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This collection contains correspondence that Charles Deane, a merchant and historian based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, received in the mid-19th century. Deane's correspondents included ministers, historians, and politicians, who discussed American history, contemporary historiography, and the activities of historical societies in the Boston area.

This collection contains correspondence, gift acknowledgements, engraved portraits, and photographs related to Charles Deane, a merchant and historian based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Deane's correspondents included ministers, historians, and politicians, who discussed American history, contemporary historiography, and the activities of Boston-area historical societies.

The Correspondence series (165 items) contains 146 letters to Charles Deane, 5 letters to Robert C. Waterston, 4 letters to Helen Waterston Deane, and 10 letters to Deane's children and other recipients. Charles Deane's correspondents provided news of social events in Boston and Cambridge, particularly related to local historical and antiquarian societies. Many writers offered opinions on Deane's writings, acknowledged the receipt of his publications, or thanked Deane for reviewing their own material. Others discussed topics in American history. One partially printed invitation regards a "Popham Celebration" in honor of the founding of the first English colony in North America (August 10, 1869). Additional items include a condolence letter from Thomas Wentworth to Helen Deane after Charles Deane's death (November 14, 1889).

Charles Deane received 8 Gift Acknowledgements between April 17, 1845, and October 13, 1864, thanking him for contributions to the Harvard University Library (6 items), the Boston Public Library (1 item), and the Boston Athenaeum (1 item). The documents are signed by Josiah Quincy, John Langdon Sibley, and other library affiliates. Two Engraved Portraits depict William Ellery Channing (1780-1842) and Amos Lawrence (1786-1852).

The Photographs series contains 3 carte-de-visite studio portraits depicting William Ellery Channing, Ezra Stiles Gannett, and George Livermore.

This copy of The Constitution of the Mutual Literary Society, once owned by John Amedey, outlines the official procedures for the society, founded in the 1810s. The society was intended to promote debate and discussion about scientific advances and other subjects.

This copy of The Constitution of the Mutual Literary Society (15 pages), once owned by John Amedey, outlines the group's official procedures, values, and purpose. The Mutual Literary Society, founded in the 1810s, was intended to encourage "Scientific Improvement" through orations, essays, and other compositions, composed and discussed by the group's members. In addition to describing the roles of a president, vice president, and secretary, the constitution establishes an "inspector of composition" to collect written exercises and offer candid critiques and critical remarks. Though the society operated primarily as a means for the expression of opinion through written and oral debate, the constitution prohibits discussions on politics and religion, as well as the use of "all profane and vulgar language." Fines could be levied on members for tardiness or for revealing the club's secrets. Other procedures include processes for approving new members and for amending the constitution. The names of the Mutual Literary Society's original 11 members appear at the end of the document.