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

Discusses the presidential election of 1884 and the Democratic, Republican, and "Greenback" candidates. "Since the Union Veterans of the Civil War have united with the Confederate veterans of that war in raising funds for the erection & support of a House at Richmond Virginia for the disabled Confederate Veterans the fires of discord & animosity engendered by the War have been entirely smothered. I am pleased to assure you on the Authority of distinguished representative men of the South, that there is no feeling now existing between the North & South on war questions." Mentions disagreements over tariffs and free trade, d'Orleans work on the history of the Civil War, celebrating "Decoration day," monuments to Garfield, including a hospital in his honor. Notes the system of examination for the hire of government employees. Believes that the Presidential term limit will be extended to six years. Mentions political reform and foreign naturalization.

Fragment of a letter. Mentions his Presidential nomination and his military service. Comments briefly on the Battle of Buena Vista, "all other affaires of the kind I was ever engaged in being mere children play when compared with it."

Seizure of Zachariah Walker's property, including "negroes," Joe Smart, James Brown, and Milly, by Marshal Tench Ringgold in virtue of a writ of fieri facias. Walker certifies that he waived his right for an appraisal.

Concerning Adams' decision to leave Princeton for Colorado. "I of course do not wish to persuade you against your own advantage, but I cannot help thinking that the possibilities of Princeton ought to be enough to hold a man whom we value as much as we do you." On Princeton University President's Room stationery

Declines to speak at the banquet of the Quadrangle Club on the Friday before Commencement. Receives many invitations for club banquets and wants to avoid risking too many responsibilities for that day. "I know that you and the gentlemen associated with you in the club will appreciate how embarrasing the question is to me, and I know that you will not think that it is through any disinclination to risk the permanent addition of another Commencement duty." On Princeton University President's Room stationery.

Responding to Gould's note of congratulation, for Wilson's appointment as president of Princeton. "One of the most delightful things which I look forward to in the difficult tasks that are ahead of me, is that of the number of warm friends I have, from whom I can get not only the sort of counsel I need, but also the sort of cheer and strength of heart."

Lengthy letter from a soon to be graduating Harvard student. He writes to his father, who had received a letter regarding Barton's academic work, to assure him that his degree is not in jeopardy. He discusses his grades, exams, and the upcoming graduation, stressing that his father must come to the Class Day. "I had a thousand times rather have you come to my graduation than to my marriage or funeral." The letter includes a brief schedule of events for Graduation Week. Written on Holworthy Hall, Harvard University letterhead.

To Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs, at the Albemarle Hotel. Marrs has chosen "a proper season to arrive here- for a rest, - & a beautiful Summer home. "Weather recently turned. Has kept interested in work, "quite outside of my trade- which I think very little of- as its made up of all honor & no profit." "I am well & happy with lots of money (how I got it is my own business)."

Comments on lands he purchased in Florida several years ago. Provides a detailed proposal and experiment to use destitute German immigrants, recruited in northern cities, as labor in southern states. Notes concerns about the climate and German immigrants' reputation of breaking indentures. Describes the recent German immigrant population and their good character. Wrote up "a plan of association," had a German clergyman translate it, and distributed it amongst immigrant families. Notes his obligations to set up and equip the workers and his son-in-laws' labor directing work and sending the produce to market. Workers split a third of the profits. Intends to grow cotton but may expand to sugar. "I reserve to myself the right of encreasing the colony at pleasure, but with white and consequently free labour only, there being an express stipulation against the introduction of slave or coloured labour."

William W. Seaton, editor of the National Intelligencer to William Gunton, President of the Bank of Washington. Regarding Seaton's claim against the estate of Joseph Gales and a postponement of debts owed to the Bank of Washington. Illinois Coal Stock and properties assigned to Mr. Carlisle will be used to settle debts to the Bank of Washington. A bond of [Robert] Olyphant, President of the "Delaware and Lacawanna [Lackawanna]" Railroad Company will serve as security.