Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

The John Marshall autobiography is a 16-page autobiography written in 1827 by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall.

The John Marshall autobiography consists of a 16-page autobiographical letter, written by John Marshall to Joseph Story, at the latter's urging, in 1827. Also included is an additional letter from Marshall to Story, expressing his approval of Story's biography of him, and an undated engraved portrait of Marshall.

The autobiography begins with a description of Marshall's happy childhood and the many sources of his education, both formal and informal. Marshall then moved to the topic of the Revolutionary War, first describing his service, and then the impact it had on him: "When I recollect the wild and enthusiastic democracy with which my political opinions of that day were tinctured, I am disposed to ascribe my devotion to the union, and to a government competent to its preservation, at least as much to casual circumstances as to judgment" (p. 4). Also covered in some detail is Marshall's legal practice, which he expressed a great reluctance to leave, and his role in the XYZ Affair, including the decision "to bring the controversy before the American People and convince them of the earnestness with which the American government sought a reconciliation with France" (p. 13).

Marshall also described the process of his selection for Chief Justice, which he portrayed as surprisingly casual: "[Adams] said thoughtfully 'Who shall I nominate now'? I replied that I could not tell….After a moment's hesitation he said 'I believe I must nominate you" (p. 15). Unfortunately, Marshall ended the letter without any discussion of his work on the Supreme Court.

This atlas compiled by R. A. L. Robinson features small maps of the nations of the world, with descriptions of different societies (education, government, etc.) and comparisons to the United States.

This atlas compiled by R. A. L. Robinson features small maps of the nations of the world, with descriptions of different societies (education, government, etc.) and comparisons to the United States.

The majority of the regions represented in the volume are within Africa, Asia, and Europe. The descriptions of regions and countries include disparaging and condescending language.

This photograph album contains pictures taken during the World's Columbian Exposition (World's Fair) in Chicago, Illinois, in 1893. The album includes several interior views of the New Jersey educational exhibit in the Liberal Arts Building and exterior views of the exposition's large thematic buildings, individual state pavilions, international cultural exhibits, and statues.

This photograph album (31cm x 23cm) contains 105 pictures taken during the World's Columbian Exposition (World's Fair) in Chicago, Illinois, in 1893. The title Views of the World's Fair is stamped in gold on the front cover, along with an image of the Statue of the Republic. A second title, World's Fair Photographs, Including Views of the New Jersey Educational Exhibit, is printed on the first page. With the exception of two larger prints, items are pasted two to a page, above manuscript captions.

The album includes a group of rare interior views of the displays in the Liberal Arts Building. Featured are the New Jersey educational exhibit, the packing of displays after the fair's closure; views of international cultural exhibits; statues, and artifact displays. The majority of the album is comprised of more common exterior views of the exposition's large thematic and individual state pavilions. Many of the main structures, such as the Administration Building, Liberal Arts Building, Electricity Building, and the Palace of Mechanical Arts, are shown from a variety of perspectives, along with smaller structures representing many U.S. states.

Also shown are views of the nautical vessels displayed at the fair including the replica battleship USS Illinois, a replica of Columbus's Santa Maria, a replica Viking ship, and the fair's gondolas and similar smaller boats. Photographs of the Wooded Island and the Midway Plaisance also appear in the album. Of particular note are the pictures of ethnographic displays including Native American shelters and a group of "Dahomey Villagers." A series of photos taken on "Chicago Day," October 9, 1893, shows the crowds that set the world record for outdoor event attendance.