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Rare 1818 Letter Written by a Deaf Student at America’s First Deaf SchoolWith Contemporary Copy of a Letter by Thomas H. GallaudetMentions Alice Cogswell | “A Letter From a Deaf and Dumb Boy”
Offered here is an extraordinary original 4-page folded letter archive dated June 5, 1818, written by George H. Loring, a documented student at the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons in Hartford, Connecticut, now known as the American School for the Deaf.
Founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the institution was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States. This letter was written during only the second year of the school’s existence, making it an exceptionally early and historically important artifact of American deaf education.
Most importantly, the manuscript bears a contemporary notation identifying it as:
“A letter from a deaf and dumb boy”
This remarkable period notation confirms the letter was consciously preserved and circulated specifically as an example of literacy and communication achieved through the school’s pioneering educational methods.
Accompanying the original student letter is a contemporary manuscript copy of a letter written by Thomas H. Gallaudet, copied by H. S. Thacher from the original “at Mr. Waterston’s in Boston,” demonstrating the circulation of Gallaudet’s educational philosophy through early New England intellectual and religious networks.
An exceptional and deeply important piece of early American educational, disability, and manuscript history.
Historical Importance
This archive captures a pivotal moment in American history:
- A deaf child learning written communication during the infancy of organized deaf education in the United States
- The educational philosophy of Thomas H. Gallaudet
- The spread of reform-minded educational ideas throughout New England
- Contemporary recognition of deaf literacy as something worthy of preservation and circulation
Material from the earliest years of the American School for the Deaf is exceedingly scarce, particularly firsthand student-authored letters.
Partial Transcription – George H. Loring Letter
(Hartford, June 5, 1818)
“My dear father,
I am very glad to receive your letter… I love my parents, sisters & brothers very much… I hope I shall go to Boston and I shall be very glad to see you…
Mr. Whittelsey & Mrs. Whittelsey are taking care of us… Mr. Whittelsey is master of the Asylum…
You must pray for Mr. Gallaudet…
Every Saturday Mr. Stone was glad to explain to us of God and Jesus Christ…
I have received Alice Cogswell’s letter… Alice Cogswell is a good girl…
Captain Leavenworth walks to Hartford…
Mr. Gallaudet is kind to me…
I am your affectionate son,
George H. Loring”
Partial Transcription – Thomas H. Gallaudet Letter (Contemporary Copy)
“I wish you distinctly to understand that if all things considered you prefer your son to attend the Episcopalian Church I will make the best arrangements I can…
We occupy a few seats in the brick Presbyterian Church…
I admire the Episcopal Liturgy and it is my fixed purpose as soon as we have buildings erected to have a chapel of our own where I shall conduct the devotions of the pupils by signs…
If I can make my pupils feel that we all have hearts prone to sin… that we must look to Christ who is our only Savior… I shall be satisfied…
George is very well, gives me no trouble…
My highest pleasure arises from this affection which I trust will always exist between me & my dear pupils…”
Important Individuals MentionedGeorge H. Loring
An early pupil at the Connecticut Asylum during its second year of operation. Letters written directly by deaf students from this foundational period of American education are extremely rare.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet (1787–1851)
Founder of the American School for the Deaf and pioneer of deaf education in the United States. Gallaudet traveled to Europe to study methods of deaf instruction before establishing the Hartford school in 1817. He remains one of the most important figures in the history of American education and disability advocacy.
Alice Cogswell (1805–1830)
The first deaf student educated by Gallaudet and the child whose condition inspired the founding of the American School for the Deaf. Her mention in this letter directly ties the document to the origin story of deaf education in America.
H. S. Thacher
Identified in the manuscript as the copyist of the Gallaudet letter. The notation reads:
“Copied by H. S. Thacher from the original at Mr. Waterston’s in Boston”
This provides important provenance and demonstrates the intentional circulation of Gallaudet’s ideas.
Robert Waterston (1778–1865)
Likely the “Mr. Waterston” referenced in the manuscript. A respected Boston merchant originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Waterston was connected to prominent intellectual and religious circles in early 19th-century Boston. The original Gallaudet letter was apparently preserved in his possession.
Henry Leavenworth (1783–1834)
Likely referenced in the letter as “Captain Leavenworth.” A distinguished War of 1812 officer who in 1818 had recently been promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the 5th U.S. Infantry. He later became the founder and namesake of Fort Leavenworth.
Physical Details
- Original folded letter archive
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Dated June 5, 1818
- Addressed to Elijah Loring, Merchant, Boston
- 4 written pages
- Includes original student-authored letter and contemporary copied Gallaudet letter
- Period ink manuscript on laid paper
- Typical folds and age wear consistent with early 19th-century correspondence
- Overall excellent historical condition
Final Thoughts
This is an extraordinarily rare survival from the foundational years of deaf education in America, combining:
- An identified deaf student author
- Thomas H. Gallaudet content
- Mention of Alice Cogswell
- Contemporary educational significance
- Traceable New England provenance
A museum-worthy artifact documenting the earliest successful efforts to educate deaf students in the United States.
