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Letters, Documents, & Other Manuscripts, Duane Norman Diedrich collection, 1595-2007 (majority within 1719-1945)
3.5 linear feet
The Letters, Documents, and Other Manuscripts of the Duane Norman Diedrich Collection is a selection of individual items compiled by manuscript collector Duane Norman Diedrich (1935-2018) and the William L. Clements Library. The content of these materials reflect the life and interests of D. N. Diedrich, most prominently subjects pertinent to intellectual, artistic, and social history, education, speech and elocution, the securing of speakers for events, advice from elders to younger persons, and many others.
The Letters, Documents, and Other Manuscripts of the Duane Norman Diedrich Collection is a selection of individual items compiled by manuscript collector Duane Norman Diedrich (1935-2018) and the William L. Clements Library. The content of these materials reflect the life and interests of D. N. Diedrich, most prominently subjects pertinent to intellectual, artistic, and social history, education, speech and elocution, the securing of speakers for events, advice from elders to younger persons, and many others.
For an item-level description of the collection, with information about each manuscript, please see the box and folder listing below.
. Maria de Urieta DS (with attachments) to Juan Perez de Aguirre; San Luis Minas de Potosi, [Mexico], 1595 November 6
12 pages
Box 1
Loan of money by Juan Perez de Aguirre to Maria de Urieta (free woman of African descent), guaranteed by Juan de Vargas. [In Spanish. No translation.]
. John Winthrop ADS; [Boston, Massachusetts], 1645 June 5
1 page
Box 1
"Joan the wife of Jo:Stowe of Hull sworne sayth that she knoweth Purnell the wife of Jo:Bartoll & did come over in the shippe with her, & she sayth that her carriage was vere light, & havinge her Cabin near this attestant, she did once or twice rise in the night from her children & they would crye in her absence; & she was verye familiar with the Boatswain & would oft. sitt drinking tobacco wth him: & this is the worst that this Attestant did see or knowe by her."
. Christina ADS to Johann Olafsson Kiernin; Stockholm, [Sweden], 1652 August 25
1 page
Box 1
Official document, with seal [Iin Swedish. No translation].
. Rob[ert] Long DS; [London, England], 1667 July 13
1 page
Box 1
Warrant for issuance to Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) of taxes and money for the use of the "Citty port and Garrison of Tanger." [Gift of Enid Gosling in the name of John Gwynne Gosling and John R. G. Gosling.]
. Charles II, King of England; Samuel Pepys DS; Windsor Castle, [England], 1674 July 31
1 page
Box 1
Confirmation of a warrant granted by the Duke of York for Thomas Beckford to become slopseller to the Royal Navy. Also signed by Samuel Pepys. Includes a note dated June 26, 1662, pasted on the verso, "D of Y- For ye delivering of all books and papers relating to ye victualing into ye hands of Saml Pepys Esqr." [Gift of Enid Gosling in the name of John Gwynne Gosling and John R. G. Gosling.]
. Daniel Dunham ADS; Plymouth, [Massachusetts], 1677 January 28
1 page
Box 1
Dunham's last will and testament, bequeathing all property to his wife, Hannah, "to her proper use & dispose for the benefit of her and my two children," Hannah and Mehetabel. Docketed on verso by Nathaniel Morton (1613-1685).
. Nathaniel Morton DS; New Plymouth, [Massachusetts], 1678/79 March 8
1 page
Box 1
"Respecting the disbursements and charge of the Late Indian warr." Provides financial details and land agreements between New England colonies following the fighting with Native Americans in King Phillip's War. [Original in Gold Star Collection]
. Ann and Thomas Wroughton DS to George Hooper; Dorchester County, Maryland, 1694 June 4
2 pages
Box 1
Deed transferring ownership of land on eastern shore of Maryland to Hooper for 3000 pounds of tobacco. Includes Wroughtons' "marks."
. Edw[ar]d Hyrne ALS to Wife [Elizabeth Massingberd Hyrne?]; Charlestown, [South Carolina], 1700 September 2
3 pages
Box 1
Personal letter to his wife commenting on the birth of their son and his desire for her to join him in Charlestown. Notes household difficulties without her. Discusses merchant affairs, such as the shipment of goods to Jamaica, purchasing a plantation, and other financial matters. "My Dear I am come into a Country where great improvem[en]t may be made of Money, & if I had yo'r Fortune in my Hands or 1/2 or 1/3 of it, I cou'd make more Advantage of it here (w'th God's Blessing) in a few Years than my Lord chancellor can do w'th putting it out at Interest whilst we live." Acknowledges difficulties of living in the southern colonies. Briefly mentions the sale of wine in South Carolina. Addressed to Burrell Massingberd.
. Edw[ar]d Hyrne Cy and ALS to Brother; Charlestown, [South Carolina], 1700 November 13 and 1700 November 19
3 pages
Box 1
Upset by the handling of their affairs in chancery, and the Lord Chancellor's decrees that were prejudicial to his wife's interests. Has been offered a new plantation on the Cooper River within ten miles of Charleston. Describes the plantation in detail. He would purchase it if he believed his wife had enough money. "...you must know that tho a small Plantation may & will maintain a Family very handsomly; so that they shall want for nothing (provided they have Slaves proportionable to manage it w'ch must always be understood) yet it will not raise an Estate in a great many Years, nor then neither, w'thout great Frugality." Notes the profitability of cattle.
. Elizabeth Frost DS to Thomas Lincoln; Boston, [Massachusetts], 1704 July 7
1 page
Box 1
Grants power of attorney to Lincoln. Signed by Samuel Sewall, Jr., and Jane Green.
. [Thomas Bray] AMs.; [London, England], [ca. 1705]
3 pages
Box 1
"A General Plan Of a Penitential Hospital for the Employing and Reforming Lewd Women." Notes that the lack of employment drives women to "that abominable Course of Life." Imprisoning the women "is to expose them to the same Temptations afresh." Warns against sending them to the colonies before reformation, comparing it to sending plague victims "to the unspeakable mischief of the people there, and the scandal of the Christian Religion." Recommends the construction of a house next to a church to supervise, employ, and reform the women, including through prayer and mortification.
. Jer[emiah] Dummer, Jr. ALS; London, [England], 1710 May 3
1 page
Box 1
Heartily sorry for affairs in Massachusetts Bay: "Learning & good manners have been travelling westward severall thousand years, & ‘tis a pitty methinks they should Journey on & goe to the westward of New England by our driving away the hopefull young men to the Colony of Connetticut. I don't know any candidates for the ministry that will equall Mr. Adams & Mr Cuttler, when we have lost." Siege of Douai has caught the French by surprise. "We shall in all probability kindle such a fire in France as will burn to the foundations of it." Quarrelling at home over Dr. Henry Sacheverell (1674?-1724): "The Clergy, Women & the Mobb are almost universally on his side... Many People christen their children Sacheverell, beleiving it will engage a blessing upon their posterity, whilst with equall extravagance many people call their Dogs by that name. ‘T is well this Parliament has a year longer to set, for were there to be a new election now, it might make a Civil War." Includes a note on Dummer on the verso, dated April 3, 1841.
. Doc.; [Boston, Massachusetts?], 1714/15 February 8
5 pages
Box 1
Memorandums and Inspections on a towns' inhabitants, many of which are women. Written by three different people reporting on inhabitants possibly involved in immoral or criminal conduct or suffering from poverty. Notes women living without their husbands and those suspected of having "fowle disease." Mentions people's housing and its condition. Notes those believed to be idle. Includes a reference to a man and his wife who "keep an Indian Woman" and a woman who "lives alone (save a Negro woman sometimes with her)." Notes a mixed-race man married to a Native American.
. Samuel Mo[o]dey DS; York, [District of Maine], 1717 May
2 pages
Box 1
Moodey and the Church of Christ at York recommend Margaret Hilton to the Church of Christ at Manchester following her removal there. "We Comit her to ye Watch &c Beseeching you to Receive her in ye Lord, as becometh Saints." Includes notes written by a descendant. "She probably united with the church at York, after being driven from Moscongus 1696 by the Indians." Verso includes a note from J.B. to Moodey, dated Boston, April 24, 1717, requesting prayers.
. Joseph Heath ALS; DS to Edward Hutchinson; Brunswick, [District of Maine], 1719 June 19
3 pages [total]
Box 1
Provides details of a recent survey of Arrowsic Island, Maine, noting it contains less acreage and meadowlands than expected. Also includes financial accounts between Edward Hutchinson and the "Co. of the 15 Year Scheme" from January 1741 to August 1760, signed by Joshua Winslow.
. Joseph Jackson Partially printed DS; Boston, [Massachusetts], 1719 November 24
1 page
Box 1
Bill of lading, with printed illustration of a sailing ship. "Shipped by the Grace of God in good Order and well Conditioned, by Jona[than] Belcher." Shipment of "flower" from Boston to Piscataqua. "And so God send the good Ship to her desired Port in safety. Amen."
. [James Alexander] ADf to John Clark; New York, [New York], 1722 December 16
1 page
Box 1
Asks Clark, a bookseller, to pay the bearer upon delivery of a "Steel Seal" cut with a coat of arms. Includes a pen and ink illustration of the coat of arms.
. Samuel Sprague ACyS to Josiah Marshall; Rochester, [Massachusetts], 1722/23 January 22
1 page
Box 1
Certification of Josiah Marshall to teach grammar school, as Samuel Hunt (1681-1730) and Timothy Ruggles (1685-1768) examined his education and character. Selectmen Samuel Sprague and John Briggs note that the town has agreed to hire Marshall "to be our schoolmaster to Teach Chilldren to Read Wright Cipher and Latten."
. Josiah Sears DS to Joseph Staples; Bridgewater, [Massachusetts], 1725 September 16
1 page
Box 1
Contract apprenticing 8-year-old Mary Sears of Bridgewater to learn to "sew, spin both woolen and Linein" and to learn to read and write under Joseph Staples of Yarmouth. "She shall not commit fornication, nor contract matrimony with in the said term." Witnessed by Nath[anie]l and Abigail Otis.
. B[enjamin] Fessenden ALS to Thomas Prince; Sandwich, [Massachusetts], [1727] July 24
1 page
Box 1
Intends to visit Boston. Has heard of Mr. Eldad "going forth." Comments on the establishment of separate meetings and his surprise at Mr. Ruggle's advice about manning pulpits. Notes meetings among the "Dissatisfyed." "We had a full Assembly Yesterday, making Sanwich Allowances for the Season."
. Benjamin Colman and Peter Thacher ALS? to [Nathanael] Eells; Boston, [Massachusetts], 1730/31 February 25
4 pages
Box 1
Dispute over the censure of Benjamin Fessenden, pastor of Sandwich, Massachusetts. They believe that suspension of ministers "must be done upon no other Grounds than clear Necessity, unquestionable authority, and Reasons & Proofs proportioned to the weight of the Sentence." Disagree with the council's procedures and feel it violated the Congregational constitution, platform, and principles. Discusses the limited authority of Synods and Councils over individual churches. "... we w[oul]d be very ready to bear our Testimony ag[ain]st ch[urc]hs & Min[ister]s for gross, known & proved faults. But we dare not take suspicions for Proofs, nor break in upon the Dear Liberties of Men, & the peace of Society."
. Benj[amin] Colman ALS; s.l., 1732 December 29
1 page
Box 1
Writes regarding an unsettled financial dispute over an estate. "How all ye Income of ye Estate those last years should be spent, is like ye other Mysteries of Iniquity before us."
. Jacob Peabody ADS; Topsfield, [Massachusetts], [after 1734 May 28]
1 page
Box 1
Two extracts from the Topsfield town book, by Jacob Peabody, town clerk, concerning committees appointed at "a Legall Town Meeting" to hire a schoolmaster. Appointed John Howlet, Eliezer Lake, and George Bixby on 1731/2 March 21. Appointed Eliezer Lake, George Bixby, and John Wildes on 1734 May 28.
. Charles Taylor ALS to [Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts]; Richmond County, [New York], 1734 September 8
1 page
Box 1
Requests salary from Society for instructing 44 poor youth for previous half year. "...the most of them I teach to write and Cypher I teach all of them the Church Catechism with the Explanation thereof & to bear a part in the Publick Worship I have taught several of them upon account of the venerable Societies bounty without any other Consideration." Witnessed and signed by "the Minister and the Justices of his Majesties peace."
. Charles Taylor ALS to [Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts]; Richmond County, [New York], 1735/6 March 8
1 page
Box 1
Requesting compensation for teaching 28 students. Witnessed and signed by "the Minister and the Justices of his Majesties peace."
. Henry Willis DS to Jonathan Fouwell; Orange County, [Virginia], 1738 February 22
1 page
Box 1
Fine levied against Fouwell "for swearing three oaths," to be paid to the church warden.
. Jer[emia]h Belknap DS to Christopher Kilby; Boston, Massachusetts, 1738 June 16
2 pages
Box 1
Articles of Agreement between Jeremiah Belknap and Christopher Kilby over the rights to a waterway under Brattle Street in Boston. The agreement stipulates that the Belknaps are able to use, amend, and repair the watercourse on Kilby's land - "to bear & pay all the Cost & charge which shall be Expended by digging or breaking up the ground and unstopping amending or repairing the said Draine or Watercourse, and will do as little hurt or Spoil as may be to the sd Kilbys land, and to Exonerate and freely discharge him and keep him harmless from paying any part of the Charge in repairing the said Draine..." The agreement is based on an earlier agreement between Joseph Belknap (Jeremiah's father) and Thomas Wallis, April 10, 1704. Witnessed and signed by John Haslot and Samuel Swift, Jr.
. David Ferris and William Shipley AM to John Swett [estate]; Wilmington, [Delaware], 1741 October 7
2 pages
Box 1
Inventory and appraisal of John Swett's estate by Ferris and Shipley. Contains a detailed listing and valuation of his house, furnishings, clothing, horses and tack, and one year of John Williams' time, possibly as an indentured servant. Included in this folder is a legal document from William Shaw to John Swett, New Castle, [Delaware], 1741 November 19.
. William Shaw Partially printed DS to John Swett [estate]; New Castle, [Delaware], 1741 November 19
1 page
Box 1
Benjamin Franklin printing of legal document, signed by New Castle Register William Shaw, concerning the Swett estate. Elaborately cut-out and embossed Delaware seal. Included in this folder is an inventory and appraisal of the John Swett estate by David Ferris and William Shipley, Wilmington, [Delaware], 1741 October 7.
. Thomas Mallbone AMsS; Cambridge, [Massachusetts], 1749 April 1
34 pages
Box 1
Manuscript copy of laws of Harvard College, "made by the President and Fellows, and consented to by the Overseers of said College. Anno Domini 1734." Admittance of T. Mallbone to Harvard signed by Edward Augustus Holyoke (1728-1829), Henry Flynt (1675-1760), Joseph Mayhew, and Thomas Marsh. Includes one page written in Greek
. J[ohannes] Ritzema ALS to Benjamin Meynema; New York, [New York], 1750 March 15
1 page
Box 1
[Written in Dutch. No translation.]
. J[ona]th[an] Edwards ALS to Rev. [Joseph] Bellamy; Northamp[ton, Massachusetts], [1750]
1 page
Box 1
Council will meet in Northampton in May to "look into the state of things and give me advice with respect to my duty in my circumstances; and also to give advice to the people here that have adhered to me what cause they shall take under their very difficult circumstances." Wants Rev. Bellamy to attend. "I shall think it of great Importance that some ministers should be here that give a fair Representation of things relating to Canaan & Stockbridge." Notes several ministers he hopes to call for the council.
. 41 DSs; , 1757-1885
44 pages [total]
Box 1
Tuition receipts. Includes receipts for male and female students from Louis Agassiz (1807-1873), public schools, boarding schools, music lessons, etc.
. [Thomas] Wilson AN to [Thomas] Broughton; London, [England], 1759 January 15
Box 1
"Dr. Wilson desires upon ye Terms of ye Society 150 of ye Indian Instructed to be sent to our Plantations & Islands in America." Possibly referencing Wilson's work The Knowledge and Practice of Christianity Made Easy to the Meanest Capacities: Or, an Essay Towards an Instruction of the Indians.
. Samuel Eaton AMsS; [Cambridge, Massachusetts], 1759 December
30 pages
Box 1
Manuscript copy of Harvard College's laws, likely penned by Samuel Eaton upon admission. "This Body of Laws for Harvard College was made by the President and Fellows thereof, and consented to by the Overseers of said College Anno 1734." Signed on the last page by Edward Holyoke (1689-1769), Belcher Hancock, Thomas March, William Kneeland, and Joseph Jackson.
. Amos Robinson ALS to Eliezer Lake; Lebanon, [New Hampshire?], 1763 May 21
1 page
Box 1
Has had trouble paying his debts due to his struggling trade. "Our people are so universally in Debt yt they but few git Clothes and them yt Do Cant Pay for ye Making Not More than one Quarter of ym Which Makes it Verry Difficult for me." Includes religious sentiments.
. Michael Schlatter Partially printed DS to Nathan Potts and Priscilla Morgan; Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], 1766 February 10
1 page
Box 1
Marriage certificate of Potts and Morgan, signed by German Reformed minister Michael Schlatter, early leader of the Reformed churches in Pennsylvania. A manuscript note, "Marriage Certificate to Mr. Nathan Potts and Miss. Proscilla Morgan. febr. 1766," is also included.
. J. Jones ALS to John Heywood; Egginton, [England], 1768 January 22
1 page
Box 1
Did not see Miss Mandor and advises Jones to ignore her failure to write. "...it is the natural variableness and oddity of a Womans Temper to be continually Teazing what she best loves . . . and remember that sometime you may have it in your Power to make an ample return for all her Cruelty, tho' you then most likely will, and ought to forget and forgive it." Believes Mandor loves Heywood. Comments on keeping letters private and printing some verses. "I think they are much more compact and connected than some I have seen of Mr. Drownys Printing."
. Elias Boudinot ALS to Elizabeth Cumming; Eliza[beth]town, [New Jersey], 1769 May 5
2 pages
Box 1
Took ill after trip to visit lands he had intended to patent. Attributes his recovery to God's mercy. Looks forward to her visit. Includes a brief note by E. [B?]acon confirming the letter's recipient was her mother.
. Isaac Zane ALS to John Pemberton; Marlbro Forge, [Virginia], 1769 October 11
4 pages
Box 1
Discusses bills of lading for shipments and the exchange of bonds. Comments on family and his attempts to get witnesses to stay longer for a delayed court proceeding. Asks after an African American boy. "I should like to hear whether the Negroe Lad is Expected to Come as I have reserv'd a berth for him at a fire..." Sends regards to Rachel Wilson, noting hospitality and friendship among Quakers internationally.
. Seth Minor Doc. to Joshua Huntington; s.l., 1773 April 3 - 1776 July 31
1 page
Box 1
Account of work and costs. Includes work performed at a Quaker meetinghouse, building a coffin, working on a dam, making furniture, "mending & painting a Cradle," and various construction jobs.
. Doc.; [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?], 1774 April 8 - 1775 January 11
2 pages
Box 1
Accounts of books, "115 History's," bought from Robert Aitken (1735-1802) and to whom they were sold, including to various Quakers. Notes payments received from Quakers and other individuals for books.
. [Virginia. House of Burgesses] DS; [Virginia], 1775 June 24 - 1775 June 26
2 pages
Box 1
Receipt for wages in the House of Burgesses and for Commissioners "to settle the Militia Acct." Signed by Andrew Lewis (1720-1781), William Fleming (1729-1795), Champion Travis, Robert Nicholson on behalf of James Mercer (1736-1793), and Jacob Bruce on behalf of James Holt. Includes two additional partial signatures for a commissioner and a doorkeeper.
. W[illia]m Williams ADS to Com[mittee] of the Pay Table; Lebanon, [Connecticut], 1776 January 3
2 pages
Box 1
Order to pay Jona[than] Lester £8.15.5 for building gun carriages at Norwick, ordered by the Governor and Council of Safety. Verso: Tom Lester DS; Hartford, Connecticut, January 4, 1776. Acknowledging receipt of £8.15.5 from the Treasurer.
. DS; West Springfield, [Massachusetts], 1776 May 28
1 page
Box 1
Signed subscription list for establishing a school at West Springfield. Signed by the founding subscribers with the number of each signers children written next to each name. "We the subscribers sensible of the necessity of the Education of youths & being desirous of promoting a school for such purpose promise... to pay the sums severally affix'd to our names... to be paid unto some capable school dame for her Instruction in such school at the rate of five shillings lawfull money per week..." Includes a note on the verso, "a Subscribtion for Mrs Granger to keep Shool."
. John Brown Cutting ALS to Andrew Craigie; Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], 1777 April 30
3 pages
Box 1
Has been staying with Dr. Tillotson, "who is just sitting out for the Northern Department." Discusses the "late Medical Arrangement establish'd by Congress," and the lower pay slated for the "Apothecary General to the several Departments" than for "a Senior Surgeon in the Hospital." Notes the difficulties facing the Apothecary General, especially "under the present situation of affairs." Discusses his efforts since the last campaign to procure "every valuable Drugg I cou'd lay my hands on, and compounding for the first Supply of our new Army." Was disheartened by Dr. Smith being appointed "Continental Druggist" but was placated when he was appointed Apothecary General of the Middle Department.
. B[enjamin] Greenleaf Partially printed DS to Josiah Little; Essex County, Massachusetts, 1779 April 16
1 page
Box 1
Benjamin Greenleaf, "Judge of the Probater of Wills, &c.," appoints Josiah Little as guardian of George Sawyer.