TB Curtis of Boston. Details his friends movements before his death. Rev Russell Lamb Carpenter was his travelling companion (the son of Dr Carpenter of Bristol (unitarian minister) and his brother was an eminent physiologist and professor of the Royal Institution in Albemarle Street. James Heywood
4) Mr Curtis to Mr Heywood
Mentions the death of Frederick Strickland and how the companions became separated, how he met Professor Felton, Professor Agapy[?], Charles Sumner and Longfellow. Encouraged to tour the White Mountains.
5) Mr Curtis to Sir G Strickland, 30 Oct 1849 (encloses a copy of the last letter received on Friday 16 Nov from James Heywood
Explains how a narrative of the events must be desired by the family and informs him that the city marshall was sent to the scene of Frederick Strickland's death. Describes how the body was dealth with and that a small piece of hair was removed to be sent on to his family. Consultations with Edmund Gratton of the British Consul and Mr Elliott of the vice counsel regarding the funeral at Trinity church. Attended by the mayor. F Strickland's remains are at King's chapel awaiting instructions. Mentions Mrs Otis. Thomas B Curtis
6) Mrs Otis to Sir G Strickland
Assures him that his son's last days were spent with friends, and describes he view of his character, '...the purity and excellence of his aspirations...'. He was planning to stay in Boston for 6 weeks. Elizabeth H Otis
7) Mr Fabyan to Mr Curtis
Has drawn a plan of the mountains and tracks where Frederick Strickland's clothes and body? were found (encloses the plan). Mr Carpenter acccompanied him but the snow was very deep. Mr Carpenter wanted to turn back but Frederick Strickland did not and wanted his trunk to be forwarded on to Fabyan's and he would make his own way there. He did not reach his destination and assumed he removed his trousers to avoid freezing to death. About 18 to 20 men were looking for him the next day. Horace Fabyan
8) Lord Carlisle to Sir G Strickland, 19 Nov (encloses letters from America)
Mr Sumner to Lord Carlisle, 29 Oct 1849
Has just returned from the funeral of Mr Strickland. Describes the conversations with Professor Felton leading to the journey to the mountains. Encloses letter from Mr Carpenter. Relays his version of events. Burial took place on 27 Oct. Asks what he wishes to do with the remains - can be sent back to England or buried on Mount Auburn. Mentions that when Frederick Strickland met Longfellow he spoke of some dramas he wished to publish. Believes Mr Strickland's watch which was found marked with blood when he was trying to tell the time proves he perished after dark.
9) Mr Russell L Carpenter to Sir G Strickland , 24 Oct 1849
States he was the last person to be with him. Speaks of events leading up to his death, how Mr Strickland believed he was experienced enough to walk with a guide, how he warned him not to go down Fabyan's Road and thought his mind seemed a little unsettled, his clothes were unsuitable and he saw from a distance Mr Strickland take the wrong way. How he refused to take warmer clothes. Believed Mr Strickland got exhausted and bewildered and reflects on his interests and character. |