Nathaniel and Rebecca Kinsman Personal Papers

The personal papers of Nathaniel and Rebecca Kinsman contain correspondence between the two that was written during their stay in China, from 1843 until 1847. These letters give an almost daily account of their lives, both personal and professional, during their periods of separation. The correspondence contains descriptions of life as an American coping in a foreign environment, as well as the political events in China at the time. The remaining letters, 1834 to 1839, were written during their courtship, vacations, and business trips. Letters written by Nathaniel from New York include references to political events.

The papers also include  legal documents, miscellaneous receipts, and correspondence with their friends and family. Although Nathaniel received and sent letters with his family during his sea voyages (1818-1831), the majority of the letters digitized here date to his stay in China. Included in the letters to Nathaniel are two letters, written by a friend, which inform him of the deaths of his father and sister.