Albert Gallatin and his Norwich Observations

Among the records at Norwich Historical Society is a group of 6 letters written by Albert Gallatin to members of his family in 1864*.  Albert was a teacher of chemistry, geology and mineral science at Norwich University during the 1863-1864 school year.  He had just completed his Civil War service as a Union surgeon. He came from a rather prominent New York family and was the grandson of Albert Gallatin who served as a U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Treasury from 1801-1814.

*Original letters are in the collection of the NY Historical Society.

Town Meeting

On the far left of this photo is the general store (where Dan and Whit’s is today). Town Meetings were held upstairs in Union Hall.

Norwich has just held their Town Meeting. How does it compare to the town meeting Albert attended in 1844? Consider that in 1844 there was no attendance by zoom, no daily digest where people might share thoughts, little heat, and no electricity in the building so no electric lights or microphones. It would have been a great gathering for townsfolk who might not have many chances to visit with their fellow citizens. Unlike today’s Town Meeting with voting by Australian Ballot, voters in 1844 had the opportunity to make amendments to articles (and see how their neighbors voted). Coming from New York, Albert’s perspective is of an outsider from a much more sophisticated environment which is apparent in his description of the town meeting attendees as “long haired, blank-faced, dirty hatted, coat-buttony Yankees.”

The Alchemist

In a letter to his Grandpa, Albert noted that in his free time he was studying German and Arabic as these were the languages of the “adepts in Alchemy”. Alchemy is basically concerned with the transmutation of metals into more pure forms such as gold partially as a way to cure diseases and extend life. After Gallatin returned to New York to teach, he kept up his research into Alchemy collecting rare and somewhat mythical manuscripts. It’s hard to imagine someone living in Norwich during the Civil War studying Arabic and conducting experiments in alchemy.

The Grand Entertainment

Albert’s final letter, which is directed to his mother, provides a wonderful look into the social world of Norwich, describing the “event of the season” which was attended by the “elite from Norwich, Hanover and Lyme.” Once again consider the time period. The distances that many would have had to travel by horse or wagon and the time figured in such travel would have made this a very long day for many. This as a unique opportunity to dress up and mingle with those of the opposite gender. Albert, despite some early protestations, soon finds himself in the midst of much attention. His final thoughts about the people of the north versus the south with regard to education and opportunity are a nice reflection on Norwich and the surrounding area. The link below contains Albert’s reflections.