Nathaniel T. Allen Papers, 1813-1998 » I. Allen family papers, 1813–1980 » B. Nathaniel T. Allen personal papers, 1841–1909 » i. Correspondence, 1841–1903  

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Allen's correspondence largely consists of letters from former classmates, fellow teachers, students, parents of current or prospective students, friends, and acquaintances. Of note is a November 1849 letter from former classmate Charles C. Greene, who writes from California describing his voyage, his work in the gold mines, life in the mining camps, and efforts to form a new state government. Many letters reflect Allen's active interest in the reform movements of the 1840s and 1850s, including education, abolitionism, and woman's suffrage. Of particular interest are a November 1871 letter from William Lloyd Garrison mentioning the racial integration at Allen's school; a July 1882 letter from Frederick Douglass thanking Allen for his help in the 1840s and reminiscing about the early anti-slavery movement; and a March 1898 letter from William Claflin recalling Allen's involvement in an 1862 Faneuil Hall meeting in which Charles Sumner was physically threatened. Also of note are letters from Horace Mann (1850), Charles Sumner (1873), John Greenleaf Whittier (1878), Lucy Stone (1883, 1888), Booker T. Washington (1892, 1903), Celia Thaxter (1894), and Wendell Phillips (undated). Correspondence from 1869 to 1871 is related to Allen's trip to Europe to report on the German education system, including letters of introduction from ambassador George Bancroft. Much 1871 correspondence is related to the Allen School reunion, including letters from former students, teachers, and other well-known educators. In a 28 Nov. 1871 letter to Arthur Knapp, Allen describes his view of the significance of his school. In 1878, Allen's correspondence is related to his efforts to prohibit military drills in public schools, and includes letters of support from William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, and Rev. A.P. Peabody. Beginning in 1891, the bulk of correspondence concerns his efforts to locate former students for the 1893 reunion and alumni catalog. Many students write to Allen about their later lives, and the impact of Allen and his school. November 1897 letters contain condolences on the death of his daughter Sarah.