Correspondence 1867-1900, n.d.

Scope and content:

These files comprise the bulk of the collection. The correspondence consists mainly of letters, both personal and business?related, written to Charles H. Corey. There are many letters regarding students, especially letters of commendation from employers and churches. Corey's book, A history of the Richmond Theological Seminary, with reminiscences of thirty years' work among the colored people of the South, was written as a fundraising tool in the New England area. Many letters are in response to his pleas, offering both financial and material assistance. There are also fascinating letters from a missionary in Africa by the name of Cosby. He describes the conditions in Lagos and West Africa, wars over slaves, and the natives' distrust of missionaries.

The correspondence from the ABHMS, written by Henry L. Morehouse, Malcolm MacVicar, and Thomas J. Morgan, progresses from Society business to the development of Richmond Theological Seminary into a university. The lengthy letters of the late 1890's detail the ABHMS's struggle to purchase land for the new university and raise money for faculty.

Also notable are the letters from Corey's contemporaries in higher education for African Americans. He corresponded with the presidents of Atlanta Baptist College, Hampton Institute, Shaw University, Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, Virginia Seminary, and Wayland Seminary, to name a few.

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