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

Marriage agreement between Meng and Elizabeth Lehman, the widow of Christian Lehman. States that if Lehman dies before Meng, her property will go to her estate administrators or to her children, excluding Meng. If Meng passes first, Lehman will have a right to one third of his property after his debts are paid. Features ornate handwriting.

Publicly attesting to the chastity of Miss Chaffin.

Manuscript poem on love; poem on innkeeper paying maid “to lie in his arms.”

Invites Martha Lewis to visit them in Boston, noting the social events they could attend. Displeased with Boston housing and wishes she were back in Middleton.

On the subject of virtue and modesty with some focus on gender differences and attraction.

Four manuscripts: essay on public versus private education, forensic debate speech on public versus private education, poem "The Wife," and poem "Upon the presiding times." [Originals located in the Education Collection]

Legal statement regarding a case of bigamy. Attests that Rebeckah Morris had resided with him and was an unwed mother before she left and returned with Aaron Chace. Chace stated that he was from New Hampshire and had previously lost his wife before meeting and marrying Rebeckah. He was seeking a home out West but struggled to find one. Man from New Hampshire requested information regarding the relationship between Chace and Morris because he knew Chace to already be married. “I was requested by a Nabour [sic.] of mine on the west side of the Hudson River to give a Statement of the Business as he informed me that the said Chace had a Wife & family Living in New Hampshire.” Verso includes request to pass letter on to Mr. Chace’s friends.

Deed for the sale of land to Hendrick Powelson. Mary Rightmire signed both for herself and for her absent husband.

Poe paid $200 "as a full and entire compensation for all damages, cost and expence which I have sustained or may hereafter sustain by reason of the alleged pregnancy and future delivery of Mary Rogers, my bound Servant Girl." Attests that the payment does not signify Poe's admission of guilt. "Poe does not admit, but protests that he has never had any criminal connection with the said Mary, but pays the sum for the purpose of avoiding litigation."

Wife of painter Charles Wilson Peale remarks on family news and Rembrandt Peale.